Boat Race protester Trenton Oldfield says he is prepared to go to jail

04-09-2012 • http://www.telegraph.co, By Martin Evans

Australian, Trenton Oldfield, was almost killed when he swam into the path of the Oxford and Cambridge boats, causing umpires to call a halt to the historic race.

Mr Oldfield, 35, who claimed to be protesting about elitism, was arrested and later charged with a public order offence. He is due to appear before Feltham Magistrates Court on April 23.

Yesterday, the privately educated charity worker, who is originally from Sydney, said he did not regret his actions and was prepared for the consequences

Writing on his Twitter page, Mr Oldfield, who lives in a £350,000 flat in a trendy part of East London, said: “Thank you for the supportive messages and tweets. Will reply soon. I'm 100% behind my actions, if its jail time, so be it.”

Mr Oldfield’s appearance in the water just eight minutes into the annual University Boat Race, helped make it one of the most dramatic events in its long history.

With the crews oblivious to his presence, the blades of the fast approaching Oxford crew flashed just inches from his head as he ducked under the water.