Ryan Bridge Charged with Common Assault Over Brighton Protest

On August 20, 45-year-old Ryan Bridge appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court after being charged with common assault in connection with an incident that occurred on June 13 in Brighton. The court record shows Bridge entered a not-guilty plea and was granted conditional bail. He has been instructed to return to the same court on October 5 for a “mention and fix” hearing, which will address administrative matters and set a potential trial date.

Birmingham Mail

The incident stems from a “Stop the Boats” demonstration organized by the anti-migration group Raise the Colours. On June 13, the protest took place alongside a “Carnival Against Fascism” rally in the city. Sussex Police estimated that roughly 300 participants attended the “Stop the Boats” protest, while about 4,000 people were involved in the Carnival demonstration.

Birmingham Mail

Raise the Colours is a grassroots flag-raising organization founded by Ryan Bridge and Elliott Stanley. The group campaigns for the display of British and English flags on public infrastructure and positions itself against migrants crossing the English Channel illegally. Its activities have attracted controversy and public debate over its immigration stance.

Birmingham Mail

Following the bail decision, Bridge must comply with any conditions set by the magistrates and attend the scheduled “mention and fix” hearing on October 5. That hearing will determine whether further procedural steps are needed and may establish a date for a full trial, should the case proceed.

Birmingham Mail

The case highlights the legal risks faced by activists involved in contentious public demonstrations. It also underscores the tension between protest rights and public order, particularly in the context of the ongoing debate over Channel-crossing migration. Outcomes of the forthcoming hearing could influence how similar protests are policed and prosecuted in the future.

Birmingham Mail