Three Protesters Convicted Over MP Keir Starmer Home Demo
Three members of Youth Demand have been convicted after defying police orders to stop protesting outside Keir Starmer’s home.
Banner & Shoes Spark Controversy
On Tuesday, 9 April, Daniel Formentim (24), Zosia Lewis (23), and Leonorah Ward (21) tied a banner to a large tree outside Starmer’s house. The banner read: “Starmer stop the killing”, featuring red handprints. Several children’s shoes were also left on the walkway leading to the front door, heightening tensions for the MP’s family.
Police Step In as Protesters Refuse to Leave
Officers attended the scene and ordered the group to cease the protest, but the trio refused. They were promptly arrested.
The defendants appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 19 June. They were found guilty and handed six weeks’ jail time, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, they received community orders and are banned from entering the NW5 postcode, which includes Starmer’s neighbourhood.
A family member told the court they avoided returning to their home for over an hour, waiting in their car until the protesters finally left.
Detective Inspector Warns Against Harassment
Detective Inspector Chris Rudd of the Met’s Public Order Crime Team said: “We respect the right to peaceful protest, even on sensitive issues. But people, especially those with public profiles and their families, must be able to live without fear or harassment. London offers many venues to protest without targeting people at their homes. The police response and court ruling today prove that such behaviour will be dealt with firmly.”
Protesters’ Details
- Daniel Formentim, born 22/11/1999, from Burley, Leeds
- Zosia Lewis, born 21/01/2001, from newcastle/" title="Newcastle" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Newcastle upon Tyne
- Leonorah Ward, aged 21
