23/04/2012

Swimmer In Court Over University Boat Race Disruption

The man accused of disrupting the University Boat Race by swimming in the River Thames has appeared appeared at Feltham Magistrates' Court charged under the Public Order Act.

The race was stopped on 7 April when the Oxford and Cambridge boats were side by side near Chiswick Eyot after a man was seen swimming in the path of the boats.

He was released on bail with restrictions preventing him from entering the City of Westminster on 9 May for the state opening of Parliament and forbidding him from going into the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead prior to his next court appearance.

During this time, a number of events are planned in the borough to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

A further bail condition bans Mr Oldfield from using - or being within 100m (328ft) of - roads which form part of the Olympic torch route.

It was the first time in history that a swimmer disrupted the event.

The race was restarted nearly half an hour later. Cambridge went on to win after Oxford broke an oar.

Mr Oldfield is due at Isleworth Crown Court on 28 May.

(H)


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