Leeds activist among four to deny damage after custard and crumble thrown at crown jewels
A group of four people appeared in court in London earlier
Four activists have denied causing criminal damage after custard and crumble was thrown at a display case containing the crown jewels.
Fatima Ali, 19, Marian Cranch, 22, Mack Preston, 22, and Matthew Cooper, 60, all pleaded not guilty to criminal damage over the incident at the Tower of London on December 6 at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court the defendants are accused of damaging items including a glass case, brass handrail and stone plinth to the value of £600 during the stunt.
Ali and Cranch also denied causing criminal damage to the uniform of a female guard at the tower, namely cape and shoes, valued at £30.
Ali, of Rhodeswell Road in Tower Hamlets, Cranch, of Trelawn Avenue in Leeds, Preston, of Westferry Circus in Tower Hamlets, and Cooper, of Oriel Gardens in Bath, were all released on unconditional bail by District Judge Daniel Sternberg.
The four defendants are due to face trial at the City of London Magistrates’ Court starting on November 30.