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Charge dropped against cleaner after town disorder

David Keller
Facebook A tanned man in a blue shirt smiling at the camera. He has close cropped graying hair. He is in front of a dark background.Facebook
James Jobson had previously appeared at Ipswich Magistrates' Court but the case has been discontinued

The criminal case against a Serco cleaner who was charged following anti-immigration disorder in Thetford has been dropped, said Norfolk Police.

Houses on five streets in the town were targeted by crowds over three nights earlier this month.

James Jobson, 62, from Highlow Road in Costessey, near Norwich, had appeared at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with misconduct in public office over the sharing of the properties' addresses.

But police said on Friday that "officers identified additional evidence which undermined the case", and "it was concluded that the legal test for prosecution was no longer met".

Jobson had been remanded in custody following Monday's hearing and was due to appear at Norwich Crown Court next month.

John Fairhall/BBC Three police officers are pictured standing in a road. They are wearing yellow vests and all have caps onJohn Fairhall/BBC
There was a heavy police presence after three nights of disturbances in Thetford

In a statement, Norfolk Police said: "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.

"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."

The force added that "detectives continue to investigate how information was shared online which led to a number of addresses being targeted".

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