Southsea man denies breaching restraining order against police and crime commissioner Donna Jones
Robert Hood accused a police solicitor a “paedophile” on multiple occasions, the court heard.
A Southsea man has denied breaching a restraining order against Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner - and harassing a police solicitor.
Robert Hood, 59 from Kingsley Road in Southsea, has been charged with one count of breaching a restraining order against police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, and one count of harassment against head solicitor Roger Trencher.
Appearing in Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, April 24), Hood denied both counts.
The court heard that Hood had been in contact with MrTrencher on multiple occasions, accusing him of being a paedophile. This included posting a video on social media, a complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), sending a letter to Mr Trencher and showing up at his place of work.
A restraining order was put in place against police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, which he is alleged to have breached.
Graham Heath, prosecuting, said: “There was a restraining order to try and prevent this behaviour. Specifically, on April 10 the defendant attended a local police station, to submit a number of papers, and left the building.
“On a video posted from there he said: ‘You are a liar, a narcissist, a thief and will be held acountable with other associates. I will see that justice is done.’
“That video was posted on YouTube and Facebook. By virtue of his actions it came to the attention of the individual, and this is indirect contact.”
Defending Hood and appearing via video link, Angelica Covaci said: “The defendant denies the allegations. The intent was not to the complainant, in this case.”
Hood was given the choice of either having a summary trial at magistrates court, or appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court to be tried by a jury. He said: “I select crown court, and a jury.
“I object to the jurisdiction of this court - I want this taken out of Hampshire.”
Hood will appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday, June 1. Until then, he has been remanded in custody.