Two women admit assaulting police at Gosport anti-migrant protest as 51 Channel migrants reached Dover

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026 · last updated 24 September 2026.

Shannon Dodds, 32, was remanded in custody after admitting she sprayed a mystery substance at officers during Tuesday's demonstration outside the old Haslar naval base in Gosport. Sally Pearson, 31, pleaded guilty to punching an officer and causing ligament damage that will keep him off duty for four weeks, and also admitted racially aggravated intentional harassment. Sentencing for both is scheduled for 15 October. The 51 migrants the crowd had assembled to confront were brought to Dover after their vessel crossing from France was intercepted.

Hundreds gathered in the belief that asylum seekers were about to arrive — but police stopped the Channel boat before it could land.

Dodds wore black clothing, a face mask and sunglasses; a judge described her stance before the officers as 'threatening'.

A third local resident, Toby Matthews, 33, has been charged with common assault of an emergency worker and is bailed until 9 November.