Ulez protesters fined for harassing Sadiq Khan

Four Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) protesters have been fined for harassing Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court, Nicholas Arlett, Martin Whitehead, Alison Young and Lloyd Dunsford were all found guilty of harassment of a person in his home.

During the hearing the court was told the protest was named "Khanage at Khan's" and took place on 6 April roughly 100m (328ft) from his home in Tooting.

The group's spokesperson Simon Fawthrop - a Bromley Conservative councillor - told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the four planned to appeal against the convictions.

The four individuals were part of a larger group of about 100 protesters who demonstrated, the court heard. Young wore a dinosaur costume.

District Judge Daniel Sternberg said the protest was loud and featured amplified music, including the theme tune to the TV series The Bill, and there was "offensive language".

The mayor was not thought to have been in his house during the protest, but Judge Sternberg said neighbours on the street were "disrupted in their private lives whilst in their homes".

"During the arrest phase, a number of protesters became aggressive and struggled with the police," Judge Sternberg said.

He found Arlett had a higher level of culpability than the others and fined him £750, along with a £300 victim surcharge.

Whitehead, Young and Dunsford were each fined £500, with a victim surcharge of £200.

Judge Sternberg added he was satisfied that the protesters "knew, or ought to have known, that their presence was likely to cause alarm or distress to Sadiq Khan".

He stressed the law did not require evidence of whether Mr Khan or anyone else "actually was" caused alarm or distress, only that the protest was likely to have had that effect.

The victim surcharges will not go to Mr Khan, the judge said, explaining that the money would be used to support victims of crime through the Victim and Witness General Fund.

Speaking outside the court, Arlett said: "I am absolutely disgusted that this country has become as it has, with our judiciary.

"Are they there to uphold the law, or the will of their political masters?"

Speaking on the group's behalf, Mr Fawthrop said: "Today has seen a travesty of justice… [This] judgment is another body blow for free speech and peaceful protest in this country."

He added the group would be "discussing with their lawyers appealing this conviction and sentence at the earliest opportunity".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]