Women sentenced for migrant protest police assaults

Two women who admitted assaulting police officers during an anti-migrant protest have been given suspended jail sentences.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the former Haslar naval base in Gosport, Hampshire, on 22 September, believing that a group of asylum seekers would be landing after being picked up in the Channel.

Sally Pearson, 31, caused ligament damage to an officer when she punched him, and Shannon Dodds, 32, sprayed personal attack deterrent spray into police officers' faces, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.

Pearson was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for a year. Dodds was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 18 months.

Hampshire Police deployed officers to the town on 22 September "to help facilitate peaceful protest, ensure the safety of the local community and support partners in the event of any emergency at sea".

A total of 51 migrants were ultimately taken to Dover after their boat, which had travelled to the UK from France, was intercepted.

A dispersal order was in place in the area as police tried to move protestors.

Pearson, of Forton Road in Gosport, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and racially aggravated harassment at a previous hearing.

The court heard she punched a police officer with a closed fist, causing suspected ligament damage to his thumb.

Defending barrister James Wing said Pearson, who had no previous convictions, had "reacted badly in a moment of madness", which she now regretted.

Dodds, of Leonard Road in Gosport, previously pleaded guilty to assaulting two police officers.

The court heard she had been dressed in black with a face mask and sunglasses.

She sprayed the officers with a can of Walk Easy Repel Spray, which caused a stinging sensation in the officers' eyes.