The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued an apology to James Jobson, a 62-year-old man from Costessey near Norwich, after he remained incarcerated despite the discontinuation of charges against him. Jobson had been accused of sharing details of properties housing asylum seekers in the context of anti-immigration disorder in Thetford. Norfolk Police announced on Friday that no further action would be taken against Jobson, and the CPS confirmed the same, yet he was not released from prison until the following day, causing significant distress to his family.
The CPS spokesperson acknowledged that an “inaccuracy in the notice sent to the prison” led to the delay in Jobson’s release. The spokesperson stated that upon being alerted on Saturday, the CPS “worked quickly to rectify this so he can be released without further delay.” Jobson was eventually released shortly after 22:00 BST on Saturday, as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). The incident occurred amidst a series of events where crowds targeted houses on five streets in Thetford over three nights earlier in the month. Jobson had initially appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with misconduct in public office, and was remanded in custody. However, Norfolk Police identified additional evidence that undermined the case, leading to the discontinuation of charges. Source