Two charged after incident following protest in Southampton

As part of an investigation into an incident which occurred following a protest last October, we have today charged two men.

The incident took place just before 6.20pm on Saturday 18 October, at the conclusion of one of the gatherings outside the Highfield House Hotel, which have been ongoing since last summer.

It was reported people were shouting threats aggressively at people inside the hotel grounds, and trying to breach security fencing. A member of staff reported an injury to their arm in the incident. A bottle was also thrown in the direction of the hotel.

Having reviewed available footage and taken statements, two people were arrested and after consulting with the CPS they have now been charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.

Craig Jones, 41, of Salerno Road, Southampton, and Ryan William Smith, 39, of Kingsclere Avenue, Southampton, will appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 2 June.