Scaffolder, 22, who tried to stop eco yob protest finally cleared 8 months after arrest
A SCAFFOLDER cuffed by cops for trying to clear a Just Stop Oil protest has finally had the case dropped after eight months.
Louis Grieves, 22, found out moments before he was due to appear for trial today.
Prosecutors told City of London JPs there was insufficient evidence to proceed. Louis said: “I’m glad it’s all over.”
He had been late for work when he got out of his van to shove two protesters on Blackfriars Bridge last May.
Police grappled with him then arrested him for common assault.
The charge was later reduced to using threatening words or behaviour.
A three-hour trial would have cost taxpayers £770 — on top of hundreds of pounds spent on a plea hearing in October.
Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said: “The police should focus on maintaining public order and allowing ordinary citizens to get to work on time, not arresting decent, hard-working people.”
Louis previously told The Sun: “The officers were having a leisurely chat and may as well have made the protesters a cup of tea while inviting them to block traffic.
“They dragged me away claiming I was assaulting the protesters — all while the officers were being heavy-handed. I was trying to bring peace.
“People were at the end of their tether and I had to step in.”
The Met said today: “We have no further comment.”
Just Stop Oil said: “We wish him well”, but claimed he had got off lightly compared to some jailed protesters.