A man who previously lived on the Bibby Stockholm barge has appeared before magistrates, facing allegations that he assaulted two female police officers.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
Kenson Noel, aged 30, stands accused of assaulting PC Sinead Sheath and PC Madeline Duncanson during an incident that took place in Bournemouth on October 27. The defendant is also alleged to have caused £60 of damage to a police cell on the same date. Noel has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges brought against him.
The court hearing was held in Poole, where magistrates were informed that a trial date could not be scheduled until August 19, 2025. Noel was granted unconditional bail until that time. However, the court issued a clear warning that the trial could proceed in his absence if he fails to return on the specified date.
Background and Accommodation
Kenson Noel arrived in the UK after fleeing gang-related violence in his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. In May 2024, he was sent to reside on the controversial Bibby Stockholm migrant barge. He was later relocated to the Roundhouse Hotel in Bournemouth, Dorset, a property currently being used by the Home Office to house asylum seekers.
The Bibby Stockholm barge itself has a contentious history. It arrived at Portland Port in July 2023 and had the capacity to house up to 500 migrants while their asylum applications were being processed. Following the general election, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the facility would close. The barge was officially closed last November and subsequently sailed out of Portland Harbour for the final time in January this year after its contract expired. It has since left UK waters.
