Canterbury court sentences royal car protester Jonathan Elliott

A protester has been bound over to keep the peace for 12 months after he lunged at a car carrying the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall before the Archbishop of Canterbury's enthronement.

Jonathan Elliott, 47, was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace after running at the car containing the royal couple in Canterbury, Kent, just before 2pm yesterday.

The incident happened as guests filed into the cathedral grounds for the enthronement of the Most Rev Justin Welby as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.

At Canterbury Magistrates' Court, Elliott asked to be referred to as "Dude" and wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "I'm afraid and therefore unquestionably disobedient".

Unemployed Elliott, of Sydney Road, Whitstable, was told by magistrates that he would have to pay £100 if he breaches the peace within the next 12 months.

Prosecutor Julie Farbrace said: "Mr Elliott is here in relation to a breach of the peace that happened yesterday at approximately 1.50pm.

"There was traffic control around the cathedral for the Archbishop of Canterbury's enthronement, and police were present.

"The police had previously seen Mr Elliott handing out leaflets.

"It was shortly afterwards that Mr Elliott was described as making a clean run at a vehicle which is believed that the Prince of Wales was within."

Ms Farbrace said Elliott, who claims incapacity and disability benefits, was deemed to be a "threat to himself and others" and was arrested to prevent a further breach of the peace.

During the short hearing, Elliott's solicitor, Rocco Marinaccio, said his client had "issues" and accepted that he would be bound over to keep the peace.

Imposing the order, magistrates said that "for a period of 12 months you must not breach the peace or make any disturbance at any public events" or he could face a £100 fine.

PA