James Goddard hearing: Protester accused of harassing Anna Soubry thrown out of court for interrupting judge

James Goddard outside Westminster Magistrates Court
PA
Megan White21 June 2019
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Self-styled yellow vest protester James Goddard, who is accused of calling MP Anna Soubry a Nazi, has been thrown out of court for interrupting the judge.

The 29-year-old was representing himself at Westminster Magistrates' Court - where he faces a harassment charge - but was forced to leave the public gallery on Friday.

He was allowed back into court for a case management hearing, but was then made to leave for a second time after arguing about his "draconian" bail conditions.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told him: "Thank you. You can go now."

Self-styled 'yellow vest' protester James Goddard with supporters at his last hearing 
PA

Mr Goddard branded the move a "joke" and told police officers and security guards: "Don't touch me."

As he left the courtroom, he warned: "One day you'll all be held to account, every one of you. Complete and utter disgrace."

Goddard was back in court on Friday along with Brian Phillips, 55, who is also charged with harassing former Tory MP Ms Soubry.

Phillips, of Erith, south-east London, appeared in the dock, speaking to confirm his name, address, date of birth and that his nationality is British before entering a not guilty plea.

The charge states he "shouted and chanted" at Ms Soubry when she was being interviewed, pursued her along the street "loudly haranguing her", used "rude and insulting language" and "impeded her and her assistant as they attempted to enter Ms Soubry's workplace".

James Goddard with security at court in Manchester for a different offence
PA

Prosecutor Paul Jarvis said Goddard and Phillips were part of a group of people outside the Houses of Parliament when she was called a "Nazi, traitor and scum".

The judge joined the cases and said the pair will face trial on July 19, during which Ms Soubry is expected to give evidence.

At the start of the hearing, the judge warned: "I want to make it absolutely clear from the outset that I will not tolerate any disruption to these proceedings. That includes shouting out for any reason. If there is a disturbance from the public gallery, you will be removed."

Goddard was told to leave court for the first time after protesting: "I'm here to represent myself."

There was a heavy police presence in court along with security staff after a chaotic first appearance by Mr Goddard in March.

An urgent investigation was launched after his supporters disrupted the hearing, forcing the judge to temporarily stop proceedings.

The mob were also accused of "intimidating" journalists, with one reporter complaining to the court and claiming she was called "scum of the earth."

Goddard is accused of repeatedly haranguing and insulting the MP by calling her a “traitor” and “scum” as she walked out of the House of Common and tried to conduct media interviews.

Several people in the public gallery began shouting about Brexit, made derogatory comments about Ms Soubry, and chanted: "Shame on you."

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