Remember Torch aka ‘Bliss Winters’ aka Charlie Turner, the Israel-hater charged with vandalism after spray painting a building they thought was connected to Israel’s Elbit?
They have been found guilty of criminal damage:
A Palestine protester who daubed red paint on Brighton offices has been found guilty of criminal damage.
Bliss Winters, who gave the name Charlie Turner in court, was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £22 victim surcharge – but no court costs or compensation.
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Winters was charged with criminal damage and pleaded not guilty. At their trial, they said they had been acting in the hope it would help stop Israeli attacks on Palestine.
Giving her judgement today, district judge Amanda Kelly said she found Winters to be a compelling witness when he said he genuinely believed he was assisting the people of Palestine.
But she said this while this meant their human rights were engaged under Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, it was not enough of a defence.
She said: “I find that his right to freedom of expression is outweighed by the need to protect the rights and freedoms of others and prevent disorder and crime.
“Although not permanent, the damage was certainly not trivial. It took two attempts by a professional cleaning team to remove the paint and considerable expense.
“It also caused significant inconvenience to those who had to set about removing it in the hours that followed.
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“I also consider it relevant there were many other ways that the defendant could have sought to express himself without causing criminal damage, particularly as I heard in evidence that he is an artist.
“For example, he could have erected some sort of banner, or poster, or flag or such like, or organised a traditional-style demonstration.
Meanwhile, Torch/Bliss/Charlie has yet another name:
Hat tip: Michal
