CCTV footage appears to show a pro-Palestine protester climbing Big Ben where he is said to have remained for more than 15 hours.
Daniel Day, 30, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, denies intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance by climbing the Elizabeth Tower on March 8 last year.
He is accused of scaling the Elizabeth Tower at around 7.20am on March 8 and not coming down until after midnight.
Southwark Crown Court heard the demonstration cost the British taxpayer £67,000.
The hearing continues.
