Reactions to the Colston 4 verdict as defendants walk free from the courtroom

On Wednesday, a jury found the Colston 4 not guilty of criminal damage to the statue of slave trader Edward Colston that they helped topple in the summer of 2020. It took the jurors just under three hours to reach their decision, which took many by surprise. In this video, Cable presenter Priyanka Raval speaks to a defence lawyer and two supporters of the Colston 4, on the steps of Bristol Crown Court in the moments after their acquittal. Prosecutors alleged that the criminal damage done to the monument was a “cold, hard fact”. But the defence argued the defendants’ actions were proportionate as the statue’s presence in the city was a “hate crime”. Defendant Rhian Graham, 30, gave her thanks to the crowd of activists and supporters gathered outside court, saying, "We have never been alone in this journey." It may not be the end of the high-profile court case as the prosecution could appeal, but for now the Colston 4 can rest easy. www.thebristolcable.org