Downing Street security breached by wandering couple
Visitors to Downing Street must pass through wrought iron gates
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Sunday, 10, Jun 2007 11:14
A couple walked on to Downing Street unchecked after they managed to get access to the restricted area through a neighbouring building.
Obadiah Marius, 44, and his girlfriend had not been searched prior to walking onto the street, a Downing Street spokesman confirmed.
The pair were arrested under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
The BBC reports Mr Marius was charged by the police but his girlfriend has been released.
Mr Marius' lawyers claim their client made a "genuine mistake" when he walked on to the street housing the prime minister's residence.
The pair managed to gain access to Downing Street through the Cabinet Office building on 70 Whitehall. They walked into the building and to the end which backs on to Downing Street without being challenged or searched.
Visitors to Downing Street normally go through various security measures including checks on identity and screening with airport-style scanners.
But the path allowed Mr Marius and his girlfriend to avoid the wrought iron gates that were installed in the 1980s to protect the prime minister from bombers.
A Downing Street spokesman rejected any suggestion the couple had got inside the prime minister's residence.