Yellow vest protester James Goddard warns court during Anna Soubry harassment case: ‘You’ll all be held to account’
Brexiteer demonstrator denies 'loudly haranguing, chasing and impeding' Remainer MP as she walked through Westminster
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A self-styled Brexiteer yellow vest protestor who is accused of harassing the Remainer MP Anna Soubry appeared to threaten an entire court during a hearing.
James Goddard told a district judge, police officers and security guards: “One day you'll all be held to account, every one of you.”
The outburst came as the 29-year-old attended Westminster Magistrates Court where he denies "loudly haranguing”, “shouting and chasing” and “impeding” Ms Soubry. He will also plead not guilty to calling her a Nazi as she walked into the House of Commons.
During a case management hearing on Friday, Goddard – who habitually leads demonstrations outside parliament – was twice forced to leave the court after repeatedly interrupting district judge Vanessa Baraitser.
On the second occasion, he told police officers “don’t touch me” before warning the room: “One day you'll all be held to account, every one of you. Complete and utter disgrace."
Security was tight during the sessions after an earlier hearing in March saw Goddard’s friends repeatedly disrupt proceedings.
Two police officers were positioned outside the court building, with one outside the courtroom and three inside, along with security staff.
Goddard was in attendance along with Brian Phillips, 55, who is also charged with harassing the former Tory MP.
Phillips, of Dale View, Erith, 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.
Paul Jarvis, prosecuting, said Goddard and Phillips were part of a group of people outside the Houses of Parliament when the former business minsiter was called a "Nazi, traitor and scum".
The judge joined the cases and said the pair will face trial on 19 July, during which Ms Soubry herself is expected to give evidence.