Mr Horkan was among a notable trio at the protest early yesterday, standing alongside freeman of Newcastle Doug Lithgow and former Citizen of the Year Paul Walsh.

But the 2012 Citizen of the Year was stopped and patted down on the roadside about 9.30am yesterday after police believed he had been acting suspiciously.

A number of protesters rushed away from the fences around the figs when police searched the 59-year-old Save Our Figs member and his car.

The officers left after speaking to Mr Horkan but returned later, confiscating several items from his car boot including rope.

It is understood the police concern may have stemmed from the items’ potential to be used as part of the protest to disrupt the peace.

Mr Horkan, 59, of Cunningham Street, Birmingham Gardens, remains on bail to face a charge of entering enclosed lands at Laman Street in October last year.