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Activist “Stop Brexit Man” Acquitted of Breaching Police Ban During Westminster Protest
An activist widely recognized as Stop Brexit Man has been found not guilty of violating a police ban after he played altered versions of music from The Muppet Show and Darth Vader’s theme near the Houses of Parliament. The incident took place on March 20 of the previous year, coinciding with the arrival of then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for Prime Minister’s Questions.
On Monday, Bray, 56, was cleared of the charge at Westminster Magistrates Court. He had been accused of failing to comply with directives under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which outlines prohibitions on certain activities in Parliament Square.
Following the court’s decision, Bray, who wore a blue and white short-sleeved shirt, acknowledged his supporters in the public gallery, where one individual offered a thumbs up in solidarity.
According to testimony, police approached Bray around 11:20 a.m., just before Sunak’s arrival, and presented him with a map and notice prohibiting the use of speakers in a designated area. However, Bray resumed playing music intermittently after being warned. Officers confiscated his equipment shortly after 12:33 p.m., as reported during his trial at City of London Magistrates Court.
Representing himself, Bray refuted the accusations, arguing that playing music was part of his fundamental right to protest and that the volumes he used were sporadic rather than continuous throughout the day.
Deputy District Judge Anthony Woodcock delivered the verdict, noting Bray’s self-described position as “anti-Tory” and recognizing his commitment to sharing this message. The judge observed that Bray believed it necessary to use a loud enough volume to be heard from Parliament Street to the Palace of Westminster.
Woodcock emphasized that Bray had spent considerable time campaigning, had never been arrested, and generally maintained a positive rapport with police. He remarked on Bray’s battery-powered equipment, stating it was limited in nature.
The judge also acknowledged Bray’s right to express his opinions, even if some viewed him as “fixated” on specific issues, saying, “Lampooning the government through satire is a long tradition in this country.” Bray had previously informed the court that the use of the aforementioned themes was a consistent tactic as Sunak approached, given that he is known to appreciate Star Wars.
Bray contested the police’s map of restricted areas, asserting it was outdated. In body camera footage, he was seen wearing a brightly colored top hat while repeatedly asserting to officers, “You’ve got the wrong map,” suggesting that checking with higher authorities would clarify the error.
When informed of the restrictions on playing music, Bray responded defiantly, remarking, “No it’s not, not here – it’s not wrong here.” At one point, he suggested the officers could take the map “where the sun don’t shine” before lighting a cigarette and looking away.
Several witnesses provided accounts of the disruptive nature of Bray’s music, claiming it could be heard from nearby buildings up to six stories high, to which Bray later expressed regret.
Bray has made a name for himself engaging in protest music around Westminster, notably playing D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better” outside Downing Street during a rainy announcement of the general election by Sunak last May.
Source
www.theguardian.com