A MAN has been jailed for spraying a fire extinguisher at police officers during a protest at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Aldershot.
Officers visited Potters International Hotel on Saturday, August 3, just days after reports of disorder at the hotel on Wednesday, July 31.
Four officers from Hampshire Constabulary who were looking to speak with some of the residents were assaulted by a man who had gained access to the hotel.
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The man began shouting at officers before spraying a fire extinguisher at them. He then continued to shout racist abuse.
Steven Tiquin, 41, Grosvenor Road, Aldershot, was arrested and later charged with four counts of assaulting an emergency worker, affray and a racially aggravated public order offence.
He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for 20 months at Salisbury Crown Court on Friday, November 15.
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Detective Constable, Chelsea Adamson, said: "Tiquin targeted our officers who were carrying out crucial investigative work following a serious incident earlier that week.
"His actions were deplorable and put four officers in fear of violence.
"No emergency worker should be subjected to violence of this nature. It is not, and never will be, part of the job description.
"I hope this result highlights that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."
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