A Farnham man jailed for his part in a violent protest in Aldershot tried to get his court hearing adjourned so he could on a pre-booked holiday.

Perrie Fisher was part of group that had the “sole purpose to intimidate, frighten and terrify” asylum seekers in Potters International Hotel on July 31.

The 29-year-old of Hillside Road was sentenced for two years and four months by a judge at Winchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

But the scaffolder was also handed a further month for his “cavalier attitude to the court” as he skipped an earlier hearing at Basingstoke Magistrates Court in favour of a holiday in Dubai.

Around 200 people were involved in the initially peaceful protest but the gathering turned ugly with many breaking into the hotel grounds and becoming violent.

Police body camera and CCTV footage showed that Fisher, who was seen wearing or carrying a flag of St George, was part of group which opened a shed containing donated bikes. He rode one before throwing one into a skip.

Fisher also threw a scooter at the hotel and banged on its doors with his unjustifiable actions having the potential to encourage and incite violent behaviour.

The court heard around £2,000 damage was caused but more seriously, the protest had also “spread fear amongst the community”.

Fisher, who “showed remorse” and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, was one of eight people charged in connection with Hampshire Police assistant chief constable, Tara McGovern, saying his 29 month sentence should act as a warning.

She said: "His behaviour that day caused fear of violence to those inside the hotel and our officers.

"This result highlights that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and it is a clear message that these actions have consequences.”