York student found guilty of a public order offence after throwing eggs at King Charles

York student Patrick Thelwell has been found guilty of “using threatening or abusive words or behaviour” under Section Four of the Public Order Act 1986.

Thelwell appeared at York Magistrates Court today after throwing eggs at King Charles in November last year.

Patrick has been given a community order, requiring unpaid work, and will not be going to prison.

Announcing the guilty verdict, Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring said: “I will put your mind at rest. I am not going to send you to prison. There were multiple people who could have been harmed by the eggs but I think that is stretching the point.”

Today, the court heard Thelwell was heard to say: “I threw eggs at him because that’s what he deserved. It’s the only justice the victims of colonisation will ever get.” They continued: “Did I get him? I didn’t get him. Someone will get him.”

Plain-clothed officers in the crowd were the first to grab the protester before uniformed police swooped in, the court heard. Thelwell was then handcuffed and arrested by officers.

Speaking outside the court before the trial, Patrick said: “My actions are those of a free person defending themselves, her have the right to stand up to a Government that is stripping us of our rights.”

In a post on Twitter earlier this week, Patrick said: “I will not apologise for standing against the institution of monarchy & the genocidal British State. I’m a #CitizenofEarth and Charles is #NotMyKing. Please share and donate if you can.” 

They have also encouraged supporters to donate to their PayPal which will contribute towards the fine and prison costs. £497 has currently been raised and  any excess money raised will go to a York-based refugee charity. They also encouraged supporters to attend the court date “with an anti-monarchist sign”.

They continued: “The fight against Global Fascism needs you now more than ever. Follow this page for information about how you can organise in your own community to build an intersectional movement of Citizens of Earth for Cosmocracy.”

Image via Instagram @patrickthelwell

The King and Queen Consort Camilla were visiting York in November to unveil a new statue of Queen Elizabeth II and attend a ceremony at York Minster.

Videos on social media showed eggs being thrown in the direction of the King from the crowd and narrowly missing. The crowd started chanting “God save the King” in response to the protester.

Patrick was arrested under Section Four of the Public Order Act in November. Their bail conditions included staying away from King Charles at all times and being banned from carrying eggs in public.

Thelwell appeared in court in January where they pleaded “not guilty” to “using threatening or abusive words or behaviour”.

Featured image credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock 

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