Judge rejects "Turtleboy's" First Amendment defense in Read trial

A judge dismissed some charges against Aidan "Turtleboy" Kearney, but ruled his First Amendment rights did not protect him from witness intimidation charges related to the Karen Read trial. The judge dismissed six of the sixteen charges against Kearney due to insufficient evidence, but upheld the remaining charges, rejecting his argument that his actions were protected by the First Amendment. The ruling stems from allegations that Kearney harassed witnesses in the Read trial. The case involves allegations that Kearney attempted to influence witnesses in the murder trial of Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend. The judge found enough evidence to suggest Kearney intended to influence the case through his actions.