Man Accused of Campaigning Against Katie Hopkins Venues
A Southampton man has been accused of running a blackmail campaign against entertainment venues that had booked controversial commentator Katie Hopkins for shows, a court has heard.
Oliver Hutchings, 31, allegedly threatened to disrupt performances and campaign against theatres in Hampshire and Lancashire unless they cancelled Hopkins' appearances, Southampton Crown Court was told.
Threats and Disruption Tactics
Prosecutor Simon Jones detailed how Hutchings allegedly contacted venues through multiple channels including phone calls, emails and Facebook messages. The Attic in Southampton and the Joe Longthorne Theatre in Blackpool both cancelled planned Hopkins shows after receiving these communications.
According to the prosecution, Hutchings warned he would organise people to shout, whistle and set off party poppers during performances to cause maximum disruption. He also allegedly claimed to have reported venues for watering down drinks and failing to conduct proper background checks on staff.
In one instance, Hutchings reportedly told a theatre he had successfully used similar tactics against venues that had booked comedian Jim Davidson in the past.
Claiming to Represent Marginalised Groups
The court heard that Hutchings, who identifies as gay, claimed his actions were taken on behalf of the LGBT community. He took offence to comments Hopkins had made about gay and transgender people.
Jurors were also told that Hutchings had additional personal motivations for his campaign. Having a grandfather with dementia and being raised by a single mother, he was reportedly offended by Hopkins' remarks about dementia patients and stay-at-home mothers.
Hutchings has pleaded not guilty to four counts of blackmail and an alternative charge of causing a public nuisance.
Prosecution's Case
Simon Jones told the court: "Katie Hopkins is a well-known TV personality. In 2022-23 she had a comedy and talking show that was touring. The venues received threats in this time that their business would be disrupted."
The prosecutor emphasised that regardless of Hutchings' views on Hopkins, "the fact remains that she was booked by these venues. There was a demand to see her and it is quite clear that [Hutchings] didn't want her to perform."
Jones read excerpts from Hutchings' alleged communications, including one message that stated: "If you think I will give up, you are very very wrong. I will not stop until the evening is cancelled or your business is shut down."
Another alleged warning threatened: "I will flyer outside your business, I will continue to post about your business in online groups – I swear that on my family's life."
Defence Arguments
Defence barrister Audrey Archer presented a different perspective, suggesting that Hutchings believed the theatres might be unaware of Hopkins' controversial views. She argued that he was attempting to protect the venues from potential reputational damage by informing them.
The defence position maintains that Hutchings' actions were motivated by a desire to prevent harm to vulnerable communities rather than any criminal intent.
The trial, expected to last one week, continues as both sides present their evidence to the jury.
