Hundreds of demonstrators clashed outside a Wetherspoon pub in the former Nottinghamshire coal town of Sutton-in-Ashfield on Thursday evening after a 27-year-old man was charged with rape, sparking tensions over an alleged dress code incident at the venue.
The protests, which drew an estimated 300 people to the Picture House pub on Fox Street, followed the charging of Sheraz Malik, 27, of Bath Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, with three counts of rape and possession of cannabis. The charges relate to an attack on a woman at Sutton Lawn park between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday, 29 June.
Police deployed significant resources to manage the demonstrations, including a drone operator positioned near the Asda petrol station, as protesters carrying St George’s Cross and Union Jack flags gathered outside the pub. The demonstration was reportedly triggered by claims that bouncers had refused entry to a woman wearing a Union Jack dress.
Organiser Addresses Crowd
One man, identified as the protest organiser, addressed the assembled crowd with an impassioned speech. “We are ordinary people with jobs to go to, and families to look after, no one wants this hassle,” he told demonstrators.
“Right here we want you to know you [victims of sexual offences] are not alone. The British Government want to pull the wool over our eyes but today we say not anymore. Today we say it’s enough.”
The demonstration attracted approximately 20 counter-protesters who organised a hastily arranged separate gathering, creating a tense atmosphere that required substantial police presence to maintain order.
Background to the Charges
The protests follow a month-long investigation by Nottinghamshire Police into the alleged sexual assault. Three men, aged 21, 23, and 24, were initially arrested in relation to the incident that occurred in the public park in late June.
The 23-year-old and 24-year-old were arrested on suspicion of rape, whilst the 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were released on conditional bail as investigations continued.
Malik appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 July, where he was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 19 August.
Detective Sergeant Liam Cowan of Nottinghamshire Police had previously stated that “Specialist officers were immediately deployed to support the victim while detectives” conducted their investigation. The force increased neighbourhood patrols in the area following the incident to provide reassurance to the community.
The Picture House Venue
The Picture House, a JD Wetherspoon pub located on Fox Street, has been a fixture in Sutton-in-Ashfield’s town centre for years. The building was originally constructed as the King’s cinema in 1932, before closing in 1967 and reopening as the Star Bingo and Social Club.
The bingo hall survived into the 1990s and, more recently, was used as the Picture House Night Club before its conversion to a Wetherspoon establishment. The pub, which serves food until 11pm daily, is situated near the bus station and has become a popular community venue.
The alleged dress code incident that sparked Thursday’s demonstration has raised questions about pub policies, though Wetherspoon has not issued an official statement regarding the specific claims about the Union Jack dress.
Community Tensions and Crime Statistics
Sutton-in-Ashfield, a town with a population of approximately 35,000, has faced challenges with crime rates in recent years. The town is among the top 5 most dangerous medium-sized towns in Nottinghamshire, according to recent crime statistics.
The overall crime rate in Sutton-in-Ashfield in 2023 was 110 crimes per 1,000 people, which compares poorly to Nottinghamshire’s overall crime rate, coming in 21% higher than the county rate of 91 per 1,000.
Local activist Arran Rangi, writing about community tensions in the area, noted that whilst “the vast majority of people in Ashfield are not racist”, recent political developments have created challenges for ethnic minority residents.
Police Response and Investigation
Nottinghamshire Police maintained a significant presence throughout Thursday’s demonstrations, with officers positioned to protect the Picture House premises and prevent escalation between the opposing groups. The use of drone surveillance indicated authorities’ concerns about potential disorder.
The force has continued to appeal for witnesses who were in Sutton Lawn park on the evening of 29 June to come forward with information. “Anyone who can assist is asked to please call 101, quoting incident 19 of 30 June 2025, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”, police stated.
The investigation into the alleged sexual assault remains ongoing, with specialist officers continuing to support the victim through the judicial process.
Looking Ahead
As Malik awaits his next court appearance on 19 August, tensions in Sutton-in-Ashfield remain elevated. The convergence of a serious criminal case with broader social tensions has created a volatile situation that local authorities are working to manage.
Community leaders and police have emphasised the importance of allowing the legal process to proceed without interference, whilst acknowledging residents’ concerns about safety and justice.
The Picture House incident and subsequent protests highlight the complex challenges facing former industrial towns like Sutton-in-Ashfield, where economic pressures, demographic changes, and high-profile criminal cases can rapidly escalate into broader social conflicts.
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