Protests24 September, 20262 min read
Del Somerville Jailed Two Years For Throwing Bottle At Police During Portsmouth Anti-Migrant Protest
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Del Somerville, 42, jailed for two years for throwing a plastic bottle at police Incident occurred during anti-migrant protest near Eastney Marina, Portsmouth on September 6
Somerville jailed in Portsmouth
Del Somerville, 42, was jailed for two years after admitting violent disorder connected to an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth near Eastney Marina on 6 September, at Portsmouth Crown Court. Judge Daniel Sawyer told Somerville that his sentence would act as a deterrent to others following subsequent protests in the area and described him as a "thug". Prosecutor Edward Warren said the case arose out of violence on the night of 6 September following the arrival into the country of 114 illegal migrants from France, who were diverted to Eastney marina escorted by the Coastguard and the RNLI.
The court heard police body-worn video identified Somerville throwing a small bottle and swearing at police at about 23:30 BST, as he was with a large group held up by the police line. Defence barrister Helen Easterbrook said Somerville had been "caught up" in the disturbances and described him as attempting to be a calming influence on the crowd.
Bottle, swearing, and police line
Somerville pleaded guilty to violent disorder for his part in the anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth on 6 September, and he later pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of assaulting a police officer relating to an incident on 11 September. The court heard Somerville said he had found the bottle on the ground and was going to throw it into a nearby bush, but he was angry and threw it up into the air. Judge Daniel Sawyer told Somerville, "Police officers dedicate their lives to the protection of the public regardless of their own views," and the judge said those who assault them would be punished.
Edward Warren said the protest initially appeared "peaceful and lawful" before a large number of people gathered on Ferry Road near the marina. The court also heard four other men were awaiting sentence after being charged with violent disorder following the protest in Eastney.
Aftermath and further charges
Hampshire Police said official vehicles were damaged and a small number of police officers were injured at the scene after more than 200 people gathered at Eastney Ferry Landing following the arrival of an 140 migrant "mega-dinghy". The RNLI announced it had launched a security review after some members had their names and photos leaked online and were called "traitors" for carrying around 140 migrants intercepted off the Isle of Wight to land. On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Gosport after anti-migrant activist Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, filmed himself going out to sea to try to intercept a dinghy carrying dozens of migrants.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said three people were charged after they gathered at the marina where they thought the boat’s passengers were due to arrive, and six people were arrested by officers during the evening. Somerville remained before the courts on the separate assault charge, with the BBC stating he would face trial at Portsmouth Magistrates Court at a later date.