Protesters warned to stay away from court hearing of Edward Colston statue accused

24 January 2021, 20:18

Protesters have been warned to stay away from the court hearing of four people accused of pulling down the statue of Edward Colston
Protesters have been warned to stay away from the court hearing of four people accused of pulling down the statue of Edward Colston. Picture: PA

By Kate Buck

Protesters have been warned to stay away from the court hearing of four people accused of pulling down the statue of Edward Colston last summer.

Rhian Graham, 29, Milo Ponsford, 25, Jake Skuse, 32, and Sage Willoughby, 21, all of no fixed abode, will appear before Bristol Magistrates' Court for their first hearing on Monday.

But police have warned anyone planning on gathering to support the group will be breaking current Covid-19 restrictions.

Currently, anyone organising a gathering of more than 30 people could face a fine of up to £10,000, while participants can be handed a fixed penalty notice of up to £200.

Read more: Former health secretary Lord Lansley tells LBC he thinks lockdown will last until May

Read more: 491,970 Covid vaccines given in one day as death toll rises by 610

The bronze memorial to the 17th century slave merchant was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter protest on June 7 last year before being dumped in Bristol Harbour.

Avon and Somerset Police fear anti-racism protesters will gather outside the court in breach of lockdown rules banning public gatherings of more than two people.

Although there are certain exemptions to the rule, protests are not allowed.

The statue was then dumped in the harbour, but has since been retrieved and will be put in a museum
The statue was then dumped in the harbour, but has since been retrieved and will be put in a museum. Picture: PA

An alternative online protest has been set up but the force said it was concerned some people might still choose to show up outside the court.

Inspector Rob Cheeseman said: "We fully recognise the important right to freedom of expression and right to assemble but there is a deadly virus which has killed more than 90,000 people in the UK which simply cannot be ignored."

He added: "There is no excuse for not knowing the rules as they are very clear and have been very well publicised - people must stay home except for in a very limited set of circumstances.

"Unlike during the first lockdown protests aren't currently allowed and anyone thinking of flouting the rules and attending a protest is putting others at risk."

Mr Cheeseman said Avon and Somerset Police have a "comprehensive" policing plan prepared should people choose to gather.

"We will not stand by and allow a small minority to endanger the health of the vast majority who have sacrificed so much to protect others," he said.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Palestinians carry boxes and bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Controversial aid distributer accuses Hamas of carrying out attack on bus transporting Palestinians

A net balance of 28% of professionals reported seeing the number of sales agreed falling. Sales volumes are generally expected to flatten out rather than fall in the three months ahead, the survey indicated.

House sales tipped to bounce back with 'strongest outlook' since February - but buyer interest still slipping

Supporters of Dignity in Dying celebrate on hearing the result of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London.

UK doctor says helping patients die in Australia is a ‘tremendous privilege’ and calls for law change at home

The body of Yair Yaakov, 59, has reportedly been recovered.

Two more hostages recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, Netanyahu says

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

A fire broke out at a leisure centre in a town near Ballymena amid ongoing riots.

Masked thugs set leisure centre on fire as residents fear for their life in Ballymena

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82