Weymouth oil protestor denies trespass at Premier League football match
Louis McKechnie has appeared in court
A Weymouth man has denied aggravated trespass and pitch encroachment after tying himself to a goalpost during a Premier League football match.
Louis McKechnie, 21, appeared via videolink at Sefton Magistrates' Court yesterday (Tuesday 19th April) in connection with the incident at Everton's match against Newcastle United on March 17th.
The match was stopped for a number of minutes when an activist, wearing a Just Stop Oil T-shirt, tied himself to the frame of the goalpost.
McKechnie, who confirmed his name and age, and gave his address as no fixed abode, entered not guilty pleas to the two charges.
They allege he went onto the playing area without lawful authority or excuse and tied himself to the goalpost with zip ties, intending to disrupt the match.
He's been given conditional bail, including not to attend venues used for regulated football matches, and venues for televised events in England and Wales.
He's next due to appear at Sefton Magistrates Court for a trial from June 7th, 2022.