John Harvey, a 75-year-old from London E8, will appear in court for sentencing in December after admitting to throwing red paint over the Israeli embassy on Armistice Day. The incident took place on Saturday, 11 November, at around 09:15
Harvey was immediately arrested at the scene by officers from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, who were patrolling the area. He was seen approaching the gates of the Israeli embassy, carrying a carrier bag that later turned out to contain a tin of paint.
Eyewitnesses reported that Harvey placed the bag on the floor outside the embassy’s front gate and proceeded to throw the red paint towards the building. The gate, the floor, and Harvey himself were covered in paint. Fortunately, Harvey did not gain entry to the embassy grounds during the incident.
PC Kat Lloyd, who is leading the investigation, expressed her concern about the distress caused by such incidents and emphasised that damaging the embassy in this manner is unacceptable. She commended the swift response of the officers at the scene, who promptly apprehended Harvey.
Harvey was charged with criminal damage and pleaded guilty to the charges on Monday, 13 November, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. He was released on court bail and is scheduled to appear for sentencing at the same court on Thursday, 14 December.
