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		</div><p>Police have warned anyone planning to stage a protest during the court hearing for those accused of pulling down the statue of Edward Colston last summer that they will be breaking the law.</p>
<p>Rhian Graham, 29, Milo Ponsford, 25, Jake Skuse, 32, and Sage Willoughby, 21, all of no fixed abode, will appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court for their first hearing on Monday.</p>
<p>The bronze memorial to the 17th century slave merchant was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter protest on June 7 last year before being dumped in Bristol Harbour.</p>
<p>Avon and Somerset Police fear anti-racism protesters will gather outside the court in breach of lockdown rules banning public gatherings of more than two people.</p>
<p>Although there are certain exemptions to the rule, protests are not allowed.</p>
<p>An alternative online protest has been set up but the force said it was concerned some people might still choose to show up outside the court.</p>
<p>Currently, anyone organising a gathering of more than 30 people could face a fine of up to £10,000, while participants can be handed a fixed penalty notice of up to £200.</p>
<p>Inspector Rob Cheeseman said: “We fully recognise the important right to freedom of expression and right to assemble but there is a deadly virus which has killed more than 90,000 people in the UK which simply cannot be ignored.”</p>
<p>He added: “There is no excuse for not knowing the rules as they are very clear and have been very well publicised – people must stay home except for in a very limited set of circumstances.</p>
<p>“Unlike during the first lockdown protests aren’t currently allowed and anyone thinking of flouting the rules and attending a protest is putting others at risk.”</p>
<p>Mr Cheeseman said Avon and Somerset Police have a “comprehensive” policing plan prepared should people choose to gather.</p>
<p>“We will not stand by and allow a small minority to endanger the health of the vast majority who have sacrificed so much to protect others,” he said.</p>
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