News / Judah Adunbi
Confusion before trial of police officer accused of tasering former police race relations adviser
Protesters gathered outside Bristol Magistrates’ Court on the day a pre-trial hearing was due to begin for the police officer accused of allegedly tasering a former police race relations campaigner in the face.
Around 20 people had gathered to show support of the alleged victim, Judah Adunbi, but were left angry by the decision to move the hearing, which is now due to take place somewhere outside Bristol on May 16, just before the date of the full trial.
Sixty-four-year-old Adunbi was allegedly tasered in the face by PC Claire Boddie while walking his dog in Easton in January 2017. Boddie has denied the charge of common assault.
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Supporters of Adunbi are worried that the police officer’s trial will not be open and transparent.
Holding a banner outside the court, protester Tej Bhandal said: “The tasering is a complete travesty which was caught on camera, thankfully.
“It should be an open and shut case, but the defence team want to limit the evidence. We just want a completely transparent and open case, which is why are protesting.”
Campaigner Desmond Brown talking to Pat Hart and Ivan Jackson from BCfm outside Bristol Magistrates’ Court
Fellow protester and organiser of campaign group Justice for Judah, Desmond Brown, also said he was unhappy about the handling of the court proceedings.
He said: “I’m hoping that we can get to the point where we can have a just trial and to get that you would assume you need as much evidence as possible.
“This is a man who has fought for justice throughout his career. He is a peaceful man and fights for everyone, no matter what colour or race.”
In a further twist, Abduni was arrested by police on April 18 at his Bristol home and will himself appear in court next month, charged with a racially-aggravated offence. His solicitor has said he will be challenging the charge.
Protesters on the steps outside Bristol Magistrates’ Court
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