Woman in court charged with hate crime after Greenock protest

A woman has appeared in court charged with a hate crime after a protest outside a hotel in Greenock that has been used to house asylum seekers.

Stacey Williams, 32, appeared at a private hearing at Greenock Sheriff Court on Friday accused of an offence under the Hate Crime and Public Order Act.

She was committed for further examination and was granted bail, and will appear again at a later date.

She did not submit a plea.

Police previously said two other people were arrested and issued with fixed-penalty notices for anti-social behaviour during the protest, which took place in the Inverclyde town on Wednesday.

The force said three officers sustained minor injuries after items were thrown at them and two police vehicles were damaged.

Anti-immigration demonstrations have been held in several places across Scotland this week after Monday’s stabbing in north Belfast.

The protest in Greenock is understood to have taken place outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel, which has been used to house asylum seekers.

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser said on Thursday: “We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime without fear or favour.

“Officers were attacked and police vehicles were damaged. I strongly condemn that violence and there is no place for it in Scotland.”

Police Scotland said officers continue to be in local areas and are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.

Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged over the Belfast attack, in which 44-year-old Stephen Ogilvie is said to have lost an eye.