A man linked to a far right organisation is to face trial over allegations he assaulted another individual by pulling their hair.
Ryan Bridge, aged 45 and from Blackwell in Worcestershire, attended Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 5 where he entered a not guilty plea to a charge of assault by beating.
The defendant, who established Raise the Colours, faced the accusation stemming from an incident on June 13, 2026, during a demonstration organised by The South East Patriots group in Brighton.
A counter-demonstration dubbed Carnival Against Fascism also took place that day.
The original charge of common assault was altered following an application made by the prosecution, Florence Odongo.
Bridge entered the courtroom dressed in a blue suit.
A district judge informed him that his not guilty plea had been noted and that the case would proceed to trial.
His trial is scheduled to commence on March 15, 2027 at Brighton Magistrates’ Court.
A condition of his current bail terms prohibits him from visiting Queen’s Road in Brighton.
He is due to return to court on that same date.
The June 13 demonstration by South East Patriots in Brighton city centre formed part of a Stop the Boats campaign.
According to figures provided by Sussex Police, approximately 300 individuals participated in the Stop the Boats protest, while an estimated 4,000 people attended the opposing Carnival Against Fascism event.
The demonstrations commenced at Brighton train station at approximately 10:30am on June 13.
Supporters of South East Patriots assembled outside The Railway Bell pub, while counter-demonstrators gathered on the opposite side.
During the demonstrations, Sussex Police confirmed in a statement that officers had deployed riot shields.