38 people to appear in court following protest arrests last year
Disorder broke out during demonstrations at Grey’s Monument
A total of 38 people are set to appear in court to face charges in connection with violence which broke out in Newcastle during protest activity last summer.
Pockets of disorder broke out during the demonstrations being held at Grey’s Monument on June 13.
Missiles were thrown and smoke canisters were let off as groups of rival protestors clashed, with police officers also targeted.
As a result of the disorder, injuries were caused to three protesters and five officers, as well as police horses and dogs.
The shocking behaviour also saw vandals graffiti the Monument and the surrounding area was left strewn with litter.
A number of arrests were made on the day, and following the trouble detectives launched a major investigation which saw many more suspects brought into custody.
As part of the investigation, images of other people police wanted to speak to in connection with the disorder were widely circulated in the media and soon identified with the public’s help.
A total of 38 people are now set to appear in court next week to face charges of violent disorder.
Among them are 34 men, aged between 20 and 64, and two women, aged 46 and 52.
Two teenagers, one aged 16 and another now 18 but who was 17 at the time, are also due to appear.
Another man, aged 56, has been charged with possession of cocaine and is set to appear before magistrates later this year.
Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison said:
“The shameful and violent scenes we witnessed during the protest activity were completely unacceptable and have no place in our city.
“On the day we took swift and decisive action, making a number of arrests. We subsequently launched a major investigation, which has now resulted in 38 people set to appear in court to face charges of violent disorder.
“As part of the investigation, we also asked the public to help us identify a number of people we wanted to speak to in connection with the disorder and I would personally like to thank all those who came forward with information – your cooperation has been vital in this case.
“It is important to recognise that the right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy which the police will uphold, however we want to make it very clear we will absolutely not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.”