A defence lawyer says the outcome of the trial of Restore Passenger Rail protesters is 'strange'. 

The Post reports six people have been allowed to withdraw their guilty pleas, and the judge tossed their charges. 

It was over a series of Wellington protests that disrupted traffic. 

Steve Cullen says it might be a case of the judge responding to a moral undercurrent. 

"A certain proportion of the community felt that these people shouldn't have been convicted at all."

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• 'Just trying to feed my kids': Wellingtonians unleash on protesters blocking busy street
• Terrace Tunnel closed as protesters bring Wellington traffic to a standstill
• 'Blood on their hands': Restore Passenger Rail protesters target MPs' offices