THE acquittal of four activists who pulled down a slave trader’s statue has prompted fears other monuments will be targeted.
Campaign group Save Our Statues said: “It is a disgraceful verdict that gives the green light to political vandalism and sets a precedent for anyone to be able to destroy whatever they disagree with.
“This is not justice.” The toppling of the bronze memorial to 17th-century merchant Edward Colston was into Bristol docks the defining image of the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.
Rhian Graham, 30, Milo Ponsford, 26, and Sage Willoughby, 22, were caught on CCTV passing the ropes around the statue that were used to pull it down. Jake Skuse, 33, was accused of orchestrating a plan to throw it in the water.
But all four were cleared after defence lawyers urged the jury “to be on the right side of history”.
The prosecution argued the case was a matter of straightforward criminal damage, and who Colston had been was “irrelevant”.
Bu hikaye Daily Express dergisinin January 06, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Express dergisinin January 06, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Be Warned! Taxes Will Go Up Under Labour, Says Hunt
THE key battleground for the General Election will be set out today when Jeremy Hunt warns of tax rises under Labour.
FAB RORY WEATHERS THE STORM
Mcllroy puts troubles behind him to revive Major hopes
THE FAST SHOW
Slick Leeds run riot in first half to grab their ticket to Wembley
Bearman Haas special talent
BUT TEAM CHIEF WON'T PROMISE HIM A 2025 SEAT
£3m home in the country will be a prize possession
THIS stunning £3million country home could be yours in a charity prize draw.
Sister sues 'sicknote' brother set to inherit mum's £500,000 estate
A WOMAN is suing her \"sicknote\" brother after their 94-year-old mum left her £500,000 fortune to him.
Boy, six, dies in fall from block of flats
A SIX-year-old boy plummeted to his death from a tower block in a mystery 6am tragedy yesterday.
Prison officers in hospital after inmates spike curry with drug
PRISON officers have been rushed to hospital after inmates allegedly spiked their food with the drug spice.
Source found of the parasite that has made town ill
RESIDENTS are likely to have to boil tap water for another week due to a parasite in their supply - but officials now believe they may have tracked down the cause of the problem.
PO tech chief blocked boss's effort to avoid Horizon probe
THE Post Office's former head of IT told the Horizon scandal inquiry she blocked Paula Vennells' phone number after the former chief executive sought her help to avoid an independent probe.