Man remanded for beheading of Thatcher statue

A theatre producer accused of beheading a statue of former British leader Margaret Thatcher today told a court he was "confident" he could prove his innocence.

This is not a wanton act of vandalism Mr Paul Kelleher

Paul Kelleher, 37, is accused of criminal damage after the head of the statue was knocked off on July 3 at the Guildhall Art Gallery in London.

Mr Kelleher, of Isleworth, west London, who is representing himself, said: "This is not a wanton act of vandalism."

He added: "I would be quite happy or even confident to convince a judge and a jury that this is life imitating art and not wanton criminal damage."

The case was adjourned at City of London Magistrates and a committal hearing was set for October 14.

PA