Ben Cullen, a prominent member of the flag activist group Raise the Colours Oxfordshire, has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children. The 45-year-old from Wallingford is accused of creating 22 category A indecent photographs, including one moving image, on March 25, 2021. He also faces charges for making 36 category B indecent pseudo-photographs and 20 category C images on the same date, according to the Oxford Mail.
Court appearance and charges
Cullen is scheduled to appear at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday. Pseudo-photographs, defined as images created using AI or graphics tools, fall under the law even if the original picture did not depict a real person. The offences allegedly took place in Wallingford.
Raise the Colours distances itself
The wider Raise the Colours movement has distanced itself from Cullen following the allegations. In a statement on social media, the group said: 'Raise the Colours wishes to make clear that we were not aware, and have never previously been aware, of the allegations reported concerning Ben Cullen (Raise the Colours Oxfordshire). This is the first time we have learned of the matter.' The statement added that Cullen 'was not affiliated with Raise the Colours' and that while some members may have raised flags with him, 'this does not mean he represented, was part of, or was affiliated' with the movement. The group emphasised it takes such allegations 'extremely seriously' but declined further comment due to the ongoing court case.
Background of Raise the Colours
Raise the Colours is a grassroots movement that gained traction last year for hanging flags in response to anti-immigration protests across the UK. The group's activities have sparked controversy, with locals from Adderbury to Wallingford complaining about 'safety risks, intimidation and distress' linked to the illegal placement of flags on lampposts and roadsides.
High Court injunction
Oxfordshire County Council took legal action to stop flag-raising on public structures. Last week, the council secured a High Court injunction against Cullen, Kevin Good, Ryan Bridge, Trudy Wells, and any individuals attempting to hang flags on public infrastructure or harassing staff removing them. Councillor Tim Bearder, leader of the county council, commented: 'We're pleased with this result. The injunction helps protect our residents and our workforce and supports our responsibility to keep the highway safe. This is not, and never has been, about the flag. We proudly fly the Union Flag and St George's flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display their own flags – including to show their support for the England football team. However, the behaviour we've seen from Raise the Colours is nothing to do with national pride or with support for the England team during the World Cup. It's unlawful behaviour, which has put people at risk and caused fear within our communities for almost a year.'
