Windsor gatecrasher escapes action

The comedian who breached security to gatecrash Prince William's 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle will face no further action from police, Scotland Yard has said.

Self-styled Comedy Terrorist Aaron Barschak, 37, was able to approach the prince dressed as Osama bin Laden before he was arrested.

Scotland Yard said no further action would be taken against him following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Barschak was initially released on police bail after he evaded officers from the royalty and diplomatic protection group and got into the African-themed party on June 21.

At least nine police officers were served with notices telling them they were under disciplinary investigation over the incident.

A senior officer - Chief Inspector Mark Goddard - was also moved to other duties by mutual consent while the investigation was carried out. He commanded the castle's security and has been replaced by Paul Seery.

The inquiry into the incident is being headed by Commander Frank Armstrong of City of London Police.

Barschak decided to invade the party to promote his comedy act at the Edinburgh Festival. He climbed a tree next to a 12ft perimeter wall and then dropped 8ft down into the grounds, before talking his way into the party reportedly claiming he was a guest who had got lost - even though he had no invitation and was not on the guest list.

Most of the Royal Family were at Windsor Castle to celebrate William's birthday, leading to fears that a terrorist could easily have gained access to the high-profile event.

After the incident, furious Home Secretary David Blunkett warned anti-terror chiefs that their heads were "on the block". He said he was "deeply concerned" but was not looking for scapegoats.

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