Charges for Two Men After Protest at RAF Scampton
Two men have been charged following a protest at RAF Scampton that allegedly involved threatening and abusive behaviour. Lincolnshire Police responded to several calls regarding the incident, which occurred around 7:30am on Tuesday, October 17th.
Roger Phillips, 47, from De Wint Avenue in Lincoln, and Simon Avison, 42, from Crosby Road in Grimsby, were apprehended at the protest site that same morning.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Both men have since been charged with a public order offence, specifically using threatening/abusive words/behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. Phillips and Avison have been released on police bail, with conditions barring them from going within one mile of RAF Scampton. A court hearing is pending at the Lincoln Magistrates' Court this November.
Disruption at the Protest Site
It has been reported that protestors were disrupting access to the RAF base, using verbally abusive and threatening behaviour towards members of the public and base staff.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police stated: "Balancing the rights of people to present differing views alongside the rights of those working or living in a local area to go about their day without disruption can be a challenge, but it’s one we are well prepared for. We will continue to engage with all protestors at the site, providing advice on safe and lawful protest. We will take swift and robust action against anyone who attends the area and causes disruption or commits offences."
The police continue to maintain vigilance and are ready to ensure the safety and peace of those working and residing around RAF Scampton.