[Platapus]

This kid is stupid and deserves what he got.

"A policewoman later read him section five of the Public Order Act and "strongly advised" him to remove the sign. The section prohibits signs which have representations or words which are threatening, abusive or insulting."

When a law enforcement officer starts quoting and showing you the law that you are breaking, it is a really good idea to listen to them.

If you don't agree with the law, go through your representatives and urge them to change the law.

If you try to "make a statement" by continuing to break the law in front of a law enforcement officer, you can't be surprised if you get in trouble.

"On the website he asks for advice on how to fight the charge: "What's the likelihood I'll need a lawyer? If I do have to get one, it'll have to come out of my pocket money.""

Of course it should come out of your own pocket! You were the idiot who insisted on breaking a law in front of a frickin policewoman after she warned you!!!

Personally I think the law is inappropriate. But inappropriate or not, it is the law and he was warned.

He may have thought he was a big tough man bucking the system, but it appears he is sniveling another tune now.

It is ok to disagree with a law, but that does not give you the right to break it and not accept the consequences. If you want a law changed, don't break it, work though the system.

"We're completely peaceful protesters expressing a perfectly valid opinion. This whole thing stinks."

He is probably right. But the law is the law. Intentions aside, you should not expect to break a law (no matter how much you disagree with it) in front of a policewoman and not get into trouble.

Not that this stupid kid will get into any actual trouble, I am sure the charges will be dropped. Maybe this experience will but the scare into him so that he tries to affect changes within the legal system, instead of without.