Man acquitted over Churchill statue spray paint

Caspar San Giorgi has been found not guilty of criminal damage after spray painting slogans on to the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square. The 39-year-old was acquitted at Southwark Crown Court on Monday afternoon, a court official confirmed. The incident occurred on 27 February, when San Giorgi climbed the statue and covered it with phrases including 'Stop the Genocide' and 'Free Palestine'.

Defence and Prosecution Arguments

During the trial, San Giorgi told the jury that he did not believe he had committed a criminal act, stating he was sending a message to Parliament. He also disputed the prosecution's claim that the washable paint had caused damage. The prosecution had stated that the damage caused by the spray paint was estimated to be over £7,000. The court heard that San Giorgi arrived at Parliament Square before 4:00 GMT carrying spray paint cans and a ladder to access the plinth. He revealed a boiler suit with 'I support Palestine Action' on the back before proceeding to deface the monument, according to prosecutor Peter Ratliff.

San Giorgi, who is also known as Olax Outis, had stated to the jury: "Whether you convict me or not is not too much of a concern for me. Whether I get acquitted, deported, imprisoned for years, I can be proud of having spoken about injustice and I have accounted for my actions. I will accept your judgement." A heritage warden for the Greater London Authority alerted the police after witnessing the incident.

Official Reaction

In the immediate aftermath of the defacement, a Downing Street spokesperson described the act as 'completely abhorrent'. The spokesperson added that 'Churchill was a great Briton'.