Brain injury protester back in dock

The Middlesex University philosophy student was rushed to hospital for emergency brain surgery after he was allegedly struck in the head with a police baton during 2010's London demonstrations against rising tuition fees.

But an IPCC-led investigation was put on hold last year after police brought charges against Mr Meadows instead - for violent disorder.

today half a dozen officers flanked the courtroom door at Woolwich Crown Court as he returned to the dock, while around a dozen supporters rallied in the street outside.

Meanwhile messages of support flowed thick and fast from politicians and trade unionists.

The Unite union's general secretary Len McLuskey said they would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Mr Meadows.

"Just as in today's Arab spring and the bringing down of the Berlin Wall before it, when ordinary people stand up anything is possible.

"Solidarity, justice, dignity and respect are the values of trade unionism. They are the values of a decent society and the right to protest is at the heart of them all."

The Communication Workers Union's Tony Kearns agreed: "Demonstrating against injustices is part of the reason why the trade union movement exists and exercising our right to do this without fear of intimidation is what lies at the heart of this case."

Labour MP John McDonnell said Mr Meadows had "suffered enough" and called for an independent inquiry into the case.

The trial continues.