A jury has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict in the case of Tim Speers, a pro-Palestine activist accused of plotting to disrupt the wedding reception of former prime minister Boris Johnson.
The 41-year-old from Bude, Cornwall, was apprehended by police on 29 July 2022 at the Cotswold estate of Lord Anthony Bamford, a leading Conservative Party donor and chairman of JCB. Speers was found carrying spray paint and glue as preparations were being finalised for the reception of Boris and Carrie Johnson, scheduled for the following day at Lord Bamford’s Daylesford Estate.
During the investigation, Mr Speers recorded a voice note outlining his plan to spray the word “Palestine” on the estate’s lawn. However, he denied intending to cause criminal damage and claimed he had abandoned the protest plan prior to the police intervention.
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On the first day of the jury’s deliberations, members reported being unable to reach a unanimous decision, describing themselves as “stuck” and divided. Following these notes, Judge Usha Karu discharged the jury.
The case has been adjourned until a hearing on 29 September, where the prosecution will indicate whether they intend to seek a retrial. Mr Speers has remained on bail throughout the proceedings.
A second defendant, Sean Middlebrough, charged with the same offence, did not appear for the trial and is expected to face trial separately on a date yet to be determined.