Police warn against protests ahead of ‘Colston 4’ court hearing

Police have warned anybody thinking of protesting outside Bristol Magistrates’ Court that they will be breaking the law and could be fined up to £10,000.

The four people charged with criminal damage following the toppling of the statue of Edward Colston are appearing in court for the first time on Monday.

Current coronavirus regulations prohibit gatherings of more than two people and while there are certain exemptions, protests are not allowed.

An event was originally due take place outside the courtrooms on Marlborough Street but organisers are now encouraging people to join an online protest instead.

It comes as posters usually displaying advertisements at bus stops across the city centre were repurposed to show support for the so-called ‘Colston 4’: Rhian Graham, 29, Milo Ponsford, 25, Jake Skuse, 32, and Sage Willoughby, 21, are all due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

The statue of Colston was pulled down from its plinth and thrown into the docks during a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol on June 6 2020.

Six people have previously accepted conditional cautions for criminal damage for their part in what happened.

After recovering the statue from the bottom of the harbour, it was assessed to have suffered £3,750 worth of damage.

It is due to go on display in a museum with the graffiti sprayed onto it retained. The banners placed around the empty plinth will also be part of the display.

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.

“There are more people in hospital with the virus than at any time during this pandemic and the NHS is at risk of falling over if people don’t follow the regulations.

“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.

“We remain hopeful people will heed our warning and choose to express themselves online rather than in person but as with all events of this nature we have a comprehensive policing plan should people gather.

Inspector Rob Cheeseman warned that anyone organising or facilitating a gathering of more than 30 people is liable to a fixed penalty notice of £10,000 while those participating in a gathering of more than two people can be fined £200 – photo: Martin Booth

“Officers continue to take the same approach to policing the regulations as they have done throughout this health crisis and look to encourage people to go home in the first instance.

“However, should anyone fail to disperse they will not hesitate to tack enforcement action which could mean people receive a fine or get arrested.

“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.”

An online rally in support of the four appearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court is taking place at 9.30am on Monday, and is set to include an eight-minute silence to remember the tens of thousands of people who Colston helped to enslave during his time with the Royal Africa Company.

Speakers at the demo include Countering Colston, who have been demanding an end to the celebration of Colston, and better remembrance of the people enslaved by him, since 2015.

A Countering Colston spokesperson said: “There is clear evidence that Bristol City Council, in its various guises over the last three decades, has failed to listen to people’s concerns over idolising a proven slave trader in the centre of the city.

“There has never been a forum to enable people to voice their concerns, and in so doing allowed the naysayers to prevent any change for 20 to 30 years.”

Liza Bilal of Bristol All Black Lives added: “We hope for a fair trial, one that is reflective of the progress we have made and continue to make in the name of anti-racism.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

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