Man accused of leaking asylum seeker home addresses targeted in disorder
A man who works for a firm providing housing for asylum seekers has been accused of leaking the addresses of homes which were later targeted during several nights of disorder
A man who works for a firm providing housing for asylum seekers has been accused of leaking the addresses of homes which were later targeted during several nights of disorder.
The properties were targeted in the Norfolk market town of Thetford and police officers were assaulted during three nights of anti-immigration unrest earlier this month.
Norfolk Police said officers were “subjected to significant aggression” including officers being hit with a rock, bitten and spat at.
The force said last week that 21 arrests had been made in connection with the disorder
James Jobson, who works for Serco, a multinational firm which provides outsourced public services, has been charged with misconduct in public office, the force said.
Serco’s website states that one of its services is to “provide housing and support for asylum seekers in the community”.
Jobson, 62, of Highlow Road, Costessey, Norfolk, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Norfolk Police said the case was “in connection with the release of information relating to a number of addresses in Thetford, which were later targeted during several nights of violent disorder”.
Crown Prosecution Service guidance on misconduct in public office says there is “no simple definition of a public officer, and each case must be assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the role, the duties carried out and the level of public trust involved”.
Jobson was remanded in custody to appear at Norwich Crown Court on September 14.
A Serco spokesperson said: “This matter is currently being handled by the police, and we are co-operating fully.
“As this relates to an ongoing legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”