Student who ‘threw eggs at the King’ pleads not guilty to threatening behaviour

A STUDENT who allegedly threw eggs at the King during a visit to York has pleaded not guilty to threatening behaviour.

Patrick Thelwell appeared in court charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour on November 9.

PA

Patrick Thelwell appeared in court charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour[/caption]

Wearing an open shirt, Thelwell, 23, pleaded not guilty.

His solicitor Nicola Hall told a pre-trial hearing at York magistrates the issues would include whether his actions “were part of legitimate protest” and whether they “looked likely to cause fear of unlawful violence”.

She added: “He would take the view his actions were necessary and part of a protest against the establishment”.

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring released Thelwell on unconditional bail until his trial at the same court on April 14.

The King and Queen Consort had just arrived in the city to unveil a statue of the late Queen at York Minster, and were being welcomed by local dignitaries, when a figure in the crowd threw four eggs, all of which missed.

Charles and Camilla were ushered away by security shortly after the incident.