Ben Cullen, a 45-year-old from Wallingford, has been charged with three counts of making indecent images of children and is scheduled to appear at Reading Crown Court today (July 1). The charges stem from alleged offences on March 25, 2021, in Wallingford.
Details of the Charges
Cullen is accused of creating 22 indecent category A photographs, including one moving image. Category A is the most severe classification, involving the most serious abuse. He also faces charges for making 36 indecent category B pseudo-photographs of children and 20 category C images on the same date.
The Oxford Mail reports that the allegations came to light following an investigation.
Raise the Colours Connection
Cullen is said to be a key player in the Oxfordshire branch of Raise the Colours, a movement that gained momentum last year for displaying flags during anti-immigration demonstrations across the UK. The broader Raise the Colours group has distanced itself from Cullen after the allegations emerged.
In a statement on social media, Raise the Colours said: "Raise the Colours wishes to make clear that we were not aware, and have never previously been aware, of the allegations reported concerning Ben Cullen (Raise the Colours Oxfordshire). This is the first time we have learned of the matter."
The statement added that Cullen "was not affiliated with Raise the Colours" and that although some members may have put up flags with him, "this does not mean he represented, was part of, or was affiliated" with the movement.
Group's Stance on Allegations
Raise the Colours continued: "We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously. As this is now a matter before the courts, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on the specifics of the case."
Oxfordshire County Council has implemented measures to prevent flag-raising on lampposts and roadsides. Last week, the council secured a High Court injunction against Cullen, Kevin Good, Ryan Bridge, Trudy Wells, and any persons attempting to display flags on public structures or intimidating personnel removing them.
Cullen's court appearance today marks a significant development in the case.
