Women sentenced for migrant protest police assaults

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October 15, 2026
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Two women who admitted assaulting police officers during an anti-migrant protest have been given suspended jail sentences.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the former Haslar naval base in Gosport, Hampshire, on 22 September, believing that a group of asylum seekers would be landing after being picked up in the Channel.

Sally Pearson, 31, caused ligament damage to an officer when she punched him, and Shannon Dodds, 32, sprayed personal attack deterrent spray into police officers’ faces, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.

Pearson was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for a year. Dodds was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 18 months.

Hampshire police deployed officers to the town on 22 September “to help facilitate peaceful protest, ensure the safety of the local community and support partners in the event of any emergency at sea”.

A total of 51 migrants were ultimately taken to Dover after their boat, which had travelled to the UK from France, was intercepted.

A dispersal order was in place in the area and the attacks by the two defendants happened as police tried to move protesters to a designated area for demonstration.

Pearson, of Forton Road in Gosport, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and racially aggravated harassment at a previous hearing.

The court heard she punched a police officer with a closed fist, causing suspected ligament damage to his thumb. The injury forced him to be off work for three weeks.

Prosecution barrister James Kellam said the mother-of-three then shouted racial abuse at another officer as they attempted to restrain her.

Defending, James Wing said Pearson, who had no previous convictions, had “reacted badly in a moment of madness”, which she now regretted.

He said Pearson, a full-time carer for her partner, was “deeply remorseful” and had apologised for her actions.

Passing sentence, the judge told her: “Police officers are doing a public duty, they do not deserve to be insulted in that way and not in this unpleasant racial way and they do not deserve to have punches aimed at their faces.”

Pearson was also given a probation supervision order and told to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Kellam said Dodds, of Leonard Road in Gosport, had attended the protest wearing a beanie hat, a face covering and sunglasses in a bid to disguise herself as she stood with arms crossed in front of the police line, refusing to move.

The prosecutor said that after she was pushed by officers in an attempt to move her on, she sprayed a “Walk Easy personal safety repellent” that went into the faces of two constables.

‘Strong feelings’

Kellam said: “It must have been extremely alarming not knowing what has been sprayed in their faces for these two officers.”

He added that the effects had been “short-lived” after they had washed their faces numerous times.

Defending, Wing told the court Dodds had a drinking problem and suffered from “complex PTSD”.

He said she had carried the spray “for personal protection” and had not brought it to the protest with the intention of attacking anyone.

Passing sentence, Judge James Newton-Price KC said: “You expressed strong feelings about the migrant issue having read online information spread by anti-migrants.

“You need to be careful about believing everything you read online and getting stirred up by it.”

Dodds was also ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work and given a probation supervision order.

BBC News

Man jailed for racially aggravated attack

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October 14, 2026
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A man has been jailed for 18 months after he threatened to kill staff and students at Bradford College with garden secateurs during a tirade of racial abuse.

Bradford Crown Court was told David Noutch, 32, had approached students outside the college on Great Horton Road on 9 October 2025 while intoxicated. He started a fight before threatening security guards, directing racial abuse at staff and attempting to attack them with the shears.

Noutch, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty in June to racially aggravated assault, racially aggravated fear of violence and threatening a person with a blade in a public place.

He was sentenced on Wednesday to 18.5 months in jail and 18.5 months on licence.

During sentencing, the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Patrick Palmer, said Noutch had been trying to start a “major incident” and described his offences as “deeply troubling”.

“These are very serious offences, indeed,” he told him.

“You took out a pair of garden secateurs and ran toward Asian members of staff as if to attack them.”

Palmer paid credit to the security guards who were attacked by Noutch and who managed to stop his attempts while being racially abused.

“Members of the public were seriously offended by your conduct, but to their credit they acted responsibly,” he said.

Two people were taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries following the incident, police said at the time.

In a victim statement read to the court by prosecuting barrister Lydia Pierce, one of the victims, Mohsin Saghir, 37, said that as a British-Pakistani Muslim he felt “personally targeted” by Noutch’s attack and he had found it “deeply upsetting and humiliating”.

Saghir had “been internally affected by the abuse and felt it hard to ignore”, Pierce explained.

“The day after the attack, he went to the GP and was told he had experienced trauma and to take time off work.”

In his statement, Saghir added: “Racist and religious hatred has no place in our society.”

Meanwhile, Pierce said that Mahmood Hassan, who received a knee injury during the attack, had suffered sleepless nights and mental health difficulties since the incident.

“He always looks over his shoulder, feeling paranoid and stressed,” she said.

Hassan’s injury had stopped him playing football, leading to periods of depression, Pierce told the court.

“He struggles to be the same at work and suffers with anxiety.”

‘Remorseful and disgusted’

In Noutch’s defence, barrister Jeremy Barton said his client was “remorseful and disgusted when he hears and sees what he did that day”.

