Doncaster anti-lockdown campaigner fears COVID-19 infection after Frenchgate Centre incident

Phillip Anthony Hartley, 36, was among a group of people arrested in London last month protesting against the coronavirus lockdown, claiming the lockdown was illegal and that the virus is fake.

Yesterday, he filmed himself being escorted from the shopping centre in Doncaster after an altercation with security staff.

In a Facebook post shared after the incident, he said: “I want him done for manslaughter. If there’s really a deadly disease about, the man laid his hands on me.

“He could have infected me. He could be a carrier. There’s meant to be a deadly disease. He could have caused me serious risk.”

Mr Hartley was released under police investigation following his arrest in Hyde Park, London on May 16.

Mr Hartley, who describes himself as a love campaigner and was involved in the controversial Tent City project in Doncaster several years ago, says he attended the demonstration to give out free hugs and stickers.

Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was also among those arrested after scuffles broke out.

The demo, linked to far right group Britain First, claimed that the coronavirus lockdown is unlawful and that COVID-19 is fake and spread by 5G phone masts.

A spokesman for the Frenchgate Centre said they would not be commenting on yesterday’s incident.