'Colston 4' trial begins today in Bristol
They all deny charges of criminal damage
Last updated 13th Dec 2021
The trial begins today of four people charged with criminal damage - known as 'The Colston 4' - in relation to the toppling of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol.
The bronze memorial of the 17th century slave was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter protest in June last year before it was dumped in Bristol Harbour.
Around 200 campaigners gathered outside of Bristol Crown Court, in support of the Colston 4.
Rhian Graham, Milo Ponsford, Jake Skuse and Sage Willoughby start their trial today after denying charges of criminal damage.
The trial is expected to last around 2 weeks.
Over the weekend, limited edition Colston statue trial T-shirts went on sale – they were made by Bristolian artist Banksy.
He posted on Instagram over the weekend saying "Next week the four people charged with pulling down Colston’s statue in Bristol are going on trial. I’ve made some souvenir shirts to mark the occasion. Available today 11th December from various outlets in the city (all proceeds to the defendants so they can go for a pint)."
They quickly began appearing for resale online with one seller asking for £9000.
The results of a consultation on what should happen to the statue next is due to be published later this month.
Earlier this year Bristol residents were asked what they would like to see happen to the statue, which is currently on temporary display at the M Shed museum on the Harbourside.