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 years old, denies common assault, and obstruction of police. His lawyer pulled out because he was “professionally embarrassed” by the situation.
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.
Jonathan Chew (left, and right in the video with Whitty) appeared on a court videolink today lying on his bed in a dressing gown which revealed his bare chest as he claimed to have coronavirus
The duo filmed themselves hounding Whitty when he walked through St James’ Park on June 27
Hughes was fired from his position as estate agent because his employer saw the video. He admitted to common assault and received an eight week sentence suspended for two year.
Chew, however, denied the charges of common assault and obstruction police. He allegedly named his brother in order to give it to officers after the incident.
He was seen in court live today from his bedroom.
Peter Fallen, his lawyer, told him that he tested positive for coronavirus.
Daniel O’Donoghue was the prosecutor and questioned Covid’s test results.
Fallen stated to the court that he had decided to withdraw from the case after he felt ‘professionally embarrassed’ before the trial started.
Jonathan Chew, 24, pictured outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in June, denied common assault and obstructing police
He stated to the court, “I’m no longer able continue to represent Mr Chew. I’m sorry to say that, for professional reasons.”
Chew was asked if he would like him to represent her at the trial.
Chew replied, “It’s tricky that one,”
He became increasingly frustrated with the hearing and insists that Professor Whitty must be in court.
He demanded, “The law says that I am allowed to allow him to visit.” “I want Chris Whitty to be there.”
Judge Goldspring said, “I suspect I know a lot more about law than you,” and explained that Professor Whitty doesn’t legally need to go to court because all facts have been agreed between defense and prosecution. Therefore, there is no legal basis for the defence’s right to cross-examine him.
Chew was having fun and took a picture with Professor Whitty to show his mom.
Lewis Hughes, 23 (right in video), was dismissed from Caplen Estates Agents when the clip reached his boss.
“You have it all wrong. I was in court. Chris Whitty is required to appear in court. I have agreed, Chew down the CVP Link.
He said, “I feel innocent.” He said, “I’m facing an assault charge that I don’t believe I have ever committed.”
Judge Goldspring commented, “A remarkable recover from two minutes ago.
Chew exasperatedly stated, “You’re not listening” “I have coronavirus. Is corona not real? I feel as if what you do now is victimizing me. I’m being called a liar by you.
Judge Goldspring stated calmly, “Your cavalier attitude to the severity these proceedings are is breath-taking.”
Chew interjected, “What does the cavalier signify?”
Judge Goldspring replied, “Let’s finish,” I’m completely satisfied that your condition isn’t so serious that you won’t be able to participate in the trial.
However, the trial was adjourned until January 2022 due to Chew’s inability to view the CCTV evidence through the video link.
“There is a point at which Mr Chew cannot or will see.” [the CCTV]The proceedings have become somewhat of a farce,” Judge Goldspring said.
Chew was given the task of finding new legal representation. He must also appear personally.
Conditional bail is granted and he must remain at the address provided.
Chief Medical Officer for England Prof Chris Whitty is seen walking past the Department of Health and Social Care in London
In a preliminary hearing, Mr Fallen informed the court that Chew had tested positive for Covid around five days before and was therefore unable to attend court.
He replied, “I am not certain if it was a PCR testing or a complete test.
“We received two documents with the NHS logo that we passed on to the Crown.
He sounds extremely unwell and has trouble with normal sleeping patterns.
O’Donoghue challenged the validity of the document. He said the police tried to inquire but the NHS would not share the confidential information.
The police arrived at his home to determine if the man was still intoxicated. However, his brother’s girlfriend opened the door to confirm that he wasn’t there.
According to Mr O’Donoghue, ‘It appears that he’s breaching bail conditions.’
He said that “The Crown is skeptical of the veracity these documents,” especially considering that he presented a medical certificate at his last hearing stating that he suffered from tonsillitis.
After Judge Goldspring said Chew was well enough to continue with proceedings, the defendant sat upright and no longer appeared to be in bed.
“I have Corona. I’m ill. Chew said that she was very ill. “I am hot and sweating. I’m delirious.’
He added, “You are the judge and not I.”
Judge Goldspring stated, “It’s so nice of you to say that Mr Chew,”
Chew responded, “Thank you,”
Chew became more agitated during the hearing and claimed that everyone at the court was harassing him.
He asked: “Is that the Freemasons?” Does anyone have a solicitor in their corner? It could be a conspiracy theory. It is very sad.
One time, he was seen in his dress gown leaving the room.
Judge, it’s delusional, judge,’ he said again. Judge: ‘I feel like a fainting and all that stuff.
Judge Goldspring decided that he would continue the trial, as Chew stated that he was content to proceed without representation.
He said, “Me Mr Jonathan Chew does not want to be represented”.
Daniel O’Donoghue was the prosecutor. He claimed he planned to show CCTV footage from the alleged attack during the trial, but Chew couldn’t see it because he was not on the video link.
Judge Goldspring stood for ten minutes, while court staff tried to show Chew footage via video link.
He started to cough loudly and blow his nasal air, just like he had at the start of the hearing.
Chew could now see the footage thanks to this technology, despite Mr O’Donoghue’s attempts to sit on a chair and hold his computer up to it.
Judge Goldspring stated, “The truth is that I do not believe we can legally have a trial under the circumstances in which we are now.”
Chew was still bouncing in front of the camera at this moment. There was an audio video and TV on the background.
He explained that it was important to get legal advice.
A judge stated that Professor Chris Whitty is not available due to national crises and the Omicron waves.
Chew exclaimed, “Woohoo! Ah!” after Judge Goldspring had left the courtroom. Then he logged off the video conference.
Chew, who was alleged to have been at an anti-vax demonstration in central London just before the incident occurred, claimed that she also suffers from ADHD and autism.
Natasha Chew from Barking said that he did not mean any harm and misread the situation.
Chew of Chelmsford in Essex will be tried at Westminster Magistrates Court for assaulting and obstructing an officer who is performing their duty.