Wellington peace protester defends Defence House trespass charge

The judge-alone trial is underway in Wellington District Court. Photo / File

A Peace Action Wellington protester is defending a trespass charge in court today.

Laura Drew was arrested in April last year at the Ministry of Defence where she was protesting increased military spending and a US naval ship visit.

A judge-alone trial is underway at the Wellington District Court.

Police prosecutor Garth Coffey said he would call five witnesses including Defence House staff and the arresting officer.

Security worker Paul French said he was working at the reception desk in the front lobby of Defence House when he heard a loud noise.

He said a group of people dressed in white overalls entered the door and were chanting.

French said he received police assistance to move on the protesters and once they were outside, he locked the doors.

Under cross-examination he admitted the protesters may not have heard calls asking them to leave.

"It was difficult to hear individuals speaking because there was so much noise being made."