Eight people have been charged with criminal damage after protests targeting the Ritz hotel and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The group Take Back Power, which describes itself as a non-violent civil resistance group, claimed responsibility for the stunts.
In December, activists threw apple crumble and custard at a display case containing the Crown Jewels. Days earlier, bags of manure were emptied next to the Christmas tree at the Ritz hotel.
Ellen Redwood-Brown, 23, Tom Barber, 66, Toby Ellwood, 21, and Tjalle Rumley, 26, have been charged over the Ritz stunt. Redwood-Brown and Barber are due at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, while Ellwood and Rumley will appear on April 29.
Fatima Ali, 19, Miriam Cranch, 22, Mack Preston, 22, and Matthew Cooper, 50, have been charged in relation to the Crown Jewels stunt. They will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 27.
Separately, seven people were arrested on Saturday at a Take Back Power training event in Camden, north-west London, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft. They were later bailed. A 25-year-old man later handed himself in and remains in custody. Greater Manchester Police also arrested seven people in Salford on Sunday on suspicion of conspiracy to steal.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said: 'There is a clear difference between lawful protest and criminal acts. Theft, criminal damage and aggravated trespass are crimes, and the public expect the police to deal with them.'
