Protester Admits Damaging Stone of Destiny Case at Edinburgh Castle
A protester has confessed to maliciously damaging a display case holding the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle last year. Joe Madden, 22, pleaded guilty to using a rock, hammer, chisel, and other tools to damage the display cabinet in the crown jewels room. The protest group This is Rigged claimed responsibility for the incident, involving three activists, on November 15, 2023. Their protest demanded supermarkets lower the price of baby products and for the Scottish Government to fund food hubs.
During a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Christmas Eve, Madden admitted to causing damage to the cabinet alongside two others. Although he denied breaching the peace, this charge was accepted by the Crown. The court heard how a tour guide leading a group through the crown jewels room overheard someone proclaiming it was a peaceful protest. Upon turning around, the guide saw Madden standing in front of the cabinet containing the crown and Stone of Destiny, armed with various items.
The tour guide witnessed paint being sprayed on the cabinet and observed Madden attempting to smash it with a brick or stone. Subsequently, the police were called to the castle following the incident. The hearing was adjourned to January 23 for sentencing, with the presiding sheriff requesting a background report. In a separate hearing, the other activists involved, Jamie Priest, 26, and Catriona Roberts, 22, were sentenced to unpaid work. Priest received 120 hours and Roberts 180 hours for their involvement in the damage, which cost £2,798 to repair.
The Stone of Destiny has deep historical significance, having been used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs before being seized by King Edward I of England in 1296. It was returned to Scotland in 1996 and is currently on display at Edinburgh Castle. The incident echoes a previous attempt in 1950 by students to return the stone to Scotland, highlighting the enduring symbolism and importance of the artifact.
In Summary:
A protester has admitted to damaging the Stone of Destiny case at Edinburgh Castle last year, demanding changes in supermarket pricing and government funding. The protest group This is Rigged claimed responsibility for the incident involving three activists. The historical importance of the Stone of Destiny underscores the significance of the protest, mirroring past attempts to reclaim the artifact.