A man who went on a holiday to Dubai after being arrested for taking part in an anti-immigration protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been denied bail.
Perrie Michael Fisher, 29, of Hillside Road, Farnham, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 20, where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder outside Potters International Hotel in Aldershot on Wednesday, July 31.
He also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender at the same court at a previous hearing on August 13.
Prosecuting, Kerry Richardson said Fisher was arrested for being part of a protest outside a hotel housing people waiting for the outcome of their asylum application.
READ MORE: Police warn people of facing full force of law for bringing violence to streets
He was later released on bail on the condition that he would attend the magistrates court again on August 13.
However, he missed this date and went on a holiday to Dubai. He was later arrested at Gatwick airport.
Ms Richardson said the case falls outside the sentencing powers of the magistrates court because of the serious and racially aggravated nature of the case and recommended committing the matter to Winchester Crown Court.
She also said objected to granting bail to Fisher saying he failed to surrender previously, the seriousness of the offences, and his behaviour during the proceedings.
Defending him, Alexandra Scott said Fisher could not attend the court date because it was a "pre-booked and not inexpensive" holiday.
She explained that he had tried to have the date of his court appearance changed, and later helped the police by providing them with his flight number which allowed them to arrest him upon his return.
Ms Scott requested the judge to grant him bail on the condition that he would be at his residence from 7pm to 7am and would present himself at Aldershot police station.
She also said he has a scaffolding business and at least two other individuals are depending on it.
SEE ALSO: Man, 29, to appear at Basingstoke court after hotel protest
The judge ultimately decided that Fisher should remain in custody until the sentencing day because he “chose to go on holiday rather than prioritising the court proceeding”.
He will be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, August 21, as part of Operation Early Dawn.
Prosecutors have been trying to fast-track cases of people accused of involvement in the recent riots in parts of the UK. More than 100 have already been sentenced.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article