RAISE THE COLOURS FIGURE ACCUSED OF MAKING INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN
Ben Cullen, a resident of Wallingford and a known member of the Oxfordshire chapter of Raise the Colours, has been formally charged with three counts related to the possession of indecent images.The Raise the Colours movement gained attention last year when members displayed Union Jack flags on streets during protests that opposed immigration policies across the UK.
According to reports, the 45-year-old individual is suspected of creating and possessing 22 indecent images classified as Category A.
Additionally, he is accused of producing 36 pseudo-photographs of children using AI or graphic editing tools, classified as Category B images, and 20 images categorized as Category C.
These alleged offences reportedly occurred in Wallingford on March 25, 2021.
Cullen was scheduled to appear before Reading Crown Court on Wednesday.
The organization Raise the Colours has stated that it was unaware of the allegations against Cullen.
In a social media statement, they clarified, 'Raise the Colours wishes to make clear that we were not aware, and have never previously been aware, of the allegations reported concerning Ben Cullen (Raise the Colours Oxfordshire).
This is the first time we have learned of the matter.' The statement also emphasized that Cullen did not represent or have any official affiliation with the organization.
Meanwhile, Oxfordshire County Council had been engaged in a dispute with the local branch of Raise the Colours over their attempts to display Union Jack and St George's flags on motorways and lamp posts.
The council, which is run by the Liberal Democrats, initiated a legal challenge to stop these activities.
Recently, the council obtained a High Court injunction against Cullen, Kevin Good, Ryan Bridge, Trudy Wells, and any others involved in putting up flags or harassing authorities seeking to remove them.
The court's ruling means individuals displaying flags near public highways in Oxfordshire could face imprisonment of up to two years or significant fines.
County Council leader Councillor Tim Bearder commented on the decision, stating, 'We’re pleased with this result.
The injunction helps protect our residents and workforce and supports our responsibility to keep the highway safe.' He added that the move was not about the flags themselves but about public safety, noting that the council proudly displays national flags and supports residents’ rights to do so, including during the World Cup.
He expressed concern that the actions of Raise the Colours had been unlawful, creating danger and fear in communities for nearly a year.
