The trial of two animal rights activists accused of threats and harassment at Norwich Livestock Market will now not go ahead until 2025.  

Gemma Barnes, 34, and Elena Kenny, 19, both face multiple charges over protests outside the fortnightly livestock sales.

They were due to stand trial this week over the allegations that date back to January and February 2023 - but following a hearing at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court the case will now not be heard until next year.

Eastern Daily Press: Gemma Barnes leaving Norwich Magistrates' Court at an earlier hearingGemma Barnes leaving Norwich Magistrates' Court at an earlier hearing (Image: Newsquest)

Regular anti-meat demonstrations have been taking place outside the market since 2017.

READ MORE: Plea to end vegan protests at Norwich Livestock Market

Placard-wielding protesters claim they are there to “bear witness” to animals going into the Harford site.

But the demos had led to angry exchanges and arrests on both sides, with activists and farmers accusing one another of "intimidation".

At a previous court hearing both Barnes and Kenny were both described as being “heavily involved” with Animal Rebellion protests.

Eastern Daily Press: An agreement sees police allow anti-meat activists 30 seconds to film animals arriving at the marketAn agreement sees police allow anti-meat activists 30 seconds to film animals arriving at the market (Image: Newsquest)

Barnes, previously of St Leonards Road in Norwich, denies seven charges including five of using threatening and abusive words towards two named market users and two of behaviour amounting to harassment.

The accusations include that she swore at, abused and intimidated a woman, conduct which she knew amounted to harassment.

READ MORE: Vegan protests - lawful right or 'intimidation' of cattle farmers?

Kenny, of Ashleigh Gardens in Wymondham, has pleaded not guilty to four charges against three people, including two accusations of using threatening and abusive words and behaviour and two of harassment.

Eastern Daily Press: Elena Kenny denies charges of harassment and using threatening and abusive words Elena Kenny denies charges of harassment and using threatening and abusive words (Image: Newsquest)

Both were given conditional bail until a trial at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on January 10.

More than 150 protests have been staged at the entrance to the market since the first in December 2017.

Since 2021, police have allowed the protesters to stop livestock trucks on the access road off Hall Road for 30 seconds to film and photograph the condition of the animals in a bid to defuse confrontations.