Hearing descends into farce after protesters disrupt Goddard case

The courts service has launched an “urgent investigation” after a hearing involving self-styled “yellow vest” protester James Goddard descended into farce, with supporters disrupting the hearing and sitting in the dock.

The judge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court was forced to temporarily call a halt to the plea hearing after Goddard’s supporters in the public gallery began calling Remain-supporting MP Anna Soubry – an alleged victim in the Goddard case – a Nazi.

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.”

Supporters chanted “Soubry is a Nazi” and commented on the perceived severity of his bail conditions by telling the judge that Goddard “is not a terrorist, you know”.

The hearing resumed to inform Goddard of his bail conditions, but became chaotic again soon after as the defendant left the dock complaining to the judge that he could not get a fair trial.

One female journalist, who asked not to be named, said she complained to the courts service and to the police after she was “intimidated” by supporters.

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.”

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

His trial will take place in July.