Man jailed for two years after throwing bottle at police during Portsmouth migrant protest

A man from Portsmouth has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to violent disorder during a protest against migrants arriving in the city.

Del Somerville, 42, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following a demonstration on the night of 6 September near Eastney Marina. The protest happened after a small boat carrying about 120 migrants was brought ashore.

Somerville was seen on police body camera footage throwing a plastic bottle towards a police line and swearing at officers. The court heard that the protests started peacefully but grew as more people gathered, some encouraged by online posts.

Judge Daniel Sawyer described Somerville as a “thug” and said the sentence was meant to send a clear message to others who might act violently at protests. He reminded Somerville that police officers work to protect the public and deserve respect, regardless of the views of protesters.

The disorder involved around 200 people and continued into the early hours, causing damage to police and other emergency vehicles. Several officers were injured but none seriously. Police had to call in extra officers from outside the area to help maintain order.

Somerville also faces a separate charge of assaulting a police officer during his arrest a few days later. He has pleaded not guilty to that charge, which will be tried separately.

His defence lawyer said Somerville had tried to calm things down during the protest and that he threw the bottle out of frustration, not to hurt anyone. She also mentioned his history of mental health struggles and said he was caught up in the events rather than planning to cause trouble.

Other men involved in the disorder are still awaiting sentencing as investigations continue.