TWO men who allegedly stormed a town centre bank as part of a protest have appeared in court.
Alan Brooke, 60, of Magdale in Honley, and Robin Von-Mickwitz, 21, of Newhouse Hall in Sheepridge, both deny a charge of threatening behaviour.
At least 20 demonstrators joined them at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court yesterday to show their support.
Flanked by court security staff, the group had to be warned about their behaviour after bursting into laughter during the brief hearing.
The men were said to have played a part in the occupation of Barclays Bank in Market Place on April 6.
The demonstration was organised by groups including Unison and the newly-formed Axe the Tax group.
The group was protesting against the Government’s implementation of the ‘Bedroom Tax’.
Members went into the bank to demonstrate against the banks’ part in precipitating the credit crunch.
Bank staff activated a security system which filled the premises with smoke and both Brooke and Von-Mickwitz were arrested.
District Judge Marie Mallon heard that the pair’s trial would require CCTV footage taken from the bank as well as evidence from staff, police and members of the public.
When she asked Brooke how many witnesses he would require, the packed public gallery of supporters started laughing.
Judge Mallon told them: “If there are any more remarks from the public gallery I shall ask you to leave. This is a court and this is a serious matter.”
The men were told that their trial will take place in the Huddersfield court on Friday, July 26.
Judge Mallon, who will oversee the trial, granted them conditional bail – including a ban on entering any branch of Barclays bank.
