A PAIR of "Covid deniers" were arrested for dressing up as police at an anti-vaccine protest - and their friends came to court to support them dressed as cops.

People in police costumes were pictured showing support for David Stewart, 43, and Jessica Collins, 32, who regularly dress as "peace officers" and patrol demonstrations.

The couple are accused of wearing bowler hats and black cargo trousers resembling police officers at a protest in Crawley earlier this month.

However, they deny wearing police uniform with intent to deceive, claiming they were not trying to fool the public.

Stewart and Collins appeared at Crawley Magistrates today - with supporters outside heard honking horns.

Prosecutor Mariea Slater told the court: "They were taking part in anti-vax protest.

"They came to police attention by wearing police-style hats with chequered pattern on the hat and hi-vis vests.

"They had shoulder detail very similar to police uniform."

A group of supporters congratulated the couple as they left the court.

The couple, who are describe themselves as "Covid deniers" have been sent for trial in front of Magistrates in March next year.

Speaking after the hearing, Stewart described their arrest as a "farce".

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