A vulnerable man accused of intimidating police officers during live animal export protests has spoken of his year of suffering after being cleared of all charges.

Andrew Stewart, of Elm Grove, Westgate, was charged with intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress on four occasions at the Port of Ramsgate during heated exchanges with police last year.

But the 62-year-old, who has learning difficulties, was cleared at Margate Magistrates’ Court on November 2 after it was decided he had no intent to cause distress to officers.

Speaking after his ordeal, Mr Stewart admitted this year had been hell.

“I’ve been worried ever since I was charged at the beginning of the year, really up and down not knowing what was going to happen to me,” he said.

“I felt very vulnerable.”

Mr Stewart admits he shouts and swears when he is protesting, but says this is not to scare anyone.

“I’m standing up for the animals, I think this trade is wrong,” he said.

“I’m not going to hurt anyone. The police have an attitude towards us, they push us back.

“One of the guards down there on the gate called me a ‘spastic’ once. That was outrageous. I shouldn’t have to be treated that way.”

Fellow Thanet Against Live Exports campaigner Reg Bell got behind Mr Stewart and a psychological report was obtained for his court case.

“It was shown very clearly that Andy’s behaviour was a reaction and not intended to cause distress or alarm – he is incapable of forming the intent,” Mr Bell said.

“Anyone who has met Andy and has any common sense could have seen this.

“When he sees the animals in the lorries he gets distressed and this is the way he handles it. We’re not saying it’s right, but protesters have different ways of protesting.

“His shouting and swearing is nothing more than a wolf howling at the moon.

“Andy is both physically and psychologically disabled and when the extent of his limitations was revealed in court, the magistrates quite rightly threw the prosecution out.

“What can be the state of our police when they claim that being sworn at loudly by someone like Andy causes them to feel distressed and alarmed and fearful for their safety?”

Chief Superintendent Alison Roden from Kent Police said: "Whilst it would be inappropriate to comment on an individual court case, in general terms the role of the police is to facilitate the right to peaceful protest and officers engaged on such events are used to tolerating a certain level of hostility aimed at them which is sometimes inevitable in these situations.

"When policing live animal exports officers are required to be both approachable and accessible, in line with our core mission and values and based upon the notion of policing by consent.

"On occasions there may be a deterioration in behaviour by some protestors, it is recognised that officers may have to revert to a firm but fair policing style for those who do not wish to protest peacefully.

"We differentiate between those protestors, and, using our professional judgement and the exercise of discretion, accept a level of tolerance around minor breaches of the law.

"Occasionally however, the behaviour of a minority of protesters goes far beyond what is acceptable and in those situations our response has been proportionate and firm.

"Our job is to present evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who decide if a charge is authorised and then it is up to the court to decide upon the outcome. This process has resulted in a number of successful prosecutions this year."