News —
Met releases 14 images as 16 May protest investigations continue
Detectives investigating alleged offences during protests in central London on Saturday, 16 May have released images of 14 people they want to identify.
There were 43 arrests on the day, which saw protests organised by the Palestine Coalition and other groups to mark the anniversary of the Nakba and a protest organised in the name of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon under the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ banner.
Five people have been charged so far (details below) and detectives are continuing to investigate a number of further offences including 20 alleged hate crimes. Some of those – for example incidents of chanting – may involve multiple suspects.
Officers have already sent a number of files to the Crown Prosecution Service for early investigative advice and they expect to submit further files for consideration in the near future.
Chief Superintendent Clair Haynes, who commanded the policing operation on 16 May, said: “We have always said that the policing of protest doesn’t stop when everyone goes home.
“There are often many more protesters than there are officers at these events, which combined with the scale of the crowds means it is impossible for every offence to be seen and dealt with in the moment.
“Detectives from our Public Order Crime Team painstakingly review footage from events to spot offences and identify those they believe to be involved.
“The footage and images are compared against police databases using retrospective facial recognition technology, but where we are unable to find a match we will turn to the public for their help.
“I’d urge anyone who recognises someone in the 14 photos released today to come forward, that includes anyone who recognises themselves. Our officers need to speak to you.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, providing the reference 4696/17JUN and the specific reference number shown on the corner of the relevant image.
Examples of offences under investigation:
- References to ‘globalise the intifada’ or other references to ‘intifada’ in chanting or on placards.
- Displaying placards or shouting slogans that include anti-Muslim abuse.
- Shouting homophobic slurs towards officers or other protesters.
- Directing chants at Jewish groups calling them Nazis.
- Making threats to kill, specifically involving threats against prominent politicians.
- Engaging in antisemitic conspiracy theories where they are intended to cause harassment, alarm or distress or to stir up racial or religious hatred.
Details of those charged to date are below:
Stuart Adams, 49 (16.09.1976) of Aberconway Road, Merton was arrested at the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence in relation to an incident where racially abusive remarks were directed at a police officer. He was remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 18 May where he indicated a guilty plea. The case was adjourned for sentencing at the same court on Tuesday, 16 June but Adams did not appear and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Dara Harbison, 26 (02.05.2000) of Netherfield Green, Brighton was arrested at the Nakba protest. She has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker in relation to an incident where paint was allegedly sprayed at an officer, as well as criminal damage and possession of cannabis. She will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 6 July.
Jack Robson, 18 (28.07.07) of Woodlands Road, Derby was arrested at the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence in relation to an incident which allegedly involved shouting anti-Muslim abuse, and with possession of cannabis. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 10 July.
Gareth Kirtley, 44 (15.10.81) of Stanningley Road, Leeds was arrested at the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a public order offence in relation to an incident which allegedly involved she shouting of homophobic abuse towards a police officer. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, 17 July.
Marcus Bere, (27.05.02) of of Woodlands Avenue, Hillingdon was arrested following the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence in relation to an incident which allegedly involved shouting anti-Muslim abuse. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 22 July.
