Fathers in Court on Tower Bridge Protest Charge

Four supporters of the Fathers 4 Justice pressure group accused of conspiring to cause a public nuisance were today ordered to stand trial.

The quartet, all sporting the organisation’s now-familiar black and purple T-shirts bearing slogans such as “I’m a dad”, appeared at a short plea and directions hearing at Southwark Crown Court.

They were Stephen Battershill, 39, of Stodart Road, Penge, south east London, Edward Gorecki, 47, of Rogers Gardens, Dagenham, Essex, Michael Sadeh, 38, of Trehearne Road, Hainault, Essex, and Jonathan Stanesby, 38, of Manor Close, Ivybridge, Devon.

Each denied a single allegation that they conspired to cause a public nuisance at Tower Bridge, London, on or before December 22 last year.

Judge Rodney McKinnon said all four men could remain on unconditional bail until their trial.

The trial date was set for January 17 next year and the case was also set for mention on July 30.