Ash Men Jailed for Their Part In Hotel Asylum Protest

Published on: 29 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 30 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.”

Responses to Ash Men Jailed for Their Part In Hotel Asylum Protest

John Perkins Reply

November 30, 2024 at 10:38 am

I cannot help feeling that these sentences are excessive. Even with the current government’s 60 per cent off “discount” they will result in several months behind bars, probably mixing with career criminals. They are unlikely to emerge better people and there is a high risk they will be worse. In the case of the younger man, it is normal for those of that age to be foolish and easily led and not to understand thet is what’s happening.

Knowing nothing of these two, I can only imagine they might have been silly boys carried away in the heat of the moment or hardened louts already on their way to a life of crime deliberately indulging in mayhem. Wherever they are on that spectrum it should not be expected that harsh treatment will improve them.
Bethan Moore Reply

December 1, 2024 at 2:49 pm

Following John Perkins’ argument, we’d send almost no one to prison. Does he favour community rehabilitation for most offenders?

And considering that non-violent environmental protesters were sent to prison for five years I’d say it’s incredibly lenient.
- John Perkins Reply
  
  December 3, 2024 at 5:07 am
  
  My comment was on this specific case rather than most offenders or the wider issue of prison as a deterrent or punishment generally.
  
  If these two are recidivists they will not be deterred from re-offending following their release. If not, the only purpose in jailing them is as punishment to deter them and others in future (the Assistant Chief Constable says as much), in which case corporal punishment might be just as effective and far cheaper.
  
  The environmental protesters were not non-violent unless one regards criminal damage or incitement to it as non-violent. They deliberately and repeatedly offended in defiance of the law. Furthermore, the costs incurred by the general public from their activities far exceeds those of the two miscreants in this article.
  
  Incarceration also has the effect of preventing re-offending for its duration. The two men will be prevented from taking part in any riots occurring in the next year or so. On the other hand, the environmental protesters have declared an intention to continue their activities until the rest of the populace accede to their demands. In the first case, prison is not likely to prevent much, whereas, in the second it is guaranteed to do so.