Colston four: protesters cannot rely on ‘human rights’ defence, top judge rules

Acquittal of four who toppled statue unchanged but appeal court decision could affect future trials for significant' criminal damage

Protesters accused of significant" criminal damage cannot rely on human rights protections when on trial, the court of appeal has said.

The ruling comes after the attorney general made a referral on a point of law following the acquittal of the Colston four. Suella Braverman, who is now home secretary, made the referral after Conservative MPs criticised the acquittal of protesters who toppled the Bristol statue of the slave trader Edward Colston.