An activist known as Stop Brexit Man has been cleared of flouting a police ban after playing anti-Conservative and anti-Brexit songs outside of Parliament.
Steve Bray, 56, was playing music through the speakers on March 20, 2024, when then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived for Prime Minister’s Questions.
He has been found not guilty of failing without reasonable excuse to comply with a direction given under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 “re prohibited activities in Parliament Square” at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Following the verdict, he received a thumbs up from one of his supporter in the public gallery.
Steve Bray
PA
Bray was approached by police on the traffic island minutes before Sunak arrived ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions on March 20 last year.
Officers handed him a map and a notice that warned he was prohibited from playing the speakers in the controlled area under a by-law.
The 56-year-old had been playing edits of the Muppet Show and Darth Vader’s theme outside Parliament.
An hour later, the music resumed and speakers seized his speakers.
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The 56-year-old is known for playing music in protest around Westminster
PA
Bray, who represented himself, denied the charge and told a previous hearing that playing music was part of his “fundamental right to protest” and that they were played “sporadically”, rather than all day.
He said he used the Darth Vader theme as he heard Sunak is a "Star Wars fan”, the activist told the court.
At his previous trial, Bray said that he told police that their map was incorrect.
Body-worn footage featured the 56-year-old repeatedly telling police “you’ve got the wrong map”.
Bray, wearing a yellow and blue top hat, said it was outdated and that officers should ask someone more senior for confirmation.
At his previous trial, Bray said that he told police that their map was incorrect
PA
After being told he could not play his music here, he stuck his fingers in his ears and said: “No it’s not, it’s not, not here – it’s not wrong here”, the court heard.
“I know what I can’t do”, he said, suggesting officers stick it “where the sun don’t shine” before lighting a cigarette and looking away.
Witnesses told the court that they were negatively impacted by Bray's music, which they could hear whilst working in nearby buildings.
Following the remarks, Bray apologised.
The 56-year-old is known for playing music in protest around Westminster. Last year, he played D:Ream’s Things Can Only Get Better at the gates of Downing Street when Sunak announced the general election in the pouring rain.
