Yahoo Finance Second anti-lockdown protester denies harassing BBC Newsnight editor Nick Watt
A second anti-lockdown demonstrator accused of harassing BBC journalist Nick Watt during a Whitehall protest has pleaded not guilty on Thursday.
Christopher Aitken, 62, was part of a mob who were filmed pursuing and shouting at the Newsnight political editor during a protest on June 14.
Mr Watt, who was wearing a BBC lanyard, was seen turning and fleeing from the group as the shouting intensified in a confrontation close to Downing Street.
Last month, Martin Hockridge, 57, appeared at Westminster magistrates court to deny a public order charge of causing harassment, alarm, and distress.
He was filmed repeatedly shouting “traitor” at Mr Watt but denies his actions amounted to a criminal offence.
Aitken is pursuing the same defence, the court heard on Thursday.
“He admitted being the person identified on the video footage”, said prosecutor David Roberts.
“He admits the offence other than he says he doesn’t think he did anything wrong.”
The court heard both men will argue they did not intend to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to Mr Watt.
The journalist is not expected to be called as a witness during the trial.
The incident happened during a protest against the government’s decision to extend the Covid-19 restrictions beyond the original June 21 end date.
Hockridge, from Harpenden, posted on Facebook after the incident, suggesting Mr Watt was “hoping for that reaction” when he entered Whitehall.
“I stand by my actions”, he wrote. “It is unacceptable that the BBC lies and spread fear among the nation.”
A third defendant, Joseph Olswang, 38, of Richmond, has also been charged with a public order offence and has not yet appeared in court.
Aitken, 62, from Brixton, was released on bail until his trial on November 29, when Hockridge is expected to be a co-defendant.
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