London Pensioner Caught Red-Handed: Red Paint Splash at Israeli Embassy
John Harvey, 75, from London E8, faces sentencing in December after dousing the Israeli embassy with red paint on Armistice Day. The brazen act happened at 9:15 am on Saturday, 11 November.
Quick-Thinking Police Nab Paint-Throwing Protester
Officers from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command were on patrol when they spotted Harvey approaching the embassy gates carrying a suspicious carrier bag. It later emerged the bag held a tin of red paint.
Eyewitnesses described how Harvey dumped the bag, then hurled paint at the building. The gate, pavement, and Harvey himself were splattered, though he never breached embassy grounds.
Cop Slams Vandalism, Praises Fast Action
“These incidents cause unnecessary distress and damaging an embassy is unacceptable,” said PC Kat Lloyd, leading the investigation. She praised her team’s swift arrest of Harvey at the scene.
Harvey Pleads Guilty, Awaits Sentence
Harvey was charged with criminal damage and admitted guilt at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 November. Released on bail, his sentencing is set for Thursday, 14 December at the same court.