Student remanded over fees riot

A student appeared in court today accused of throwing a fire extinguisher from a seventh floor rooftop during the Millbank riot.

Edward Woollard, 18, was arrested five days after violent clashes at a building housing the Tory party headquarters in central London.

He was charged with violent disorder at Belgravia police station after being interviewed by Metropolitan Police officers.

Woollard, of Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, appeared in custody at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Wearing a long-sleeved white T-shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

His solicitor Matt Foot described the case as "unique" and asked for an adjournment to be allowed to view video footage.

He said: "There are complexities from our view. It does require some time to consider the position."

District Judge Catherine Tubbs released Woollard on conditional bail, banning him from Westminster and ordering him to stay at his home address.

She adjourned the case until November 24 at the same court.

Woollard was one of more than 50 people arrested after dozens of people forced their way into 30 Millbank and ransacked the building.

Windows were smashed, furniture vandalised and missiles, including the metal fire extinguisher, flung from the roof.

The attack came as more than 50,000 students and lecturers marched through Westminster to demonstrate against rising tuition fees.

Police have released images of 11 protesters suspected of committing criminal offences, including aggravated trespass and criminal damage.

Many were captured on CCTV cameras inside the office complex, as well as by a camera mounted on a police helicopter hovering overhead.

A four-hour stand-off ended when police brought in more than 100 extra officers to clear the building and the road outside.

Woollard was surrounded by photographers as he left court. He did not speak to journalists as he got into a black cab.

The student is charged with causing violent disorder, an offence under the Public Order Act. The maximum sentence is five years in jail.