A man accused of chasing a BBC journalist and calling him a “traitor” during an anti-lockdown protest has denied committing a criminal offence. Martin Hockridge, 57, was allegedly one of several protesters who targeted Newsnight political editor Nicholas Watt on 14 June. Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt was shouted at by protesters (Resistance GB/YouTube) He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress. The court heard that Mr Hockridge, of Harpenden, does not deny calling Mr Watt a “traitor” but denies that his behaviour was an offence. His solicitor, Gemma Motion, said the defendant denies the word was threatening, abusive or insulting or that it would be perceived to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Dressed in black boots, dark jeans, and a camouflage military-style jacket, Mr Hockridge spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address befor...