A protester in London has been acquitted of breaking a police ban by playing music on loudspeakers during a demonstration outside Parliament. The activist, known as “Stop Brexit man”, Steve Bray, appeared in court over the incident that occurred on Parliament Square before then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced questions in the House of Commons on March 20th of the previous year. Bray, who maintained his innocence, argued that playing music was part of his constitutional right to protest. Following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Bray was declared not guilty of disobeying a police directive.
During the judgement, Deputy District Judge Anthony Woodcock acknowledged Bray’s stance, stating that he considers himself ‘anti-Tory’ and views spreading his message as crucial. The defendant, hailing from Port Talbot, south Wales, received a supportive gesture from one of his backers in the public gallery after the verdict was announced. Bray is recognized for amplifying music at protests in Westminster, such as playing D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better” outside Downing Street when Sunak announced the general election last May in inclement weather. Bray attracted police attention around 11:20 on March 20th, playing modified versions of the Muppets and Darth Vader themes through his speakers.
Amidst the trial, it was alleged that Bray failed to comply with a directive issued under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 concerning prohibited activities in Parliament Square. Body-worn footage illustrated Bray’s assertions to police that the map provided to him was erroneous, persistently asserting that they were mistaken. Witnesses testified about the adverse effects of Bray’s music during the trial, with the sound reaching up to the sixth floor of nearby structures. Subsequently, Bray expressed regret for the impact his musical demonstration had on others during an earlier hearing
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