He said Noutch had been sleeping rough the night before the attack and had not taken medicine prescribed to him.

“The defendant accepts all the prosecution says, but did not set out that day to behave that way,” Barton said.

He added that Noutch had behaved well in prison, earning “enhanced prisoner” status, and said that his outburst that day was “not deeply held beliefs”.

Noutch – who has 37 previous convictions for 64 offences – was sentenced to a total of 37 months, to serve half in custody and half on licence.

As he has already served more than a year on remand in custody, he would remain in prison for only another six months, the court was told.

BBC News

Soldier who had homemade cannon and “extreme right-wing beliefs” jailed in Sheffield for terror-linked offences

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October 14, 2026
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“He was immersed in extremist material and maintained close contact with three now-convicted terrorists inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology over a prolonged period”

Mark Broadhurst, 28, has been jailed for three years and 10 moths after being found in possession of explosives and firearms for terrorist purposes | Counter Terrorism Policing


A soldier has been jailed for almost four years after he made explosives and a “homemade cannon” while promoting extreme right-wing views and talking of raising a militia.

British Army chef Mark Broadhurst, 28, was arrested at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, in September 2024 and a range of weaponry and explosive substances was then found at his home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Sheffield Crown Court was told.

When police raided his quarters at the barracks and his home address, they found gun powder and a home-made cannon, described by an expert as “crude” and similar to a 14th century gun.

He was also found to have crossbows and bolts, six large knives and a baseball bat.

Mr Justice Hilliard jailed him for 46 months after the soldier admitted possessing explosives and a firearms offence.

At a previous hearing, Broadhurst denied the offences were terror-related, but the judge found that he was trying to impress other members of extreme right-wing groups and encourage them in their violent, racist and anti-authority ideology.

Matthew Donkin KC, prosecuting, said most of the activity surrounding the offending happened before he joined the army.

Counter terror police became aware of Broadhurst while carrying out investigations on other members of extreme right-wing groups and saw his messages on two online forums.

Mr Donkin said: “The things he was posting were hateful, racist, aggressive and they demonstrated clear, extreme right-wing beliefs and views.”

The messages demonstrated a hatred of “black, Asian, Muslim and Jewish people”, the prosecution said.

He made references to anarchy, the end of society and his preparedness to bring this about, the Crown said.

He wanted to be “in history books and criminal records” for terrorism and killing police officers, the court heard.

And he shared the online order he made for the ingredients to make gunpowder.

Jim Littlehales, defending, read a reference from a superior officer which described the chef as “excellent at mentoring junior members of the catering team” and said he worked to the highest standards.

Mr Littlehales said the firearm he made was not used to threaten anyone.

The judge sentenced Broadhurst on the basis that he made the weapon and gunpowder so he would be taken seriously by other members of the extreme right-wing groups.

After the sentencing, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “Whilst Broadhurst pleaded guilty to these offences, he did not accept that his intent had a terrorist motivation.

“A thorough investigation was conducted which uncovered an extreme right-wing mindset and he was engaging in extensive conversations online with other individuals who hold similar views.

“He was proactively ordering components to make explosives, plus he amassed multiple weapons including firearms.

“After hearing the extensive evidence compiled throughout our investigation, the judge was satisfied his offending had a terrorist connection.

“I welcome the sentence handed down to Broadhurst which reflects his mindset and the danger he posed to the public.”

Frank Ferguson, head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “Mark Broadhurst was clearly interested in violence and developing weapons that had the ability to cause untold harm to innocent people.

“He was immersed in extremist material and maintained close contact with three now-convicted terrorists inspired by SS tactics and supremacist ideology over a prolonged period.”

Sheffield Star

Pair sentenced over anti-migrant protest violence

By
October 9, 2026
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Two men who admitted violent disorder at an anti-migrant protest have been given suspended prison sentences.

Justin Dixon and Deano Ryan were involved in a demonstration in Eastney, Portsmouth, on 6 September, after about 120 migrants who had crossed the English Channel in a small boat were brought to shore.

Dixon, 50, was recorded on video pushing a large metal gate towards police, while Ryan, 22, was filmed appearing to throw stones.

Judge Daniel Sawyer, sitting at Portsmouth Crown Court, said both men had played a limited role in the disorder, but told Dixon he had come within “a hair’s breadth of going to prison”.

Dixon, of Cross Way, Havant, was handed an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years. Ryan, of All Saints Road, Portsmouth, was given 14 months suspended for two years.

Prosecutor Josh Happe said about 200 to 300 people were involved in the protest and that it had “quickly turned into large scale public disorder”.

Seven police officers were assaulted and missiles were thrown.

The judge said there was a “general air of hostility and intimidation” at the protest, where some of those demonstrating were wearing masks.

