A man accused of assaulting Chris Whitty in a Westminster park has appeared on a court videolink lying on his bed in a dressing gown which revealed his bare chest as he claimed to have coronavirus.
Jonathan Chew, 24, who denies common assault and obstructing police, demanded the chief medical officer be present at the hearing today after his own lawyer withdrew from the case because he was ‘professionally embarrassed’.
Chew and estate agent Lewis Hughes, 23, filmed themselves hounding Whitty when he walked through St James’ Park on June 27, appearing to put him in a headlock as they demanded a selfie.
Hughes, who lost his job as an estate agent after his employer saw the footage, admitted common assault in July and was handed an eight-week jail term suspended for two years.
But Chew denied common assault and obstructing police after he allegedly gave his brother’s name to officers following the incident.
He appeared in court today live from his bedroom coughing occasionally and wearing a dressing gown which slipped down to reveal his bare chest.
His lawyer Peter Fallen told the court he had tested positive for coronavirus.
But Daniel O’Donoghue, prosecuting, questioned the Covid test results.
Before the trial began this afternoon, Mr Fallen told the court he was withdrawing from the case because he is ‘professionally embarrassed’.
Jonathan Chew, 24, pictured outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June, denied common assault and obstructing police
‘I am no longer able to continue to represent Mr Chew, I’m sorry to tell you, for professional reasons,’ he told the court.
‘You would probably like to be represented at your trial,’ said Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring,’ asked Chew.
‘It’s a tricky question that one,’ Chew responded.
He became increasingly exasperated during the hearing and insisted Professor Whitty should be at court.
‘The law is that I have the right for him to come,’ he demanded. ‘I want Chris Whitty there.’
‘I suspect I know a bit about the law than you do,’ Judge Goldspring responded, explaining that Professor Whitty does not legally have to attend court as the facts have been agreed between the prosecution and defence, meaning there is no reason for the defence to cross-examine Professor Whitty.
Chew’s case is that he was being playful and wanted a selfie with Professor Whitty for his mother.
Lewis Hughes, 23, (left, and right in the video) was fired from Caplen Estates Agents after the clip found its way to his boss
‘You’re getting it all wrong. I’ve been in court. I’ve agreed that Chris Whitty has to be in court,’ shouted Chew down the CVP link.
‘I feel like I’m innocent,’ he said. ‘I’m answering an assault charge which I don’t think I’ve done.’
Judge Goldspring said: ‘A remarkable recovery, I might say, from where you were two minutes ago.
‘You’re not listening to me,’ Chew said exasperatedly. ‘I’ve got diagnosed coronavirus. Are you saying corona is not real now? feel like what you’re doing now is victimising me. You’re calling me a liar.’
Judge Goldspring said calmly: ‘Your cavalier approach to the severity of these proceedings is breath-taking.’
‘What does cavalier mean,’ Chew interjected.
‘Let me finish,’ said Judge Goldspring. ‘I’m entirely satisfied that you’re not so unwell that you can’t participate in your trial.’
But the trial had to be vacated until 4 January 2022 because Chew was unable to see the CCTV evidence via the video link.
‘There does come a point, whether or not Mr Chew can or can’t see [the CCTV] that the proceedings become a bit of a farce,’ said Judge Goldspring.
Chew has been tasked with finding new legal representation before then and he must appear in person.
He is on conditional bail and must stay at the given address.
