Police drop charge against man accused of leaking asylum seeker home addresses
Norfolk Police said proceedings were discontinued after it 'identified additional evidence which undermined the case'
Police have dropped the case against a man accused of leaking the addresses of homes housing asylum seekers which were later targeted during several nights of disorder.
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Norfolk Police said proceedings against James Jobson, who works for a company providing housing for asylum seekers, were discontinued after it “identified additional evidence which undermined the case”.
The force said that “detectives continue to investigate how information was shared online which led to a number of addresses being targeted”.
Mr Jobson, an employee of Serco, a multinational firm which provides outsourced public services, had been charged with misconduct in public office before the case was dropped.
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Norfolk Police had said the case was “in connection with the release of information relating to a number of addresses in Thetford, which were later targeted during several nights of violent disorder”.
Properties were targeted in the market town and police officers were assaulted during three nights of anti-immigration unrest earlier this month.
Mr Jobson, 62, of Highlow Road, Costessey, Norfolk, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
He had been remanded in custody to appear before Norwich Crown Court next month before Norfolk Police said in an update on Friday evening that the case had been dropped.
A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “A criminal charge has been discontinued relating to the publication of information on social media during disorder in Thetford earlier this month.
“James Jobson, age 62, of Highlow Road, Costessey, was previously charged with misconduct in public office relating to information obtained through his employment, that was published on Facebook.
“During the investigation, Mr Jobson was interviewed under caution and provided a no comment interview.
“Detectives then submitted the available evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined on the threshold test there was sufficient evidence and authorised a charge of misconduct in public office.
“Mr Jobson appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded in custody.
“As with any police investigation, inquiries continued after charge.
“During further inquiries, officers identified additional evidence which undermined the case against Mr Jobson and the CPS was informed of these developments.
“It was concluded that the legal test for prosecution was no longer met and the case was discontinued.”
Three days after the anti-immigration disorder in Thetford on 6 August, dozens of protesters gathered outside a former RAF base located 2 miles away from the town that could be used to house asylum seekers.
The Home Office announced in June that it was considering using Barnham Camp in Suffolk to accommodate people seeking asylum, and there have since been regular peaceful protests there.
The Home Office said the site was being assessed but plans would be subject to planning permission and approvals.
The camp would accommodate men aged between 18 and 65 who have applied for asylum.
No asylum seekers are yet housed at the site, which Suffolk Constabulary said is a training site for the Norfolk and Suffolk forces.