THREE people have appeared before York Magistrates' Court after they were charged by officers policing a protest in the city earlier this week.

The court heard that the gathering was peaceful.

A 19-year-old man pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon. Two men aged 22 denied one charge each of having an offensive weapon.

All three come from York and were remanded in custody. They will appear before York Crown Court later this month.

They were arrested in Fawcett Street near the Barbican Centre on Wednesday evening.

Edward Savvas, 19, of Murray Street, Holgate, admitted having what the police called a barbell in his possession in public.

Kathryn Walters, prosecuting, said a member of the public saw what appeared to be a hammer secreted in his trousers and when police searched him, they found the barbell.

Defence solicitor Craig Robertson said because of its length, the item was a dumbbell, not a barbell, and that Savvas had no intention of using it unless he had to in self-defence. He did not brandish it or use it during the incident.

The 19-year-old will appear before York Crown Court for sentence on Tuesday.

Mohammed Wako, 22, of Walmgate, York, denied having a barbell as an offensive weapon in his possession in public.

Adam Boukhaf, 22, of Eboracum Way, central York, was charged with having a pair of armoured motorcycle gloves as an offensive weapon in public. He also denied the charge.

The two 22-year-olds will appear before York Crown Court on August 19 for a plea and trial preparation hearing when they will be asked to formally enter their plea.

All three were represented by Mr Robertson.