A man has been charged with two counts possession of a bladed article following a heated protest in Brighton City Centre.
Craig Dawson, 50, of no fixed address, was also charged with assault after being initially arrested on suspicion of sexual assault by touching.
Dawson was arrested at a protest in Victoria Gardens where two groups of activists clashed over an event involving Kellie-Jay Keen, also known as Posie Parker.
He has since been released on bail and is set to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court in the new year.
One woman was also arrested on suspicion of assault and a man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer at the event in September. Both have since been released under investigation.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “An event and counter-protest took place in Brighton City Centre on Sunday 18 September.
“Three arrests were made, a woman aged 19 was detained on suspicion of assault and a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.
“They have both been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
“A man who was arrested originally on suspicion of sexual assault by touching has now been charged.
“Craig Thomas, 50, of no fixed address, has been charged with assault and two counts of possession of a bladed article. He has been released on bail ahead of a trial at Brighton Magistrates’ Court scheduled for January 18.”
An event organised by Ms Keen, who describes herself as a women’s rights activist, was met by a large counter-protest in September.
Protesters at the event describe Ms Keen’s views on transgender rights as transphobic.
A significant police presence was seen at the event in an effort to keep the two groups separated.
Police are now reviewing a case in which Ms Keen declined a voluntary police interview in relation to an alleged hate crime.
Ms Keen claims that she was threatened with being arrested if she did not attend the interview.
A statement from Sussex Police said that they will “liaise with the parties involved directly”.
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