‘Irrelevant’ that Colston was a slave trader, statue damage trial told

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It was later recovered by Bristol City Council Charges allege that the four defendants, together with “others unknown”, caused damage to the statue and plinth of a value unknown without lawful excuse. She said: “Edward Colston’s statue being there in the first place is a massive offence to many, many people living in Bristol and by it being there I am forced, as a citizen of Bristol, to say I’m not racist but I allow a statue of a slave trader to be venerated in my city.” She added: “I accept that I helped cause the damage to the statue but whether it is criminal or not I think, is up for debate.” Skuse and Ponsford made no comment to all questions when interviewed by police. “He said that Colston statue has been petitioned for removal over 20 years and ignored by Bristol City Council,” Mr Hughes said. “He said that he found the statue offensive given the history of Colston and the failure of the council to remove it despite a petition calling for its removal.” Concluding his opening address, Mr Hughes said; “We accept that Edward Colston was a divisive figure, however, we say what Edward Colston may or may not have done, good or bad, are not on trial and are not an issue for you – these four defendants are.