Monday 1 September 2014

Neil Masterson pleads not guilty to assaulting George Galloway: Americans fund his defence

Following on from Saturday's posting about the assault on George Galloway MP, Neil Masterson (39) appeared in court today accused of religiously aggravated assault on the MP, assault on a member of the public and possession of cannabis. He pleaded not guilty to all counts and was remanded in custody until the 15 September when he will appear at Isleworth crown court, West London.

It is believed that Masterson is a bachelor who has not worked for quite some time, and is reported to be the carer of a close friend. Wearing a grey sweatshirt, he only spoke to confirm his name in court.

Normally such a person could expect legal aid to pay for his barrister, but Masterson's defence may be funded from the United States, as a woman named Sarah Israel launched an appeal for funds almost as soon as Masterson was arrested on the 30 August. At the time of writing it has attracted $3,745, which is roughly £2,225, from 94 donors. The highest amount given was $360, seemingly from an Israeli, and there are many donations in the $100 region.

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