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A male individual who was charged with causing a disturbance at a demonstration outside a hotel where asylum seekers were being housed in Merseyside, allegedly organized by the English Defence League, has claimed in court that he was simply walking his dog.
Daniel Fulham is among five individuals facing charges of violent disorder for their involvement in a protest at the Suites Hotel in Knowsley on February 10th of last year. Three officers were injured and a police van was set ablaze during the demonstration.
Mr Fulham admitted that he was at the scene but denied any wrongdoing, saying that he was in the area to walk his dog. Jonjo O’Donoghue, his co-defendant, told the jury he had gone to the protest out of boredom.
Video of the demonstration captured Fulham, a 39-year-old from Kirkby, Merseyside, hoisting his Jack Russell Terrier above him while standing in front of a barricade set up by the police. He stated that he was yelling “this is our street” in regards to himself and his canine companion, who they often take for walks on that street.
In February 2023, a police van was left in ruins following a protest outside the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, Merseyside. (Photo by Peter Powell/PA)
He informed the Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday that it could be referred to as Jessie’s road due to our frequent visits.
During the trial, it was revealed that there was animosity in the Kirkby community due to a video circulating on social media that depicted an asylum seeker from the hotel asking a 15-year-old girl for her contact information and a kiss.
Fulham stated that he was informed about the video depicting “the unfortunate infant being touched by those individuals”.
He acknowledged saying “f*** you” to a police officer, but denied that it was meant as a threat of violence.
He explained that he departed the location because things became chaotic and returned to his home.
When asked about his thoughts on the incident later, he stated: “I honestly felt that it was terrible for my dog.”
O’Donoghue, who is 21 years old, stated that he attended the protest with friends due to a feeling of boredom.
The police were dressed in riot gear following a protest outside the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, Merseyside (photo by Peter Powell/PA).
According to him, he and two companions took a taxi from Kensington, Liverpool to the location. Upon arrival between 10pm and 10.30pm, he witnessed a police van that had been set on fire.
He explained that the chaotic atmosphere and riled-up crowd were the main reasons for his brief visit.
He told the court that an individual had given him two fireworks, but he had no knowledge of who that person was.
He explained that he lit some fireworks out of curiosity and did not intend to harm anyone or cause violence.
He refuted the accusation that he was the individual captured on video throwing a firework at law enforcement.
O’Donoghue expressed indifference towards immigration and when questioned about right-wing politics, he stated: “Honestly, it’s like speaking a different language to me.”
Brian McPadden (61), Thomas Mills (47), and Paul Lafferty (42) are currently on trial with O’Donoghue and Fulham.
All individuals acknowledge their presence during the evening, but refute any involvement in violent disturbances.
On Monday, Judge Denis Watson KC instructed that there was “not enough evidence” to find Cheryl Nicholls (44), Nicola Elliott (52), and Jennifer Knox (41) guilty of violent disorder. They were all acquitted of the charge.
The hearing was set to resume on Wednesday, with the jury anticipated to receive legal instructions.
Source: independent.co.uk
