In Hastings, a protest organised by the Hastings Palestine Solidarity Campaign outside the General Dynamics arms factory led to the arrest of three individuals on February 29th. The demonstrators, protesting against the company’s alleged involvement in supplying arms to Israel, were charged with aggravated trespass by Sussex Police.
The protest began early in the morning and saw a significant turnout. At around 5.40 am, Sussex Police were called to Sidney Little Road in St Leonards to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. The peaceful protest aimed to highlight the campaigners’ concerns regarding the role of UK companies in the conflict in Gaza, with the campaign stating on social media that the UK’s involvement is contributing to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of children.
The three arrested individuals, identified as Laurence Holden, 71, Clement McCullough, 31, and Thomas Delves, 24, all local residents, were taken into custody and later released on conditional bail. They are scheduled to appear at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on April 3rd.
Following the incident at the arms factory, protesters moved to Bohemia Road to continue their demonstration outside the Hastings Police Station. The police facilitated this subsequent gathering, which concluded without any further incidents.
A Sussex police spokesperson said “Police were made aware of a demonstration in Sidney Little Road in St Leonards at around 5.40am on Thursday 29 February. Officers attended to ensure the safety of people in the area and engage with those involved to facilitate a peaceful protest.”
“Three men – Laurence Holden, 71, of Shrub Lane, Burwash, Clement McCullough, 31, of All Saints Street, Hastings, and Thomas Delves, 24, of Emmanuel Road, Hastings – were arrested at the scene and have since been charged with aggravated trespass. They were released on conditional bail and will next appear at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 3 April.”