No-one was injured by the gate, which measured 6ft by 20ft, but some officers had to move quickly to get out of its way.

Dixon’s barrister, Lucy Linington, said he had attended the protest because “he wanted his voice to be heard”, and described his actions as a “moment of madness” he now “deeply regretted”.

She said he accepted his actions “did amount to the threat of unlawful violence towards officers”.

Dixon was also ordered to complete 260 hours of unpaid work and will be subject to a three-month curfew.

BBC News

Tommy Robinson’s ex-wife pleads guilty to failing to comply with accounting rules

By
September 25, 2026
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Jenna Lennon divorced Tommy Robinson in February 2021

The former wife of Tommy Robinson has admitted to breaches of company accounting regulations, court officials have confirmed.

Jenna Lennon, 41, entered a guilty plea at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday over a charge relating to non-compliance with corporate record-keeping rules.

During a prior hearing, prosecutor Andrew Evans, representing the Insolvency Service, stated that the “books and records” offence concerned Hope & Pride Limited, a company in which Lennon “was formerly the sole director”.

Public records from Companies House indicate that the business held outstanding corporation tax debts of more than £300,000 to HMRC at the time it was liquidated in September 2023.

Lennon acknowledged in court on Thursday that she failed to surrender books and records to the liquidator as required under the Insolvency Act 1986 between 22 September 2023 and 1 December 2025.

She divorced Robinson, whose actual name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in February 2021. Robinson subsequently filed for bankruptcy in March 2021.

Mr Justice Baumgartner granted bail to the 41-year-old ahead of her sentencing at the court on 26 November.

The Insolvency Service has been contacted for comment.

Earlier this month, Robinson faced allegations of lying under oath regarding his personal own personal finances when a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation was released.

Following a 12-month investigation by the programme, former director of public prosecutions Sir Max Hill KC concluded that some of the material gathered could justify a criminal inquiry.

Robinson rejected the claims in a written statement to Dispatches, saying: “I deny perjury… I deny fraud.”

The documentary – titled Tommy Robinson: Where’s The Money Gone? – asserts that despite collecting hundreds of thousands of pounds in public donations, several high-profile fundraising appeals failed to reach their intended recipients.

Sir Max informed the broadcaster that an alleged failure to pass on funds raised for a survivor of the Telford grooming scandal was “likely to be fraud” through misrepresentation.

The survivor, referred to as “Kate”, stated she received no money from campaigns promoted in her name.

She further accused Robinson of filming a suicidal phone call without her consent and airing it in a documentary using her real name despite promises of anonymity, describing his alleged actions as “despicable”.

In response, Robinson denied using her crisis to make money or broadcasting the footage against her will, stating he recorded the call due to an imminent risk to her life and that Kate was content with the film prior to its release.

The Independent

Two women admit police assaults at migrant protest

By
September 25, 2026
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Two women have admitted assaulting police officers during an anti-migrant protest.

Hundreds of demonstrators turned up at the former Haslar naval base in Gosport, Hampshire, on Tuesday, believing that a group of asylum seekers would be landing after being picked up in the Channel.

Sally Pearson, 31 caused ligament damage to an officer when she punched him, and Shannon Dodds, 32, sprayed an unknown substance into the officers’ faces, Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard.

They are both due to be sentenced on 15 October.

Hampshire Police deployed officers to the town on Tuesday evening “to help facilitate peaceful protest, ensure the safety of the local community and support partners in the event of any emergency at sea”.

A total of 51 migrants were ultimately taken to Dover after their boat, which had travelled to the UK from France, was intercepted.

Pearson, of Forton Road in Gosport, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a police officer and one count of racially aggravated intentional harassment.

The court heard she punched an officer, hitting his hand and causing ligament damage. The officer will be off duty for four weeks. She was released on conditional bail.

‘Threatening’

Dodds, of Leonard Road in Gosport, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting two police officers.

The court heard she had been dressed in black and was wearing a face mask and sunglasses during the protest, and sprayed an unknown substance into officers’ faces and eyes.

The district judge, Anthony Callaway, was shown video footage of Dodds standing in front of a row of officers in a way that he described as “threatening”.

She was refused bail and was remanded in custody.

On Wednesday, Toby Matthews, 33, also of Forton Road, was charged with common assault of an emergency worker. He has been bailed to appear in court on 9 November.

A 19-year-old man and a 36-year-old man, both from Salisbury, who were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass have been bailed with conditions until 22 December while inquiries continue.

A 67-year-old man from Gosport was given a fixed penalty notice for driving without due care and attention, police said.

He was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and has been bailed with conditions until 22 December.

BBC News

Anti-immigration protester admits breaking county ban

By
September 25, 2026
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A man who calls himself ‘The Hotel Investigator’ has admitted breaking a community protection notice banning him from Surrey after attending an anti-immigration protest.

