Kneecap to face no further action from police after Glastonbury performance

Kneecap performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm (Yui Mok/PA)

A criminal investigation into the performance of Belfast rap trio Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival has been dropped by British police.

Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking “no further action” on the grounds that there is “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence”.

The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival.

On Friday, the group, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J J Ó Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer.

In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: “One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.

“We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world’s most famous festival.”

Avon and Somerset Police said: “An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June.

“Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.”

Kneecap have been in the headlines after Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence.

In reference to his bandmate’s upcoming court date, Ó Cairealláin, who performs under the name Móglaí Bap, told Glastonbury they would “start a riot outside the courts”, before clarifying: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”