An activist referred to as Stop Brexit Man has been acquitted of violating a police order after he broadcasted anti-Conservative and anti-Brexit remixes of The Muppet Show and the Darth Vader theme near the Houses of Parliament.

Steve Bray, 56, played the music on March 20 of last year, just before the then-Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, arrived for his question session.

On Monday, Bray was found not guilty of not complying reasonably with a directive issued under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 concerning “prohibited activities in Parliament Square” at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Following the ruling, Bray, dressed in a blue and white short-sleeved shirt, acknowledged his supporters in the public gallery, one of whom signaled approval with a thumbs up gesture.

The police approached Bray on the traffic island around 11:20 AM, just moments before Sunak’s arrival for the question session, and presented him with a map and a notice informing him of the prohibition on using speakers in that controlled area, as testified in court.

The music played intermittently until shortly after 12:33 PM, when officers confiscated his speakers, according to proceedings at the City of London Magistrates’ Court.

Bray, who hails from Port Talbot in South Wales and represented himself, refuted the charges, asserting that his right to play music was integral to his “right to protest” and noting it was played “occasionally” rather than continuously throughout the day.

Delivering his decision, Deputy District Judge Anthony Woodcock remarked that Bray identified himself as “anti-Tory,” emphasizing that he believed in the importance of disseminating his message. Woodcock noted that Bray requires a certain volume to communicate his message effectively from Parliament Street to the Palace of Westminster.

The judge elaborated that Bray feels his strategy relies on gaining media attention, having invested countless hours in campaigning without being arrested, and generally maintaining a cordial relationship with the police.

He noted that Bray’s equipment is battery-operated and has limitations.

Regarding the issues that Bray protests about, Woodcock acknowledged that Bray could be perceived as “fixated” on these matters, but affirmed his entitlement to express his views as he sees fit.

He also pointed out that using satire to mock the government is a long-standing tradition in the UK.

Bray had previously explained that the Muppet and Darth Vader themes were played specifically as the Prime Minister entered, as it had become customary for him to do so for Sunak, who is reportedly a Star Wars enthusiast.

During the court proceedings, Bray informed the police that the map indicating where he could not use his speakers was inaccurate.

Body-worn camera footage showed Bray, adorned in a yellow and blue top hat, repeatedly insisting to police, “You’ve got the wrong map” and claiming it was outdated, suggesting they verify this with someone higher in command.

When informed that he was not permitted to play music in that area, Bray responded by putting his fingers in his ears and insisting, “No it’s not, it’s not, not here – it’s not wrong here.” He then remarked that he understood the limitations and suggested the officers stick their rules “where the sun doesn’t shine” before lighting a cigarette and averting his gaze.

Several witnesses recounted in court the disruptive nature of Bray’s music, which was reported as audible up to the sixth floor of nearby buildings, leading Bray to express his apologies.

Bray is well-known for his musical protests around Westminster, including playing D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better” at the gates of Downing Street during Sunak’s announcement of the general election amidst heavy rain last May.