How the ‘Colston Four’ were found not guilty

Conservative MP calls for appeal after protesters cleared of criminal damage charges

The Colston Four celebrate the verdict outside court
The Colston Four celebrating the verdict outside court
(Image credit: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

​A cabinet minister has said the UK risks descending into “mob rule” after four people charged with criminal damage for pulling down a statue of a slave trader during anti-racism protests in Bristol were found not guilty.

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Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.