Four in court for throwing custard at Crown Jewels

Four people have denied criminal damage after apple crumble and custard was thrown at the display case containing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

More than £600 of damage was caused to the casing and the museum floor in the incident on 6 December last year, a court heard.

On Monday, Fatima Ali, 19, Miriam Cranch, 22, Mack Preston, 22, and Matthew Cooper, 50, appeared before Westminster magistrates.

They claimed they had a lawful excuse, telling the court it was a peaceful protest and the damage was minor. They also said they did "not intend to be reckless in their actions" and disputed how long it took to clean the site and the museum's loss of earnings.

Ali and Cranch also pleaded not guilty to a second charge of criminal damage in relation to shoes and a cape worn by someone in the room on the same day.

All four were released on bail and are due to appear at City of London Magistrates' Court 31 November and 2 December.

Footage was posted online on the day by the campaign group Take Back Power, which claimed responsibility at the time.

The group appears to be an offshoot of Just Stop Oil, which campaigns for a "House of the People with powers to tax the rich and fix Britain".

Historic Royal Palaces confirmed that the Imperial State Crown was not damaged in this incident.

The Jewel House exhibition had to close temporarily but reopened to the public later that afternoon.

The Crown is a famous symbol of the monarchy and was worn by King Charles III as he left Westminster Abbey on his coronation day in 2023.

Beyond coronations, the priceless working crown is only used during formal occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament.

When it is not being used, it is kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

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