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A man has been formally charged for concealing his identity during a protest held in Portsmouth, following police warnings about the use of masks and face coverings by demonstrators. The police had announced their intention to arrest anyone wearing items that obscure their faces during the event.
On Saturday, several hundred protesters gathered in Portsmouth’s city centre, with groups opposing migration marching through the area. At the same time, anti-racism supporters assembled at Guildhall Square. Hampshire Police confirmed that Timothy Miller, aged 76 and residing on Sherwood Avenue in Hedge End, faces charges related to concealing his identity at the protest. Miller is scheduled to appear before Portsmouth magistrates on Monday.
In addition, David McNally, 33, from Winchester Road in Portsmouth, was charged with obstructing the highway and attempted criminal damage. McNally’s court date is set for 29 October. According to Hampshire Police, the use of new powers under the Crime and Policing Act enables authorities to prevent protesters from wearing face coverings that hide their identity.
The police maintained order by keeping the opposing groups separated when they arrived at Guildhall Square. These demonstrations followed an incident on 6 September, when officers responded to a situation at Eastney Marina where hundreds of protesters blocked roads to prevent coaches carrying 120 migrants who had crossed the Channel in a dinghy from leaving the city. A 16-year-old male from Waterlooville was arrested during Saturday’s protests on suspicion of violent disorder linked to the earlier Eastney events. He has since been released on bail until 12 December. Furthermore, Del Leon Somerville, 42, from Paulsgrove, faced charges for violent disorder and assaulting a police officer during the Eastney protest and was remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on 16 September
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