Perrie Fisher, a 29-year-old father of one, has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison for his involvement in a violent protest outside an asylum seeker hotel and for failing to appear in court. The incident, which occurred on July 31, 2023, at Potters International Hotel in Aldershot, Hampshire, saw approximately 200 protesters attempt to enter the building housing asylum applicants.
Fisher, who wore an England flag during the protest, was observed throwing objects at the hotel windows and shouting abusive language at the migrants inside. His actions, described by the judge as "intimidating and threatening," included throwing a scooter, bicycle wheels, and kicking footballs at the building.
The protest erupted following the spread of misinformation online regarding the identity of a suspect in an unrelated incident. Protesters chanted slogans such as "we want our country back" and "get them in, get them gone," creating an atmosphere of fear among the hotel's occupants and staff.
Prosecutor Tim Devlin informed the court that the initial police response was overwhelmed, with officers not equipped with riot gear facing a rapidly escalating situation. The chaos included the setting off of flares and damage to the hotel's perimeter wall.
In a display of what Judge Nigel Lickley KC termed a "cavalier attitude to justice," Fisher chose to go on a week-long birthday holiday to Dubai despite being charged for his role in the violence. He was apprehended upon his return at Gatwick Airport.
"The sole purpose of that group of which you were one was to intimidate, frighten, and terrify the occupants of the migrant hotel. They were your target – there was no legitimate aim, it was totally unjustified and unlawful."
The judge emphasized the serious nature of Fisher's offenses, stating that they warranted immediate custody. Fisher received two years and four months for violent disorder and an additional month for failing to surrender to the court.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding asylum seeker accommodation in the UK. As of 2022, the country received 74,751 asylum applications, a 19% increase from the previous year. The average processing time for asylum claims stands at approximately 480 days, during which applicants often reside in temporary housing, including hotels.
The use of hotels for asylum seeker accommodation has been a point of contention, raising concerns about cost and integration. The UK government's handling of asylum and immigration policies has faced criticism, particularly regarding the "hostile environment" approach.
In related cases, a former soldier with service in Kosovo, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for his role in a similar protest in Rotherham. Additionally, a man in Middlesbrough received a 26-month sentence for attempting to set fire to a wheelie bin during a disorder on August 4, 2023.
These incidents underscore the complex issues surrounding asylum, immigration, and community integration in the UK. While the country has legal obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, balancing these responsibilities with public sentiment and resource management remains a significant challenge for policymakers and communities alike.