Anthony Barnes, 45, from London, changed his plea to guilty at Staines Magistrates Court on Thursday, having initially pleaded not guilty in November.

Barnes, who runs the YouTube account AY Audits which has 160,000 subscribers, broke the notice by attending a protest outside a hotel in Horley on 23 August 2025.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning he will receive no further action if he does not re-offend within the next year.

BBC News

Man jailed for throwing bottle at migrant protest

By
September 24, 2026
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A father-of-two has become the first man jailed following an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth after admitting throwing a plastic bottle and swearing at police.

Del Somerville, 42, was given a two-year sentence after previously pleading guilty to violent disorder at the city’s crown court following the overnight protest near Eastney Marina on 6 September.

Hundreds of protesters gathered after a boat carrying about 120 migrants was brought ashore near Eastney Beach.

He pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of assaulting a police officer, relating to an incident on 11 September, and will face trial at Portsmouth Magistrates Court at a later date.

Judge Daniel Sawyer told Somerville that his sentence would act as a deterrent to others following subsequent protests in the area.

Describing him as a “thug”, he told the defendant: “Police officers dedicate their lives to the protection of the public regardless of their own views, the very least they can expect is that those who engage in protests treat them with respect and the courts punish those who assault them.”

The court heard Sommerville, from Portsmouth, was among a large group of demonstrators protesting at the arrival of the migrants.

They were brought ashore by the RNLI after being picked up in the Channel. A number of volunteer lifeboat crew members were subject to online abuse following the incident.

Prosecutor Edward Warren said Somerville was part of an “initially peaceful and lawful” gathering of a number of people on Ferry Road.

At shortly before 23:30 BST, he was with a large group of men as they were held up by the police line.

The court was told he was identified in police body-worn video as throwing a small bottle and swearing at police.

When later interviewed by police, he said he had found the bottle on the ground and was going to throw it into a nearby bush, but was angry and so threw it up into the air.

Defence barrister Helen Easterbrook said Somerville had been “caught up” in the disturbances.

She said he had been attempting to be a “calming influence” on the crowd but had thrown the bottle “in frustration”.

Four other men are awaiting sentence having also been charged with violent disorder following the protest in Eastney.

BBC News

Man admits pushing police officer off motorcycle at protest

By
September 23, 2026
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A man has admitted pushing a police officer off his motorcycle during a protest.

The incident took place during an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth and involved 54-year-old Nigel Wylie, of Redbridge Grove, Havant.

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Portsmouth Crown Court following the event, which took place in the Eastney area of the city on September 6 and saw around 200 people gather after the arrival of a dinghy across the English Channel.

Seven police officers were injured during the unrest and Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged.

Judge Daniel Sawyer said: “The context was a large-scale group which began as a protest and turned into violent disorder, which are completely different things.

“Mr Wylie, not quite front and centre but second row and centre of a large group of, largely, men screaming abuse and threats at a line of police officers who were trying to do their jobs.

“Mr Wylie pushed one of those officers off his motorcycle causing him to fall.

“As with all these cases, it’s not just one case of violent behaviour but he was in the middle of a group acting in that way.”

Wylie was refused bail ahead of sentencing, with the judge expressing concerns about the likelihood of reoffending.

The judge said: “Given that these confrontations persist and Mr Wylie was at the forefront of them standing amongst others screaming and shouting abuse and threats at police, and deliberately pushed a police officer off his motorbike, gives me grounds to believe that Mr Wylie would join another such confrontation and would offend on bail.”

A pre-sentence report has been requested, with sentencing set for November 27.

Other people have also been charged and convicted in relation to the protest.

Del Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder and will be sentenced on Thursday.

Justin Dixon, 50, of Cross Way, Havant, also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on October 8.

Deano Ryan, 22, of All Saints Road, Portsmouth, admitted the same charge and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on October 8.

Daily Echo

Man charged after anti-migrant protest

By
September 23, 2026
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A man has been charged with violent disorder following an anti-migrant demonstration in Portsmouth.

A large crowd of protesters gathered near Eastney Marina when a boat carrying about 120 migrants was brought ashore after crossing the Channel at nearby Eastney Beach on 6 September.

Hampshire Police said 54-year-old Nigel Wylie, from Havant, had been charged with violent disorder.

Wylie appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on Saturday for an initial hearing and has been remanded into custody until he returns to court on Wednesday.

Four men have so far indicated guilty pleas on charges of violent disorder in connection with the protests at Eastney

Bradley Pinnock, of Fathoms Reach, Hayling Island, is due to be sentenced on 11 December.

Justin Dixon from Cross Way, Havant, and Deano Ryan, 22, of All Saints Road, Portsmouth, are both due to be sentenced on 8 October.

Del Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove, is due to be sentenced on Thursday.

BBC News