Protester, 76, who went to Portsmouth anti-immigration demo in female Islamic dress is charged with concealing his identity
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By DM REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
A 76-year-old man has been charged with concealing his identity at an anti-immigration protest in Portsmouth after police warned they would use powers to arrest demonstrators wearing face coverings.
Timothy Miller, of Southampton, is accused of wearing or using an item to conceal his identity at a protest, Hampshire Police said, after he was seen in female Islamic dress.
He will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Anti-migrant and anti-racism protesters faced off in the city centre on Saturday.
Police used powers under the Crime and Policing Act to restrict face coverings following anti-immigration protests featuring masked men in Portsmouth and Dover last weekend.
Two men and a teenage boy were arrested after hundreds of anti-immigration protestors gathered in Portsmouth on Saturday.
A 33-year-old man has since been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and attempted criminal damage.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, in relation to violent public disorder. He has been released on bail.
Police were seen speaking with the man and asking him why he was wearing the face covering
Violent scuffles broke out between anti-migrant protesters and police, with multiple arrests made
Anti-immigration demonstrators confront police during a protest in the city of Portsmouth on Saturday
Miller was allegedly protesting the ban on face coverings by wearing one styled as a niqab, which is traditional Islamic dress.
He said: 'I think that the face covering ban was alright until I saw antifa are allowed to cover their faces.
'So now I'm considering joining the Islamic faith. I'm happier inside this today.
'How can anybody stop anyone here from covering their faces? Everybody's pleased with the turnout.
'I'm obviously concerned with immigration. I can understand the immigrants' perspective but we can see that we've got war coming to our streets and we've got to stop this pressure on society.
'The politicians are idiots. I had 50-odd years driving cabs and I've seen what's going on and it's awful.
'They're not protecting the country. I've actually lived in Islamic countries and I think its beautiful but we don't want it here.
'This is England. I've just been wearing this today and it's like punishment. I don't know how women can wear this.'
A spokesman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: 'Timothy Justin Miller, 76, of Sherwood Avenue in Hedge End, Southampton, has been charged with wearing/using an item to conceal identity at a protest.
'He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Monday 14 September.
'David Kenny McNally, 33, of Winchester Road in Portsmouth, has been charged with wilful obstruction of a highway and attempted criminal damage.
'He is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on Thursday 29 October.
'A 16-year-old male from Waterlooville was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, in relation to violent public disorder at Eastney Marina on Sunday 6 September.
'He has since been released on bail until Saturday 12 December.'
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