We are pleased to announce that our client, Mr James Cooper, has been unanimously acquitted by a jury at Manchester Crown Court of violent disorder.
The charge arose from events on 31 July 2024, when our client attended a protest in the wake of the horrific Southport murders. He was subsequently charged under section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986, an offence of considerable seriousness.
The prosecution alleged that Mr Cooper had participated in violent disorder by reason of his presence at the scene, remarks said to have been shouted during the protest, and an exchange with a police officer. Mr Cooper’s case throughout was that he had not used or threatened violence, had not taken part in any violent conduct, and had attended what he believed would be a peaceful protest.
At trial, Mr Cooper gave evidence in his own defence. He denied using or threatening violence and maintained that, although he had shouted at police officers, this did not amount to participation in violent disorder. The defence position was that the evidence did not establish the essential elements of the offence against him.
Following approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.
This was an important result for Mr Cooper, who had consistently denied the allegation and faced a serious criminal charge carrying significant consequences if convicted.
Thank you to Counsel Adam King of QEB Hollis Whiteman for his outstanding advocacy. This was the correct result!
If you are subject to violations of your right to free speech, then reach out to the Free Speech Union or our offices.
