A MAN accused of dancing on an ambulance during World Cup celebrations while sporting a Gareth Southgate-style waistcoat will stand trial for criminal damage.
James Elton, 27, is one of a group of people caught on camera climbing on the rapid response ambulance car in the wake of England's 2- 0 victory over Sweden on July 7 last year.
The vehicle had been parked close to London's Borough Market where crowds had gathered to watch the match.
The ambulance suffered extensive damage to its bonnet and windscreen, as well as dents and scuffs to the roof as a result of being used as an impromptu stage.
Footage of the incident was broadcast by a number of news outlets and circulated widely on social media.
Elton appeared at Inner London Crown Court today where he denied one count of damaging property.
Jim Sturman QC, for Elton, said he accepts he is the man pictured in the footage climbing on the ambulance but denies he caused any of the marks on the vehicle.
He described his client's dance moves as a "soft shoe shuffle" that would not have caused any harm.
Elton is due to stand trial alongside Perry Kangyue Jian, 26, from Poplar, London; Larissa Bell, 21, from East Kilbride; and Scott Dennett, 25, from Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, on June 24 this year.
Judge Jeremy Donne QC granted him unconditional bail until that date.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here