Man arrested over throwing eggs at the King denies charge in court
A student who allegedly threw eggs at the King during a visit to York has pleaded not guilty to threatening behaviour.
Patrick Thelwell appeared at York Magistrates’ Court charged with a Section 4 public order offence relating to the incident on November 9.
Wearing a top that exposed his midriff, Thelwell, 23, pleaded not guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
Thelwell, a student, formerly of Nunmill Street, York, pleaded not guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.
Thelwell’s solicitor, Nicola Hall, said the issues at trial would include whether his actions “were part of legitimate protest” and whether they “looked likely to cause fear of unlawful violence”.
“He would take the view his actions were necessary and part of a protest against the establishment,” Ms Hall told the court.
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Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring released Thelwell on unconditional bail until his trial at the same court on 14 April.
King Charles and the Queen Consort were in York to unveil a statue of the late Queen on York Minster when the incident happened.
The had just arrived at Micklegate Bar, the traditional royal entrance to the city, when four eggs were thrown.
All the eggs missed. Police quickly moved into the crowd and made an arrest while the King and Camilla were ushered through the gateway to meet dignitaries and well-wishers.