Remembrance Day 'Devil' Sorry For Disruption

A man who skateboarded beside marching troops during a Remembrance Sunday parade has apologised for causing offence.

Jose Paulo Da Silveria who was wearing a pink outfit and horned mask at the time, said he had not intended to disrupt the parade at the Cenotaph in Bristol city centre.

The 38-year-old's lawyer said he suffers from psychiatric problems and was not protesting against the ceremony.

Da Silveria claims he stumbled upon the service accidentally on his way to College Green.

He said: "I apologise for the distress but I wasn't really thinking. I ran into the middle of this thing and I didn't realise what was going on.

"I just came down from Nelson Street and I don't remember seeing any restrictions and no one was stopping me from carrying on.

"It was only when I saw the photographs in the newspaper that I realised what was going on."

Da Silveria, who was speaking outside Bristol Magistrates' Court, received a £65 fine and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

He pleaded guilty to an offence under the Public Order Act of using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Da Silveria wore black and blue striped stockings, red shorts, a turquoise corset, blue blouse, a lace face mask, hat and makeup to court.

Da Silveria, of Somerset House, Lawfords Gate, Bristol, was seen riding through the gathering at 11.45am.

Prosecutor May Li told the court: "He was wearing striped tights, pink frilly knickers, a corset and he had a red and black face cover.

"He was causing harassment, alarm or distress to the public and there was a strong reaction to his presence."

John Roberts, defending, said his client had stopped receiving medication for psychiatric problems but since his arrest his treatment had recommenced.

"As far as he is concerned it was not any form of protest. His care package had come to an end in August and he was not taking any medication."