James Goddard: ‘Yellow vest’ protester to go on trial accused of assaulting photographer

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Self-styled yellow vest protester James Goddard is to go on trial accused of assaulting a news photographer at an organised demonstration.

Mr Goddard, of Timperley, Altrincham, has pleaded not guilty to the common assault of Joel Goodman in Manchester city centre on 9 February 2019.

He has also denied using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards Mr Goodman.

The Crown has said they would rely on the evidence of the complainant and two clips from his bodycam footage which lasted a total of two-and-a-half minutes.

In March, Mr Goddard said "there is no case to answer" as he entered his pleas.

The one-day trial will take place at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Press Association