Ryan Bridge, co-founder of the flag-raising movement Raise the Colours, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on August 20, charged with common assault. The 45-year-old, from Bromsgrove, entered a not guilty plea in relation to an incident in Brighton on Saturday, June 13.
Bridge was in the seaside city alongside other members of the group to carry out a 'Stop the Boats' protest, which was organised as a counter-demonstration to a 'Carnival Against Fascism' event taking place the same day.
Court appearance and bail conditions
At the Edward Street law court, Bridge was granted conditional bail and instructed to return to the same court on October 5 for a 'mention and fix' hearing. This hearing is intended to resolve any administrative bottlenecks and to set a potential trial date.
The charge relates to an incident in the Sussex city on June 13, although further details of the alleged assault have not been disclosed in court documents.
Protest numbers and context
Sussex Police estimated that around 300 'Stop the Boats' protesters attended the demonstration, while roughly 4,000 protesters took part in the Carnival Against Fascism.
Raise the Colours is a grassroots flag-raising movement founded by Bridge and Elliott Stanley. The group campaigns for the display of British and English flags on public infrastructure and has attracted controversy over its activities and views on immigration.
Next steps in the case
Bridge's next court appearance is scheduled for October 5, where the 'mention and fix' hearing will address any administrative issues and potentially set a trial date. The case continues to progress through the legal system.
