Man admits violent disorder after anti-migrant protest in Eastney turned ugly
The CPS has warned that more offenders from the incident will be “brought to justice”.
A man who attacked police at a protest in Portsmouth has been convicted of violent disorder.
Hundreds of demonstrators blocked the road near Eastney Ferry Landing in Portsmouth in the early hours of Sunday, September 6, after a small boat carrying around 140 migrants arrived at the city. What followed was large-scale unrest, where police officers were attacked and vehicles belonging to the Coastguard and Border Force were severely damaged.
Justin Dwayne Dixon, 50, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on September 15, after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charged him with violent disorder.
It came after CCTV showed Dixon acted in a violent manner during the protests. He was seen grabbing a metal gate and running towards officers and striking them with it.
Chris Derrick from the CPS said: “Everyone has the right to lawful protest, but Justin Dixon’s actions clearly crossed the threshold into violent disorder. This was a serious incident during which some protestors became aggressive towards police.
“Actions like those of Dixon have resulted in local residents feeling scared in their own homes.
“Faced with compelling evidence of his involvement, Dixon admitted his role in this disorder. The CPS will continue to work with police to ensure that more offenders are brought to justice.”
Dixon was remanded in custody, and will appear for sentence on October 8 at Portsmouth Crown Court.