Anti-immigration protester remanded in Dundee.

David Tarbett was arrested on suspicion of causing a disturbance at a city hotel. An anti-immigrant activist accused of harassing asylum seekers at a former hotel in Dundee has been put in custody.

David Tarbett is accused of instilling fear and panic at Reid Square and the Craigtay Hotel on Broughty Ferry Road from December 17 to 29.

The 58-year-old, a member of the Dundee Patriots protest organisation, has played a key role in arranging citywide demonstrations and marches against asylum seekers.

The rallies drew a large police response and prompted counter-action from groups such as Stand Up to Racism Tayside.

According to the Crown Office, protests in Reid Square resulted in asylum seekers, some of whom are reported to be under the age of 17, being relocated to temporary accommodation.

The Home Office confirmed to The Courier that no asylum seekers are being housed at the former Craigtay Hotel, which is currently managed by short-stay provider Access Accommodation.

Abusive social media charge

Tarbett is accused of being hostile, yelling, and repeatedly making insulting remarks to a guy before attempting to gain admission to the premises, obtaining a PIN code, and entering without an invitation.

Prosecutors said he frequently struck doors at the former hotel and enquired about the whereabouts of people and the reception area.

He is accused of making an unpleasant remark against the proprietor of the Craigtay Hotel on social media, causing them to be fearful and alarmed.

The indictment includes an aggravation under hate crime law, with Tarbett of Balunie Street accused of committing the act while on bail in September.

Sheriff George Way of Dundee Sheriff Court remanded Tarbett in custody on the single charge of summary complaint.

Tarbett will stand trial in February, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for the end of January.

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