Man fined over sign during March for England in Brighton

A man has been fined for carrying a racist and abusive sign during the March for England in Brighton.

Christopher Voice, 49, a groundsman, of Angmering Way, Rustington, admitted causing racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress during the March for England.

The offence was said to have taken place in Grand Junction Road, Brighton, on Sunday 27 April.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court he was fined £225 and ordered to pay a £25 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Sergeant Peter Allan, the Sussex Police hate crime sergeant, said: “I am pleased that Christopher Voice accepted responsibility for his actions in relation to the racially and religiously aggravated abuse, having pleaded guilty at court.

“Although Sussex Police is clear in its aims to facilitate lawful protest and freedom of speech, we will always act swiftly when such behaviour crosses the line into being criminal.

“This sentence sends out a clear signal that we will take a robust approach to those who target individuals based on their race, disability, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation.”

The case was heard on Thursday 5 June.