On 13 September 2016, Rupert Quaintance was arrested at the home where he was staying in Erith. He was charged with seven counts of harassment (putting people in fear of violence) under Section 4 of the Freedom from Harassment Act 1997. This was later reduced to five counts. Despite several attempts to have his bail varied so he could retrieve his passport and return to the United States, Rupert eventually stood trial at Southwark Crown Court, beginning on 21 August 2017.
The following is our day-by-day coverage of that trial. Each link will take you to that day’s court activities:
Day 1: In the hallways, and Court Order to restrict reporting
Day 2: Prosecution opening statement, and prosecution witnesses
Day 3: Admissions, police witness, and Rupert takes the witness stand
Day 5: Judge’s summation, further review of video evidence; review of admissions; jury sent out
Day 6: Rupert found guilty of two counts of Harassment 4; sentencing
Appeal: Rupert Quaintance appeal quashed