Man Jailed for Throwing Bottle at Police During Anti-Migrant Protest
Del Somerville, 42, received a two-year sentence for violent disorder during a demonstration following the arrival of 114 migrants in Portsmouth.
A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in violent anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth. Del Somerville was jailed after throwing a plastic bottle at police officers and swearing at them during a demonstration on September 6. He is the first individual to be arrested and sentenced in connection with the disturbances.
The protest erupted following the arrival of a small boat carrying 114 migrants, who were escorted to Eastney Marina. Hundreds of people gathered, and the situation escalated as some attempted to block coaches carrying the disembarked migrants. According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, seven police officers sustained injuries and received on-site treatment, while vehicles belonging to the Coastguard and Border Force were damaged.
During sentencing, Judge Daniel Sawyer described Somerville as a "thug" and stated the sentence was intended as a deterrent for future protests. The prosecution detailed that the incident stemmed from the arrival of migrants who had crossed the English Channel from France. Initially, a peaceful gathering of local residents occurred, but it grew significantly, with "organised elements" and online encouragement contributing to a larger attendance.
As public awareness spread online, protests began to emerge in other areas, prompting Hampshire Constabulary to declare a major incident. Significant police resources were deployed to maintain public order and ensure the safe relocation of the arrivals. Bricks, stones, and bottles were reportedly thrown at police and community wardens, some of whom were trapped in their vehicles for hours. Damage to property in the area was also reported.
Body-worn video footage showed Somerville interacting with protesters and police. At one point, he was seen throwing a "light plastic bottle" and shouting at officers. Later, he was observed pushing through a police line and shouting abuse. Somerville was tracked to his van on September 11, and he faces a separate charge of assaulting a constable during his attempted arrest, which he denies.
During his interview, Somerville claimed police were responsible for the violence and alleged he was struck with a baton and sprayed with CS gas. His defense argued that he was initially caught up in the events unfolding near his boat at the marina and that his initial involvement was to ascertain what was happening. They stated he attempted to de-escalate the situation before throwing the bottle, which was not intended to cause harm. The defense also mentioned Somerville has experienced mental health issues.
The judge countered that Somerville "made a decision to engage in this behaviour" and was not merely caught up in the disorder. The court heard that local residents reported feeling fearful in their homes amidst the protests.