Man denies public nuisance over Big Ben climb

A pro-Palestinian protester waves a Palestinian flag atop the Elizabeth Tower. The man, dressed in black hoodie and joggers is resting against a ledge and holds the flag aloft with his left arm. He is barefooted with his left foot resting on a stone gargoyle.Image source, EPA
Image caption,

Daniel Day was pictured bare-footed on 8 March

  • Published

A man accused of scaling the clock tower of Big Ben has denied causing a public nuisance and trespassing.

Daniel Day, 29, is accused of climbing and remaining on the Elizabeth Tower in Westminster, London, on the morning of 8 March while holding a Palestinian flag.

Mr Day, of Palmerston Road in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court to intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and to trespassing on a protected site.

People in the public gallery called out "stay strong, Dan" and "we love you" as Mr Day left the dock at the end of the hearing.

Media caption,

Watch: Man waves Palestinian flag as he comes down from Big Ben

Around a dozen pro-Palestine demonstrators protested outside the court on Monday, waving Palestinian flags and beating a drum that could be heard within the building.

The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing at Southwark Crown Court set for 14 April.

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