An anti-cuts protestor who admitted lunging at a Rolls Royce carrying Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall today branded the royal family “parasites”.
Jonathan Elliott, 47, who had been handing out protest leaflets, ran at the car believing it contained Prime Minister David Cameron.
Canterbury Magistrates’ Court heard there had been a police presence at the Kings School rear entrance to Canterbury Cathedral and officers had spotted Elliott handing out political leaflets.
Julie Farbrace, prosecuting, said officers saw him make a clear run at a vehicle and he was detained “as it was believed he posed a threat to himself and others.”
Mr Farbrace said: “Mr Elliott is here in relation to a breach of the peace that happened yesterday at approximately 1.50pm.
“There was traffic control around the cathedral for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s enthronement, and police were present.
“The police had previously seen Mr Elliott handing out leaflets.
“It was shortly afterwards that Mr Elliott was described as making a clean run at a vehicle which is believed that the Prince of Wales was within.”
Unemployed Elliott, who asked to be called ‘dude’ when he was in the dock, wore a red t-shirt bearing the words “I’m afraid and therefore unquestionably disobedient”.
Speaking outside court, Elliott described David Cameron and the royal family as “parasites”.
He claimed that they are “disconnected” from the poorest in society who he believes are being hard hit by cuts.
He said: “I was protesting about the NHS cuts.
“I remember the car appearing round the corner by the King’s School shop. The outriders came in and then the car was there.
“I was on the path and then found myself in the road with a load of policemen on top of me.
“I assumed Cameron was in the car, but a police constable moved me out the way and searched me and I was getting pretty agitated.
“It all happened so fast.
“I didn’t know Prince Charles was in the car and had no intention of hurting anyone – I’m not a violent person.
“I was angry at David Cameron but I saw the Royal Family as second best
“All I wanted to do was put a leaflet on the car. They should be aware that it’s affecting us.
“People at the bottom are being hard hit and they are disconnected.”
“Basically they are all parasites and call people like me skivers.”
Elliott said he felt “agitated” after being searched by police as he handed out leaflets, adding: “That kind of peed me off.”
Elliott, from Whitstable, Kent, pleaded guilty to causing a breach of the peace at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Fri).
He will have to pay a fine of #100 if he is found to breach the peace in the next 12 months.
Defence barrister is Rocco Marinaccio (Corr), defending, said Elliott had “issues” and accepted that he would be bound over to keep the peace.
He said Elliott received both incapacity and disability benefits and asked magistrates for a “modest” bind over sum.
