'Urgent investigation' after James Goddard supporters disrupt hearing

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An urgent security investigation has been launched by the courts service after supporters of “yellow vest protester” James Goddard disrupted his hearing.

The judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court was forced to temporarily halt his plea hearing after people in the public gallery began calling Remain-supporting MP Anna Soubry - an alleged victim in the case - a Nazi.

The mob were also accused of "intimidating" journalists, with one reporter complaining to the court and claiming she was called "scum of the earth."

Goddard is accused of repeatedly haranguing and insulting the MP by calling her a “traitor” and “scum” as she walked out of the House of Common and tried to conduct media interviews.

James Goddard at Westminster Magistrates' Court
PA

It is said he “pursued” Ms Soubry while filming her on his mobile phone, while “loudly and repeatedly demanding that she answer questions”.

Judge Kenneth Grant temporarily adjourned the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court 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” and “Soubry is a Nazi."

A female journalist said she complained to the courts service and to the police after she was "intimidated" by supporters as she attempted to cover the case.

Yellow vest protesters storm the Attorney General's office in London

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She said Goddard identified her as a journalist who had covered the yellow vests protests with court officials being told by his supporters not to let her into the hearing.

The reporter said she was called "vile" and "scum of the earth", and has been told by her editor that she will not cover any further cases involving Goddard due to concerns for her safety.

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) said: "The safety and security of all court users is our priority and we're deeply concerned to hear of intimidating behaviour at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning.

"We apologise to all those affected and are urgently investigating what happened. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."

James Goddard: "She's called a Nazi because she's acting like one."
Twitter

Goddard, 29, denies two counts of harassment and one count of racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.

He waved and blew kisses from the dock as he denied the charges against him, and let out a smile as Ms Soubry’s name was mentioned.

When his lawyer was asked whether Goddard had said the words alleged, the defendant shouted from the dock “It’s not illegal to heckle an MP.”

He is set to argue at trial in July that it was “fair comment”, “reasonable behaviour” and “true comment.”

Goddard is also charged with racially abusing a police officer and a public order harassment charge on January 7.

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