No charges for paraglider who targeted Trump
Protester flew past controversial US leader with banner declaring him ‘well below par’
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Two men who were accused of orchestrating a protest with a paraglider that sailed within metres of Donald Trump during his trip to Scotland last year, will not face criminal proceedings.
A demonstrator flew past onlookers at the US president Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, trailing a banner which read “Trump well below par”.
Police officers arrested a 55-year-old man shortly after the protest. which was held during Mr Trump’s visit to the UK in July 2018.
The man was later charged and released pending further inquiries.
A second man had been reported to Scotland’s prosecution service in November 2018, in connection with the protest, a Police Scotland spokesperson said.
Prosecutors have now confirmed that the men would not face criminal proceedings.
“The procurator fiscal deals with every case on its own individual facts and circumstances, and will take action where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so,” a Crown Office spokesperson said. “Following full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of this case, Crown Counsel instructed that there should be no criminal proceedings at this time.
“The Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available.”
The stunt took place alongside other protests across Britain, held in reaction the the controversial leader’s UK visit. It was orchestrated by Greenpeace.
“Theresa May should not have dignified Trump with a visit to the UK,” a spokesperson for the environmental group said after the protest. “The vast majority of British people are appalled by his words and deeds. He is, simply, the worst president ever. That’s why we flew over him with a message branding him well below par.”
The US president is expected to return to the UK in June 2019, for his first state visit.
Additional reporting by agencies
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