Protestor wears burqa in court to deny concealing identity

A protestor has appeared in court wearing a burqa to deny a charge of wearing the Islamic religious garment to conceal his identity during a Hampshire protest.

Timothy Miller, 76, of Sherwood Avenue in Hedge End, Southampton, was arrested in relation to the anti-migrant and anti-racism demonstrations in Portsmouth city centre on 12 September.

During the hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, he lifted the veil while holding a black handbag as he confirmed his identity.

When asked how he pleaded, Miller replied: “As I am in every police camera, I am not guilty”.

The protest followed disorder on 6 September when police attended Eastney Marina as hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to stop coaches carrying about 140 migrants, who had crossed the English Channel in a dinghy, from leaving the city.

District Judge Stephen Apted asked the defendant if he could remove his face covering, so that he could be identified.

Miller lifted the veil of the burqa and confirmed his name, date of birth and address.