Two men have been given suspended prison sentences after admitting violent disorder during an anti-migrant protest in Eastney, Portsmouth, on 6 September. Justin Dixon, 50, and Deano Ryan, 22, were involved in a demonstration that followed the arrival of approximately 120 migrants who had crossed the English Channel.
Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Dixon was filmed pushing a large metal gate towards police, while Ryan was filmed appearing to throw stones. Prosecutor Josh Happe stated that the protest involved 200 to 300 people and "quickly turned into large scale public disorder," with seven police officers assaulted and missiles thrown.
Judge Daniel Sawyer told Dixon he had come within "a hair's breadth of going to prison." Dixon, of Cross Way, Havant, received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, along with 260 hours of unpaid work and a three-month curfew. Ryan, of All Saints Road, Portsmouth, was given 14 months suspended for two years.