Activists Face Charges Over Ritz and Crown Jewels Protest Incidents
Nine individuals associated with the campaign group Take Back Power have been charged with criminal damage following two separate protest incidents at prominent London landmarks. The charges stem from actions at The Ritz hotel and the Tower of London, with court appearances scheduled over the coming weeks.
Manure Incident at The Ritz Hotel
The first incident occurred at The Ritz in Piccadilly on December 3, 2025, where manure was poured on the floor of the luxury hotel. Four people have been charged in connection with this protest. Ellen Redwood-Brown, 23, of Bristol, and Tom Barber, 66, of Nottingham, are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 20. Toby Ellwood, 21, of Leeds, and Tjalle Rumley, 26, of Acton, will appear at the same court on Wednesday, April 29.
Custard Attack on Crown Jewels
A second protest took place at the Tower of London on December 6, 2025, involving custard and crumble being thrown at the Crown Jewels. Four additional individuals have been charged with criminal damage for this incident. Fatima Ali, 19, and Mack Preston, 22, both of Tower Hamlets; Miriam Cranch, 22, of Leeds; and Matthew Cooper, 50, of Bath, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, April 27.
Separate Shoplifting Charge
In an unrelated case, David Kilroy, 66, of Plymouth, has been charged with theft following an alleged organised shoplifting incident at a Sainsbury’s in Lewisham on March 14, 2026. He is scheduled to appear at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 29.
The protests highlight ongoing activist activities in London, with Take Back Power at the center of these high-profile incidents. The legal proceedings will determine the outcomes for those involved, as authorities continue to address such demonstrations in the capital.
