Del Somerville, a 42-year-old father-of-two from Portsmouth, has become the first protester to be jailed following violent anti-migrant demonstrations in the city. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for throwing a plastic bottle at police officers and engaging in verbal abuse during a protest on 6 September, to which he pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The sentencing is significant as Judge Daniel Sawyer indicated it was intended to act as a deterrent to others involved in subsequent protests in the area.

The violence erupted after a small boat carrying 114 migrants docked at Eastney Marina on the night of 6 September. What began as an initially peaceful and lawful gathering of local residents escalated when protesters attempted to prevent coaches carrying the migrants from leaving the harbour, with police declaring a major incident. Seven police officers were injured, Coastguard and Border Force vehicles were damaged, and local residents reported feeling unsafe in their own homes as protesters caused thousands of pounds of damage to property. The disorder required a significant police response, with approximately 50 officers from Hampshire Police and 100 supporting officers from other forces deployed to maintain public order.