TWO eco-protesters accused of throwing tomato soup over a Van Gogh painting are seen laughing and joking on London’s Tube after they were released from police custody.
Anna Holland, 20, and Phoebe Plummer, 21, were grinning minutes after being granted bail at court.
Phoebe is seen carrying a can of soup in a plastic bag.
They are said to have targeted the artwork — which was not damaged — at the National Gallery, London, on October 14, and glued their hands to a wall.
Plummer, from Lambeth, and Holland, from Newcastle, pleaded not guilty at Westminster magistrates’ court the next day.
They were snapped wearing police-issue grey outfits having spent the night in cells.
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An eye-witness said: “They were laughing in the face of justice.
“They were chuffed and pleased with themselves. They were enjoying themselves.
“It was a joke to them. I hope they are found guilty and get a harsh punishment. What they are doing is outrageous.”
The witness said they were both “very smug” and enjoyed the attention.
They added: “I thought they looked very entitled. Very smug.
“Especially when you consider the mess they had just caused.”
Prosecutor Ola Oyedepo said the pair threw the ‘orange substance’ knowing there was a ‘protective case’ over the actual painting, though damage was caused to the frame.
She said it is unclear at this stage what the value of the damage is but said it is ‘significantly below the £5,000 cost threshold’.
