Chaos in Portsmouth court that sparked dramatic power struggle as 'Nicholas son of Alex' demanded 'inalienable rights' has now concluded

As reported last October, Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court saw a packed public gallery for the case of 64-year-old Leslie Thomas, of Mountbatten Close, Gosport, who may or may not have been in attendance.

He was charged with being abusive at Costa Coffee in Gosport on September 19 when staff said he had to use the chain’s phone app to redeem loyalty points for a drink. The case has now been dismissed and he is not guilty of any charge.

But during the hearing last year a bearded man, who went into court when the defendant’s case was called on, refused to identify himself to magistrates.

Instead, a man who identified himself as ‘Nicholas, son of Alex’ tried to address the court on the unidentified man’s behalf.

The so-called ‘son of Alex’ said: ‘I just need to know from you on the bench here today that all my inalienable rights will be guaranteed in this court today.’

When magistrate Gillian Park did not immediately answer, ‘son of Alex’ added: ‘That requires a yes or a no answer.’

Asked if he was a barrister or solicitor, and who he was addressing, the hat-wearing gentleman said: ‘I’m neither. I’m a private attorney general at law.’

The court legal adviser told him: ‘You’ve got no standing in this court.’

He replied: ‘I do under common law.’

Again told he did not have the right to address the court, he added: ‘That’s not correct, I’m seeking common law jurisdiction in this court.’

Magistrate Ms Park said: ‘The position has been laid down by the legal adviser.’

But ‘son of Alex’ shot back: ‘She’s only an adviser. She has no standing. All my inalienable rights will be guaranteed. She has no standing in this court, she’s merely a clerk.’

With that parting shot he strode out of the courtroom as 17 members of the public gallery watched on.

During the exchange a woman, who was supporting the unidentified defendant, had left. She returned and sat next to the mystery man, who was sitting in front of the dock.

She was asked if she was a social worker but replied the unidentified man was ‘part of our membership group’.

She said: ‘I’m an independent person. A living woman.’

The man - who was dressed in a grey denim jacket with fur collar - was asked: ‘Mr Thomas, are you able to stand?’

He said ‘no’ and remained sitting. Magistrate Ms Park asked him to identify himself but he said: ‘No.’

At this point the magistrate ruled she would proceed in the absence of the defendant ‘as we can’t determine exactly who you are’.

Prosecutor Liam Hunter outlined the public order charge against Thomas with it still unclear if he was present.

Eventually, magistrate Ms Park adjourned the case for trial.

Now, several months on, it has been confirmed the case has been dropped against the defendant.

A court spokeswoman said: ‘The outcome of the trial that took place was dismissed. The defendant was found not guilty.’

Following last year’s hearing, around 20 people were outside the court for the case, one of whom told The News prior to the hearing he was from a Hampshire freeman of the land collective.

SEE ALSO: Dog walker jailed

Police had been enlisted to help security at the entrance to the court.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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