Charlie Kirk defendant can avoid prison uniform in court but must be restrained

Tyler Robinson (Utah Governor’s Office via AP)

The 22-year-old Utah man charged with killing US activist Charlie Kirk can appear in court wearing his normal clothes but must be physically restrained due to security concerns, a judge has ruled.

Lawyers for Tyler Robinson argued images of him shackled and in prison uniform would spread widely in a case with extensive press coverage and public interest, which they said could prejudice future jurors.

Judge Tony Graf agreed to make some allowances to protect Robinson’s presumption of innocence before a trial in Utah, agreeing that the case has drawn “extraordinary” public and media attention.

Judge Tony Graf speaks during the hearing (Laura Seitz/The Deseret News via AP)

“Mr Robinson shall be dressed as one who is presumed innocent,” Mr Graf said during a virtual court hearing.

Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the September 10 shooting of the conservative activist on a Utah college campus. They plan to seek the death penalty.

While Robinson has no prior criminal history, Mr Graf said the charges he faces are extremely serious and present safety concerns in the courtroom.

While he denied the request to have the defendant appear without restraints, the judge did prohibit members of the media from photographing or filming Robinson’s restraints.

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk — an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters towards conservatism — from a rooftop overlooking a crowded courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.

He was arrested the following night when he turned himself in to police.

Prosecutors have since revealed text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.

Mr Graf ordered Robinson to appear on January 16 and January 30 for his first in-person public hearings.

He appeared on Monday from jail on a blacked-out screen and spoke only to confirm he was present.