A court heard that Tim Speers, 41, allegedly intended to spray paint the word “Palestine” on the lawn of Lord Anthony Bamford’s estate, the venue for Boris Johnson and Carrie Johnson’s wedding reception. Speers and Sean Middlebrough were stopped by police at the Cotswold property on 29 July 2022, the day before the event was due to take place.
Authorities found the men in possession of spray paint, glue, and a red boiler suit when they were approached by officers. Prosecutors at Southwark Crown Court explained that Lord Bamford, chairman of the JCB company, was hosting the reception at his Daylesford Estate home.
Evidence presented included a voice note recorded by Speers in which he discussed plans to write “Palestine” in red paint on a large heart-shaped cut in the lawn as a form of protest for Palestine Action. However, Speers has denied any intent to cause criminal damage, stating he abandoned the plan after seeing the heavy security presence at the estate.
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Middlebrough faces similar charges but was not present in court and is due to stand trial separately later.
Police officers reportedly found the men behaving suspiciously, holding cans of beer and acting nervously when stopped. They initially refused to disclose their destination, claiming to be tourists seeking a train station.
A search revealed several items including two cans of red and white line marker paint, a can of black high-temperature paint, and superglue. Middlebrough was also carrying a red boiler suit.
Speers had two books with him: “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,” which contained a handwritten contact list including an entry labelled “media team,” and “Lost in Work: Escaping Capitalism,” which held a business card for the group Anonymous for the Voiceless.
The prosecution suggested these items indicated the men might have been preparing to cause disruption.
In the voice note recorded on 28 July 2022, Speers explained that he had been contacted by individuals from Palestine Action and agreed to carry out the protest. He criticised Lord Bamford for his company’s involvement in supporting the Israeli government, particularly regarding JCB machinery used to demolish Palestinian homes.
Speers described the location of the proposed protest, mentioning the large heart mowed into the lawn and the plan to spray “Palestine” in red paint using a weed sprayer. He also requested someone to film the act and believed it could be defended in court.
Prosecutor Christiaan Moll told the jury that Speers would acknowledge possessing the paint and glue and making the voice note, admitting he initially intended to execute the protest as a symbolic act against the perceived complicity of Lord Bamford, JCB, and then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the treatment of Palestine.
However, Speers decided against proceeding after witnessing the strong security measures at the estate.
He denies having any article with the intent to destroy or damage property. The trial is ongoing.