Bogus first aider arrested after trying to sneak hippy crack into Shakedown festival in Brighton

Eight people were arrested at the Shakedown music festival in Waterhall, Brighton, including a bogus first aider posing as a St John Ambulance officer.

Sussex Police said that the man had more than a thousand canisters of nitrous oxide, also known as hippy crack or laughing gas, when he was stopped yesterday evening (Saturday 15 August).

The force said: “A 29-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and later cautioned for the offence.”

The force also said: “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 on Monday (17 August).

“Two men, one aged 19 from Littlehampton and a 28-year-old from Eastergate, Chichester, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug.”

They were bailed until Thursday 8 October and Monday 5 October respectively.

Ashley Springer, 27, a plasterer, of London Road, Plaistow, London, has been charged with two counts of having class A drugs (cocaine and MDMA) and one count of having a class B drug (cannabis).

He was bailed to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 September.

Sussex Police added: “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 51-year-old man from Peacehaven was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and later released with no further action.

“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 cannisters. He remained in custody on Sunday lunchtime.”

Chief Inspector Katy Woolford said: “Overall, I was pleased with the festival, which was generally very good natured.

“There was only one nasty incident where two members of the event’s security team were assaulted but I am concerned about the number of drug-related arrests compared to last year.

“In particular, the number of people of attempting to take drugs into the festival who were stopped as a result of being indicated by the drugs dogs is disappointing, especially those who were obviously arriving with a view to dealing.

“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.”