An eco-campaigner accused of driving at a car boot sale marshal nearly 4 years ago will now not stand trial until December.
Garry Oates is accused of dangerous driving and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident at an event at Sandown Airport on Saturday 26th June 2021. He entered a formal not guilty plea in May 2022.
The trial against Mr Oates – who calls himself ‘Captain’ – was due to begin, after many push backs, on Wednesday 12th February 2025. But lengthy delays in the completion of another trial and the lack of court availability in the week commencing 17th February forced the matter to be adjourned once more.
Recorder McElduff proposed 3 different dates to the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Oates, with hearings both here on the Island and in Portsmouth mooted. After deliberations, it was agreed that the trial be pushed back to 6th May – the shortest length of time – and transferred to Portsmouth.
However, Mr Oates, of Fort Street in Sandown, appeared before Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday (28th February) to argue the matter, successfully presenting reasons as to why the case should not be heard in Portsmouth.
The trial has now been moved once again and is listed for 15th December 2025 at the Isle of Wight Crown Court.
