On Thursday 3rd November, one of our occupants, Seth Theodore-Butcher was arrested for peacefully protesting on the bank of the Thames (owned by Southwark Council). The charge was for "obstructing the highway with a non-motor vehicle." When he was arrested and cuffed, he asked two passers-by if he was obstructing them -- needless to say they agreed that he was not. He was then taken to Peckham Police Station and held in a cell for twelve hours. Bail was granted on the basis that he would not be allowed to enter the City of London between now and his court date which will be Tuesday 8th November at Tower Bridge Magistrates' Court (Tooley Road) at 9.45am. Crazy, right?
Seth both works in the City of London and lives very near the boundaries, in Bethnal Green, so he went to speak with the Magistrates' Court the day after these events (Friday 4th) to try to have the bail conditions revoked. This was apparently impossible since the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) required 48 hours' notice of the case, even though he went there the next day as soon as he possibly could. They did, however, change the conditions of the bail such that he would be allowed to enter Bishop's Gate Road, his place of work; allowed to use the Underground even if it involves travelling through the City of London; and he would be allowed to enter St. Paul's accompanied by a police officer, to collect his belongings. He has asked several police officers to help him in this way, and has been told on each count that they were too busy.
The events on the bank of the Thames were filmed by a freelance photographer, who we are calling to come forward to reveal this evidence, as it will help Seth in his trial. Even his solicitor has informed him that this is a breach of human rights.
Here is his account.
What happened during the trial?
ronstero 1 month ago
Seems like totally unlawful police action to me. Is Seth the man who stood up and read a speech (despite attempts to stop him) from Gandhi at St Paul's? He's brilliant and I take my hat off to him for his peaceful vibe.
TheHolySpirit 3 months ago