Understand
Pair sentenced over Portsmouth anti-migrant protest violence
Overview
Two men have been given suspended prison sentences after admitting to violent disorder during an anti-migrant protest in Eastney, Portsmouth, following the arrival of migrants who crossed the English Channel. Justin Dixon and Deano Ryan were filmed committing acts of violence towards police officers during the demonstration, which involved hundreds of people and resulted in seven police officers being assaulted.
Key points
- Justin Dixon and Deano Ryan received suspended prison sentences for violent disorder at a Portsmouth protest on 6 September.
- The protest occurred after about 120 migrants who crossed the English Channel in a small boat were brought ashore.
- Dixon was filmed pushing a large metal gate towards police officers, while Ryan was filmed appearing to throw stones.
- Judge Daniel Sawyer noted that both men played a limited role, but Dixon received an 18-month sentence suspended for two years alongside unpaid work and a curfew.
- Ryan was given a 14-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
- The demonstration involved 200 to 300 people, leading to large-scale public disorder where seven police officers were assaulted.