Pensioner, 75, banned from central London after throwing red paint over the Israeli Embassy during Armistice Day protests
- John Harvey, 75, admitted throwing red paint at the Israeli Embassy in London
A pensioner has been banned from central London after he threw red paint over the Israeli Embassy during the Armistice Day protests.
John Harvey approached the embassy and threw red paint at the front gates which splashed onto the pavement and over the man himself, a court heard.
The 75-year-old from Hackney admitted criminal damage to a value of £500 when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The court also heard he had a previous conviction for a similar case from April 2022, which involved the Russian Embassy.
Prosecutors said the pensioner told officers upon his arrest that he would ‘probably do it again’.
Pictured: The gates of the Israeli Embassy in Palace Green, London
John Harvey approached the embassy and threw red paint at the front gates which splashed onto the pavement and onto the man himself, a court heard
District Judge Daniel Sternberg released Harvey on bail for the next four weeks, on the condition that he should not enter Zone 1 of the London Underground – unless for a court appearance or bail meeting.
READ MORE – Scotland Yard says ‘intense debate’ before Armistice Day protests ‘increased community tensions’
Prosecutor Adrita Ahmed told the court: ‘Mr Harvey approached the Israeli Embassy, threw red paint over the front gates, and in doing so, covered himself and the pavement with red paint.
‘After being arrested with caution, he told Met Police officers that he ‘would probably do it again’.
‘Mr Harvey has eight previous convictions, one from April 2022, which involved a similar offence against the Russian Embassy.’
Judge Daniel Sternberg told Harvey: ‘I will order a comprehensive pre-sentencing report, and you will be released on bail until your sentencing on 14 December 2023 at this court.
‘This bail will include the condition that you may not enter Zone 1 of the London Underground, unless for a court appearance or probation meeting.’
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