A PROTESTER is to face trial over an allegation he obstructed a police officer in Chester city centre.

Philip Kevin McLoughin, who claimed he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court "under extreme duress" on Friday, May 6, did not wish to enter a plea to the charge, alleged to have happened during a protest on Bridge Street, Chester, on January 14.

District Judge Owen Jones said he would record McLoughlin's refusal as a not guilty plea and set a trial date.

Representing himself, McLoughlin, of Irvings Crescent, Saltney, identified himself as "Philip" without his surname, and repeatedly said he was "a living man", while also refusing to appear in the dock.

Prosecutor Alan Currums confirmed a formal charge had been put before the court and a police officer would be called to give evidence.

McLoughlin said he had sent video evidence to the prosecution which showed police behaving criminally, adding he "put the police on notice and the court on notice".

When informed the trial date would be at Chester Magistrates Court on the afternoon on July 28, McLouglin said: "I refuse to participate."

The district judge said McLoughin would be on unconditional bail until that trial date, but if he did not attend court on that day, a warrant could go out for his arrest and the trial could be heard in his absence.

McLoughlin continued to protest and, on being told he was "free to leave the court", replied: "Yeah, I could have done that at any time."