At least a dozen climate activists face jail time under NSW laws used to lock up Violet Coco

Court documents seen by Guardian Australia show a string of activists linked to the climate group Blockade Australia have been charged under the laws, which introduced a two-year jail sentence for protests that block major roads, bridges or tunnels in New South Wales.

In another case, police allege 51-year-old Queensland resident Alister Ferguson had no prior convictions but was identified among about 150 other protesters taking part in the 27 June protest.

During an appearance in court in June, Ferguson was in tears when he addressed the magistrate.

Since the protests many of the activists have been subject to strict bail conditions.

Greg Rolles, accused by police of being one of the leaders of Blockade Australia, is facing the same string of charges. The police facts tendered in court allege he was seen to be walking with other activists during the 27 June protest.

Since then he has been banned from associating with a list of 38 other people, as well as from using any encrypted messaging services such as WhatsApp.