Autumn Ward, 23, from Aigburth, Liverpool, is among seven people who will stand trial charged with maliciously damaging Donald Trump's golf course. The group is alleged to have damaged property at the US president's Trump Turnberry course by digging up turf on the golf courses, spraying Glyphosate or a similar substance on the fairways and greens, and spraying a building and signpost with paint.
Allegations and Charges
Lawyers representing Ward, Kieran Robson, 35, of Galashiels, Uzma Bashir, 56, of Leeds, Ricky Southall, 34, of Wakefield, Rebecca Sian Davies, 29, John Moxley, 58, and Dylan Chiaramello, 25, all of London, attended a virtual hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.
Prosecutors also allege they painted "political and offensive" slogans on the grass, scored a political slogan into the turf, and painted "political and offensive" slogans on the building, walls and pillars. It is also alleged they damaged a sprinkler system causing flooding and damaged a light.
The indictment says it will be proved the alleged offence was "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection".
Additional Charges and Court Proceedings
Robson, Bashir and Davies also face a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice. It is alleged they drove to and from Trump Turnberry on March 7 and 8 last year in vehicles displaying false registration numbers to conceal their movements and avoid detection and arrest.
During the short hearing on Wednesday, pleas of not guilty were tendered on behalf of Ward, Robson, Bashir, Davies, Moxley and Chiaramello. Mairi-Clare McMillan, representing Southall, told the court she had only recently taken on his case and she would need more time to take instruction from him.
Judge Lord Arthurson fixed a 15-day trial for February 14, 2028, and a further preliminary hearing for March 15, 2027. All seven accused, who did not attend the hearing, remain on bail.
Demonstration Outside Court
A pro-Palestine demonstration attended by a few dozen people was held outside the front of the court building while the hearing was taking place. Some waved Palestine flags and there were a number of banners on display, with one reading: "Yes it is a genocide." Speakers also used a bullhorn to address the rally and lead pro-Palestine chants.
A number of police officers were stationed in the atrium of the court building while the demonstration took place outside. A police vehicle was also parked around the corner.
