1.2051550-2521435486
HOLLYWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 08: Actor James Cromwell arrives at "The Artist" Special Screening during AFI FEST 2011 presented by Audi on November 8, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for AFI) Image Credit: Getty Images for AFI

Oscar-nominated actor James Cromwell has been sentenced to jail for refusing to pay fines related to his arrest at a protest at a New York power plant.

A town judge in Wawayanda on Thursday sentenced the 77-year-old Cromwell to seven days in jail.

Cromwell was among a group found guilty of obstructing traffic at a December 2015 sit-in at the site of a natural gas-fired power plant being built in Wawayanda. The protesters say the plant threatens the environment.

Cromwell says he hopes that people can see the injustice of the jail sentence and that others may be inspired to join the pickets.

Cromwell lives in a neighbouring town. He has appeared in more than 50 films, including Babe and L.A. Confidential.