Shirley man named in Birmingham flag ban case after murder charge

A man from Shirley who is facing a murder charge has been named as one of seven defendants in Birmingham City Council's legal action against a controversial flag-raising campaign.

Billy Allison, 36, is among the people named in the council's High Court application seeking restrictions on the unauthorised placing of flags on street furniture and other public infrastructure in Birmingham.

The case was heard at the High Court in Birmingham on Tuesday, September 8, but was adjourned until September 30 after the judge raised concerns about how the allegations against the individual defendants had been presented.

Judge Emma Kelly said she was “troubled” that the evidence did not clearly set out what each of the seven men was individually accused of, potentially making it difficult for them to respond fairly to the case.

Allison is one of several people named in the application who have links to Raise the Colours, the campaign that has been involved in putting Union Jack and St George's flags on lamp posts and other public infrastructure.

Why is the Shirley man in court?

Birmingham City Council is seeking an injunction covering alleged flagging activity in the city.

The council says its action follows concerns surrounding the removal of flags and allegations of harassment, intimidation and obstruction. It has argued that an injunction is needed to prevent further incidents involving people putting flags on highway infrastructure.

The council's case is not a ban on displaying national flags. It concerns the way flags are allegedly being attached to public infrastructure without permission.

Allison initially joined Tuesday's hearing by video link but was later disconnected, according to BirminghamLive.

The other named defendants are Raise the Colours figures Ryan Bridge, Julian Keane, Elliott Stanley, Ross Childs, Ben Cullen and Mark Keating.

Allison is separately facing a murder charge

The High Court case comes just days after Allison appeared at Stafford Crown Court over a separate criminal case.

Allison, who is from Shirley in Solihull, pleaded not guilty to murder and grievous bodily harm with intent at a hearing on September 1.

The charges relate to an incident outside a bar in Lichfield on May 24 involving two men. Matthew O'Gara later died in hospital.

Allison remains in custody and is due to stand trial from October 28.

The murder allegation is separate from Birmingham City Council's civil injunction proceedings.

What happens next?

The judge has ordered Birmingham City Council to provide more detail about the allegations against each defendant, including the dates of incidents and references to the evidence being relied upon.

The council must also provide a clearer argument explaining why an interim injunction is required.

The case has now been adjourned until Wednesday, September 30, when the High Court is expected to consider the application again.