Fake St John Ambulance officer had more than 1,000 laughing gas canisters

Revellers from Littlehampton, Peacehaven, Southwick, Eastergate and London were all arrested at a festival last night (August 15).
A spate of burglaries in Ferring has prompted police to warn residents to be vigilantA spate of burglaries in Ferring has prompted police to warn residents to be vigilant
A spate of burglaries in Ferring has prompted police to warn residents to be vigilant

Sussex Police said a 29-year-old London man was arrested at the Shakedown music festival, in Brighton, when he ‘tried to pass himself off as a St John Ambulance officer’ but was found with more than 1,000 canisters of nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas.

The drug is currently legal, however government legislation plans to outlaw the gas and there are already numerous restrictions on its use.

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After being arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, he was later cautioned.

Separately, Abdul Deghayes, 19, a labourer of Roman Way, Southwick, has been charged with possession of a class A drug (MDMA) and being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

He was remanded to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (August 17).

In addition, a 19-year-old man from Littlehampton and a 28-year-old man from Eastergate were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug. They were bailed until October 8 and October 5 respectively.

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A 51-year-old man from Peacehaven was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and later released with no further action.

Despite saying she was pleased overall with the festival, which was ‘generally very good natured’, chief inspector Katy Woolford said she was concerned that people had been arrested for suspected drug offences.

She also described a ‘nasty incident’ where two security staff from the festival were alleged to have been assaulted.

“However, this should not detract from an event that was enjoyed by nearly 10,000 festival-goers and I would like to thank them, along with the organisers and other partners, for their part in making it a success as far as our policing operation was concerned,” she said.

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Other men from London and Brighton were arrested on the night.

Ashley Springer, 27, a plasterer of London Road, Plaistow, London, has been arrested and charged with two counts of possession of class A drugs (cocaine and MDMA) and one count possession of a class B drug (cannabis). He was bailed to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on September 3.

A 28-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 35 order to leave the area after exposing himself to police officers and later arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug. He was cautioned for the drug offence and no further action was taken in respect of the other offence.

A 22-year-old man from Chingford, London was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after two security staff were assaulted when ejecting a man suspected of selling nitrous oxide canisters. He remained in custody on Sunday lunchtime (August 15).

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