Ash Men Jailed for Their Part In Hotel Asylum Protest

Published on: 29 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 29 Nov, 2024

Two men have been jailed for being part of the protest group that hurled objects and shouted abuse outside an Aldershot hotel that was housing asylum seekers.

Joe Howell, 20, of Bareham Drive, Ash, and Alby Brannan, 18, of Winchester Road, Ash, gathered outside Potters International Hotel with around 200 people on Wednesday, July 31.

Potters International Hotel, Aldershot (Google)

The police said that although the majority protested in a peaceful manner, some turned aggressive and violent. People in this smaller group were seen throwing objects at the hotel before banging on the doors.

Others shouted racist abuse and acted in a threatening way towards people staying inside the hotel.

During the sentencing hearing at Salisbury Crown Court today (November 29), the court heard that Howell hurled bikes at the hotel. Brannan was seen throwing fireworks, while Howell was part of the group that banged on the doors.

A police office suffered a minor injury as a result of the disruption.

Officers launched an investigation and charged seven men and a teenage girl with violent disorder. Four men and the girl have already been sentenced.

Howell and Brannan pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Howell also pleaded guilty to common assault of an emergency worker.

Howell was jailed for 22 months, and Brannan for 18 months.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “We know that the majority of people who attended this protest in Aldershot were respectful, however Howell and Brannan were part of a smaller group that chose to act in an aggressive and intimidating manner.

“Their behaviour that day spiralled out of control and caused fear of violence to those inside the hotel and our officers. Our message is clear – this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I hope the sentences that Howell and Brannan received today highlight that this sort of behaviour is not acceptable. It is a clear message that these actions have consequences.

“This should serve as a warning to anyone else considering trying to bring mindless violence to our streets and that the minority who seek to cause disorder will face the full force of the law.”