76-year-old man appears in burqa at court after face-covering charge
Timothy Miller, 76, wore a burqa to Portsmouth Magistrates' Court and denied that he used the garment to hide his identity during a recent anti-migrant protest.
At a hearing in Portsmouth Magistrates' Court, 76-year-old Timothy Miller appeared in a full burqa and contested the allegation that he concealed his identity at a September 12 anti-migrant demonstration. Police had previously warned that participants wearing face coverings would be arrested, and Miller was charged with violating that rule. He argued the veil was a religious requirement, mentioned his recent study of Islam, and questioned why migrants are not similarly scrutinised.
The judge, Stephen Apted, asked Miller to prove the religious exemption and noted the defence did not address the charge. Miller entered a not-guilty plea and the case is set for a February 16 trial, while he seeks crowdfunding for legal costs.
Why it matters
The case tests how UK face-covering bans intersect with religious freedom and protest rights.
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