A MOTHER has told how proud she is of her eco-protester son after he was found guilty of hijacking a power station-bound coal train.

Former Witney pupil Sam Martingell is waiting to be sentenced for his part in stopping the engine.

The 24-year-old admitted obstructing the railway at Leeds Crown Court after targeting a train heading for Drax power station in June last year.

Green campaigner Martingell said last night that a criminal record was a “small price to pay”.

And mum Mollie Dunstan insisted she was pleased her son had stood up for what he believed.

The lettings manager, of Madley Park, Witney, said: “I was at the court for the day of the verdict and have to say I have never met such a lovely group of diverse individuals who conducted themselves throughout the proceedings in an exemplary fashion.

“The prosecution representatives shook their hands at the end of the trial and congratulated them on how well they had represented themselves. They were polite and respectful throughout.”

Martingell was one of 29 protesters who brought the locomotive to a standstill with a red flag near Drax power station, in North Yorkshire.

The group attached lines to the train’s wheels and hung off a bridge over the River Aire, to stop it moving, while others began unloading coal using shovels.

On Friday, 22 protesters were found guilty by a jury and seven admitted the charge.

Former Henry Box pupil Martingell, who graduated in philosophy at Leeds Univerity last year, will be sentenced at the beginning of September, but is unrepentant.

He said: “We still want to continue to do what we feel is necessary and proportionate to make the changes we feel are needed.

“On reflection, it is a small price to pay to have a criminal record. Basically, it’s something I am quite proud of.”

Martingell, who has also launched his own company selling organic hoodies to universities across the country, could now also face a hefty court bill.

He said: “If corporations and the Government aren’t going to make the changes needed to help us all, as an upstanding citizen I am prepared to step in.”

Mrs Dunstan, 51, said the judge warned the group they would face massive legal costs and possibly community service sentences.

She said: “Drax is claiming £30,000 for clearing the coal off the tracks and legal fees — it’s going to be a lot of money.”

A Drax spokesman said: “Drax is making significant progress in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Through major carbon abatement programmes we are on target to reduce our CO2 emissions by up to 17.5 per cent by 2011 compared to 2006 levels.”