A man accused of throwing a bottle towards a police line at an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth and telling officers to “f*** off” has appeared in court.
Del Leon Somerville, 42, is charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty. His first appearance at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court, sitting at the city’s crown court, came ahead of further protests planned in the city in the afternoon.
Charges and Allegations
He did not enter any pleas at the short hearing to charges of violent disorder between September 5 and 8 in Portsmouth, and assaulting a constable on September 11 in Waterlooville.
Prosecutor Lucy Paddick told the court he was accused of throwing a bottle towards a police line and was allegedly heard telling officers to f*** off as the bottle was thrown.
Somerville is also alleged to have kicked out at Pc Peskett, making contact with the officer’s right thigh, when he was arrested, the court heard.
Remand and Warning
He was remanded into custody at the hearing, supported by members of his family in the courtroom, ahead of his next appearance at Portsmouth Crown Court on September 16.
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said Somerville’s arrest was the “first of what we fully anticipate to be a number of arrests” and hoped it would send a “clear warning” to those planning future disruption and disorder.
Police Powers and Further Protests
Groups from South Coast Patriots are expected to demonstrate in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday, and Stand Up To Racism to host a counter protest.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has announced it will employ new powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prevent people involved in protest activity from concealing their identity by wearing face coverings, warning protesters wearing face coverings could face arrest.
The force said it would use the powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2025 to “allow peaceful protest and prevent violence”. The powers will apply to anyone involved in protests within a map area designated by police between 10am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday, and could be arrested for concealing their identity.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Bartolomeo said: “Where a minority of people try to take advantage of the situation to cause violence and disruption, it is right that we use all our policing powers robustly to protect the local community as well as the right of others to peaceful protest.
“We have listened to the concerns of our communities and know how intimidated they feel when they see masked groups descend on their neighbourhoods. This is why we are making use of these new policing powers, to ensure we have every tactic at our disposal, should we need it.
“It is important to stress that this power will apply to any groups that attend the protest and will be enforced equally and impartially. Let me be clear, these powers are not being implemented to prevent protest, but they are being used to help prevent crime and disorder, while making communities feel safer.
“We will support those who want to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate those whose only aim is to create fear and incite violence.”
