Man denies defacing Queen’s image

Tim Haries, from South Yorkshire, is alleged to have smuggled a can of spray paint into the abbey on Thursday, June 13 before defacing the picture.

Appearing at London’s Southwark Crown Court yesterday, the 42-year-old pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing criminal damage of more than £5,000.

The electrician, from Bellis Avenue in Doncaster, was bailed and will go on trial in January.

The painting, by artist Ralph Heimans, had been on display in the Abbey’s Chapter House for only a few weeks before it was vandalised.

Haries allegedly shouted “Fathers4Justice!” when he was arrested.

The artwork had to be removed from public display for repairs before going back on show in July.

Haries was supported by a number of Fathers4Justice campaigners in the public gallery, although the group said the act at Westminster Abbey was not an official protest.