Man accused of leaking asylum seeker addresses targeted in disorder

A man who works for a company providing housing for asylum seekers has been accused of leaking addresses of homes that were later targeted during disorder.

James Jobson, 62, has been charged with misconduct in public office and appeared before Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Monday.

He works for Serco, a multinational firm which provides outsourced public services.

One of its services is to "provide housing and support for asylum seekers in the community", according to its website.

Earlier this month, asylum seeker properties were targeted in the Norfolk market town of Thetford and police officers were assaulted in three nights of anti-immigration unrest.

Officers were "subjected to significant aggression" including being hit with a rock, bitten and spat at, according to Norfolk Police.

Some 21 arrests had been made in connection with the disorder, the force said last week.

Norfolk Police said the Jobson 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".

Crown Prosecution Service guidance on misconduct in public office says there is "no simple definition of a public officer, and each case must be assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the role, the duties carried out and the level of public trust involved".

Jobson, of Highlow Road, Costessey, Norfolk, was remanded in custody to appear at Norwich Crown Court on 14 September.

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A Serco spokesperson said: "This matter is currently being handled by the police, and we are co-operating fully.

"As this relates to an ongoing legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

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