The Attorney General has referred the Colston 4 trial to the Court of Appeal. The High Court will consider the proper scope of defences against criminal charges arising from protests, and the directions which should be given to juries.
Hon. Suella Braverman QC MP has concluded the world-famous case in Bristol has led to uncertainty regarding the interaction between the offence of criminal damage and the rights relating to peaceful protest. The outcome of the Colston 4 trial will be unaffected by the Attorney General's action.
Remarking on her decision, the Attorney General said: "After careful consideration, I have decided to refer the Colston statue case to the Court of Appeal to clarify the law around protests. Trial by jury is an important guardian of liberty and critical to that are the legal directions given to the jury.
