Judge walks out as activists spark chaos at hearing of James Goddard who ‘called MP Anna Soubry a “Nazi” in Parliament rant’
Goddard complained he was called 'a far-right fascist every day' and drew raucous applause from the public gallery as he addressed the judge
A JUDGE walked out today as activists sparked chaos at the hearing of a self-styled "Yellow Vest" protester accused of calling MP Anna Soubry a "Nazi" in a Parliament rant.
James Goddard, 29, pleaded not guilty to harassing the politician between December 18 last year and January 8 in Westminster.
He also denied one count of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, and another count of harassment, alarm or distress at Westminster Magistrates Court today.
Addressing Judge Kenneth Grant from the dock, Goddard said: "It's not illegal to heckle an MP. All of this is wrong."
He also complained that he was called "a far-right fascist every day", and drew raucous applause from the public gallery as he addressed the judge.
COURT CHAOS
Judge Grant rose and temporarily adjourned the case 15 minutes into the hearing after several people in the public gallery began shouting about Brexit, made derogatory comments about Ms Soubry, and chanted: "Shame on you."
Supporters chanted "Soubry is a Nazi," commented on the perceived severity of his bail conditions by telling the judge that Goddard "is not a terrorist, you know", and said a police officer briefly present in court would be "better off fighting knife crime".
The hearing resumed briefly to inform Goddard of his bail conditions, but descended into farce again soon after as Goddard left the dock complaining to the judge that he could not get a fair trial.
Wearing a white T-shirt featuring a British flag, a logo for The Directory Guys, a motif of three children's faces, and the words "our boys", Goddard repeatedly gesticulated to the packed and noisy public gallery while in court.
He is expected to rely on a defence of "fair comment".
Goddard will return for a two-day trial on July 19, during which Ms Soubry is expected to be among the witnesses. It is not known whether or not the Independent Group MP will give evidence in person.
Goddard, from Timperley in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, denies one count of harassment without violence in which he allegedly shouted and chanted at Ms Soubry, pursued her, filmed her, called her "scum", "Nazi" and "traitor", and used other insulting language.
He also denied two public order offences against a police officer.
Goddard, who live-streamed his arrival at court, addressed swells of supporters outside upon its conclusion.
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