A 76-year-old man has been charged with concealing his identity at a protest in Portsmouth, England, following a police warning against the use of face masks by demonstrators. Timothy Miller, of Hedge End, is due to appear before Portsmouth magistrates on Monday.
The charges stem from protests on Saturday where several hundred anti-migrant demonstrators marched through the city center, while anti-racism groups held a counter-protest. Hampshire Police stated on Friday that they would utilize new powers under the Crime and Policing Act to prevent protesters from wearing face coverings that conceal their identity.
Police kept the two groups of demonstrators apart in Guildhall Square. This event follows earlier disorder on September 6, when hundreds of demonstrators blocked roads in an attempt to prevent coaches carrying 120 migrants from leaving the city. The migrants had reportedly crossed the English Channel in a dinghy.
In relation to the Eastney Marina events, a 16-year-old male from Waterlooville was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been released on bail until December 12.
Additionally, Del Leon Somerville, 42, of Paulsgrove, appeared in Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with violent disorder and assaulting a police officer during the Eastney protest. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on September 16.
Another individual, David McNally, 33, of Portsmouth, faces charges of obstructing the highway and attempted criminal damage. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 29.