New Zealand Man Planned to Throw Manure at Royal Couple

But pleads not guilty to assault

A New Zealand man said Tuesday he had intended to throw manure over Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla in central Auckland just minutes after pleading not guilty in court to planning an assault.

Sam Bracanov, 74, who was arrested on Monday shortly before the royal couple met crowds on the city's waterfront, appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with preparing to commit an assault.

Bracanov, described by police as "a known anti-royalist", denied the charge and was released on bail after being ordered to remain at least 500 metres (yards) from the royals during their New Zealand tour.