Devon man charged with racial abuse at political protest

A 35-year-old man has appeared in Exeter Magistrates’ Court following an incident at a political protest on November 30 last year at Exeter Airport Industrial Estate.

Nicholas Hubble, of Fore Street Exeter, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault by abusive words or behaviour.

However, he denied common assault against another protestor, a university professor at the opposing end of the political spectrum.

The court heard officers observed protestors trying to block the path of another. It is alleged the defendant shoulder barged the complainant, causing him to stumble backwards, before shoulder barging him again.

Later that day, officers heard him shouting and swearing at other protestors:

The prosecution said Hubble was targeting individuals of a group that represented lesser harm.

Mr Wilde, mitigating, said the defendant argued that he was approached in an aggressive manner and was protecting himself.

The case was sent for trial at Exeter Magistrates’ Court where Hubble will appear on July 17.

Exmouth Journal