Man charged after Gosport protest against arrival of small boat migrants
He's due in court next month
A 38-year-old man has been charged with failing to comply with restrictions imposed on a protest against the arrival of migrants in Gosport after a small boat crossing.
Hampshire Constabulary said around 350 people left Haslar Road at around 2am on Monday after a group of migrants were brought ashore by coastguard, lifeboat and border security staff.
The force had imposed conditions under the Public Order Act as well as powers prohibiting the wearing of face coverings.
A total of 12 people were arrested with suspects including 11 men aged between 22 and 59, and one 57-year-old woman.
They were arrested for offences including assaulting a police officer, drunk and disorderly, failing to comply with conditions put in place on the protest, criminal damage and racially aggravated public order.
Jamie Bennett, of Thyme Avenue, Whiteley, has been charged with failing to comply with a prohibited assembly direction and was bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday November 26.
The other suspects have been released on bail pending further police inquiries.
A force spokesman said: “A small number of officers were treated at the scene for injuries, but no-one in attendance from any agency or the public was seriously injured.
“One person suffering from chest pains was assisted by police officers before our colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service provided treatment.”
The arrests came amid increased tensions over small boat crossings with protesters gathering in ports when arrivals are expected.