Norwich Covid protester has appeal thrown out by High Court

Bryn Richards, 41, was seeking to overturn his convictions relating to a protest over coronavirus regulations that took place in Norwich at the height of the pandemic in November 2020.  

But the High Court ruled his notice of appeal had arrived too late because he had put insufficient postage stamps on his letter to the court.

Norwich saw a number of Covid protests in 2020 including rallies addressed by speaker Piers Corbyn (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Justice Hill dismissed his action against the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court.

“I do not consider that an appeal would have a real prospect of success, or that there is some other compelling reason for the appeal to be heard,” she said.

READ MORE: Man denies being involved in Norwich coronavirus protest

Richards, from Walpole Gardens, Norwich, was found guilty of participating in an outdoor gathering of more than two people following a trial at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court in September 2021.

He was also convicted of failing to comply with directions to disperse and a notice to leave following the protest in Gentleman’s Walk, Rampant Horse Street and Theatre Street.

He had denied the charges but was fined £1,250 and ordered to pay costs of £620 and a victim surcharge of £125.

Bryn Richards was convicted at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court in September 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

The High Court was told he had 15 days to appeal his convictions to Norwich Crown Court but, despite telling court staff he planned to do so, his letter confirming this to the court had arrived too late. 

READ MORE: Piers Corbyn leads coronavirus sceptics protest in Norwich

Richards argued he was unrepresented and had been “misinformed” by the court about his rights of appeal.

He also said the delay was caused because it was “not clear where and how” he should commence a separate claim for damages against the CPS. 

The High Court was also told he was “very aggrieved” that a copy of police body worn footage of his arrest would only be provided by the CPS if he signed a non-disclosure agreement, preventing him putting it on social media.