An activist is accused of intending to spray paint “Palestine” on the lawn of Lord Anthony Bamford’s estate-the venue for Boris Johnson’s wedding reception, a court heard.
Tim Speers, 41, from Bude in Cornwall, and Sean Middlebrough were found carrying spray paint, glue, and a red boiler suit when police approached them at the Daylesford Estate in the Cotswolds. The estate, owned by Lord Bamford, a prominent Conservative Party donor, was due to host the Johnson wedding reception on 30 July 2022.
At Southwark Crown Court, jurors heard that Speers had recorded a voice message indicating he had agreed to undertake a protest organised by Palestine Action. In the message, he described plans to write “Palestine” in red paint across a large heart-shaped motif mown into the estate’s lawn, using a weed sprayer.
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However, Speers denies any intent to cause criminal damage, stating that upon arriving at the estate and seeing the substantial security presence, he abandoned the plan.
Prosecutor Christiaan Moll informed the court that Middlebrough, who faces similar charges, has not appeared at this hearing. His trial is scheduled separately.
Police officers spotted the two men on the estate, appearing out of place while holding cans of beer. When questioned, the men were reportedly agitated, refused to disclose their intentions, and said they were on holiday seeking a train station.
A search of their belongings uncovered cans of red and white line marker paint, black high-temperature paint, superglue, and a red boiler suit.
Additionally, Speers carried two books: “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind,” containing a handwritten contact list with an entry for a “media team,” and “Lost In Work: Escaping Capitalism,” which included a business card for Anonymous for the Voiceless-details that suggested to police a potential intention to cause disruption.
In his voice note dated 28 July 2022, Speers explained he was approached by members of Palestine Action to take part in a protest. He criticised Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, referencing the company’s equipment being used by the Israeli government in demolishing Palestinian homes to make way for settlers.
Speers mentioned the large heart mowed into Bamford’s lawn as the intended site for the spray-painted message and requested someone to record the protest. He also expressed confidence that the action could be justified legally.
The prosecutor stated that Speers is expected to accept possession of the paint and glue, and that he intended to make a visual protest highlighting Lord Bamford, JCB, and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s alleged complicity in the oppression of Palestinians.
Mr Moll added that Speers chose not to proceed with the protest after noticing heightened security at the estate.
Speers denies the charge of possessing an article with intent to destroy or damage property. The trial is ongoing.