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G20 protester guilty of bank attack
24.09.09
A G20 summit demonstrator was behind bars today after trying to burn down a bank at the height of clashes with police.
Lithuanian Mindaugus Lenartavicius first helped fellow activists through a broken window at the Royal Bank of Scotland branch before pulling out a cigarette lighter.
Witnesses saw him repeatedly flicking it alight to set window blinds on fire in the Threadneedle Street building near the Bank of England.
The bearded 21-year-old was one of a number arrested as images of the attack and vandalism during the mass demonstrations in the City were beamed around the world.
Speaking through a translator, Lenartavicius, who lived in a squat on the North Circular Road in Palmers Green, north London, admitted one count of arson on April 1 this year.
A not guilty plea was accepted to a similar charge which accused him of "being reckless as to whether life was endangered".
Adjourning sentence and remanding him in custody until October 23, Southwark Crown Court judge Gregory Stone QC said he needed the benefit of a psychiatric report before dealing with him.
Reader views (5)
What the hell is he doing in this country if he requires a translator and lives in a squat? Kick him out!!!!!
- Andy, London
Lone nutter acts like an..... err nutter - hardly much of a story there. Dave Spart was a lot more concenred about the sickening level of police violent on show, copuled with the police misinformation
- Dave Spart, London
"Lack of coverage" how much publicity do you think they merit?
- Bloke, Lambeth
So when are the bankers getting charged with bankrupting the world economy through incompetence and greed, walking away with huge bonus’s leaving a massive public deficient that will take the rest of years to pay off through increased tax and slashed public services?
- Nj, London
The lack of media coverage against these ultra left thugs is very concerning.
- Brandon Thomas, SW7
