Posted on 07/06/2006 7:47:57 PM PDT by LdSentinal
A New Zealand peace activist is facing serious assault charges after he allegedly punched a rock singer in London, leaving the man in a coma.
Christiaan Briggs, 30, who spent three weeks in Iraq with the Truth Justice Peace Human Shield Action Group in 2003, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Tuesday to face a charge of grievous bodily harm.
Police say the incident occurred on June 22 when Briggs allegedly punched 19-year-old Billy Leeson, causing the rising rock star to hit his head on the ground.
Leeson, the lead singer with rock band Les Incompetents - who have supported Pete Doherty's group Babyshambles - was "still very ill", said Scotland Yard spokesman James Nadin.
His condition was described as "critical but stable".
Mr Nadin said an argument broke out between the pair after Briggs allegedly "made advances" towards Leeson's girlfriend.
Police allege Briggs hit Leeson after getting off a bus at Camden Rd in Islington and left the scene.
Briggs handed himself in to police on Sunday and was arrested.
The Herald understands his mother, Karyn, has flown from the family's Napier home to London to support her son.
Briggs' father, John, did not want to comment but said: "It just worries me what they're publishing over there is just one side of the story, not both, so you people should be wary of that."
Asked if his son disputed the facts as presented by the police, he said: "I don't want to say anything until the court case comes."
Christiaan Briggs, a technician with a firm of chartered surveyors in North London, was released on conditional bail of £10,000 ($30,275) and ordered to surrender his passport. He has also been ordered to observe a nightly 10pm to 7am curfew at his sister's house in Kingston, Southwest London.
Mr Nadin said Briggs was to reappear at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on July 17. Briggs was a London-based list candidate for the Green Party in the 2002 election
Just more proof that all liberals are nothing more than little kids who get mad and break things when they don`t get their way.
not very "peaceful" of Briggs.
£10,000 is significantly less than $30,275. It's $18,372. (right now)
Well, we already know that peace activists aren't pacifists.
A principled pacifist would never be confrontational enough to become an activist.
In fact, a pacifist that aspired to activism would be a passivist. Like Ghandi.
hmmm.. well, I am not sure I understand this. I thought Liberalism was the "other" religion of peace?
I'm confused.
Raymond
Good point, though I thought the abrreviation was "NZD" not "£". (thank you, cut & paste, I don't know the "alt" key combo for £!) Anyway, 10K NZDs would be $6045.
Some of the most violent people I've come in contact with, are peaceniks.
As for Brigs, can't wait to hear the justification for hitting on anyother guy's girl right in front of him, then cold-cocking him into a coma.
I'm sure the other guy just ran into his close fist.
this article is hilarious...the group is named "the incompetents"?
and Briggs' handed himself in"?
did the crowd around these guys fighting start singing....
"all we are saaaying...is give peace a chance., all we are saaaaying..is give peace..."
I'd recommend that people get serious when considering "peace" activists, so-called environmentalists and the various left wing menagerie.
Be alert to defend your family and yourself physically and carry a piece if you're involved politically. If your state hasn't passed the "Castle Doctrine" yet, agitate for it.
My home was attacked with a brick through the window about three years ago while my family slept. I won't go into details, but we know who did it and so do the local authorities. But there are no witnesses. The sheriff went out to this individual and did what sheriffs do. After that, he disappeared.
We have a state terrorism law passed after 9-11. It calls for up to 20 years in prison. When we find a witness, I'm going after him.
Anyway, be armed, practiced and ready to defend your family. These leftists are crazy and violent.
A guy punches out a 19 year-old member of "Les Incompetents" after the rocker "made advances" towards his girlfriend. Gee, I guess a Greenie and I DO have somethings in common.
I doubt he voluteered the fact that he's a fraud to the croud. LOL
You have that backwards. Read it again!
Actually, it counds as if the greenie made the advances toward the 19yo rockers girlfriend and then punched him on top of that.
"Ain't nobody more violent than a peace activist"
Thanks for the correction. Both of us feel better now. I no longer feel one with the earth.
'Good point, though I thought the abrreviation was "NZD" not "£". (thank you, cut & paste, I don't know the "alt" key combo for £!) Anyway, 10K NZDs would be $6045.'
It's £10,000 bail which converts to 30,275NZD.
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