An assault charge against a protester following a heated Staffordshire County Council meeting has been discontinued.
Damon Hoppe, of Yarnfield, is now calling for a public apology from county council leader Martin Murray after the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the case.
Mr Hoppe was due to appear at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on Friday 10 July to face an assault charge. But when he arrived, he was told the case had been discontinued.
Mr Hoppe said
“I have been so full of anxiety, stress and worry. I can’t believe it has come this far.
“The case should never have been brought in the first place. The allegations were false, malicious and bordering on ridiculous.”
Members of the Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism began chanting from the public gallery.
They said they would not leave until Reform councillors accused of making racist comments on social media resigned.
The meeting was suspended and police were called to remove the protesters.
Mr Hoppe was accompanied to court by more than a dozen supporters, including fellow protesters who have been displaying banners outside County Buildings on council meeting days.
Security at the building has been increased since the December meeting.
Members of the media and public are now required to sign in and enter County Buildings through a separate door during full council and cabinet meetings. They are also not permitted to take coats or bags into the public gallery.
Five people, including Mr Hoppe, have not been permitted to enter the public gallery to watch meetings in recent months.
A letter issued by the county council to one of the protesters in February said
“When you attended the meeting on 11th December 2025 it became necessary for the meeting to be adjourned.
“This was because you refused to comply with the requests of the Chairman to allow the meeting to progress. Your conduct led to a prolonged disruption of a public meeting and Staffordshire Police had to attend before you agreed to leave the chamber.
“Staffordshire County Council wholly supports the right of any person to engage in peaceful and lawful protest. We must ensure that the important business of the council can be conducted and that our members feel safe in the conduct of their role.
“You can view a live broadcast of the council meeting.”
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said
“The matter has been withdrawn but we are still actively carrying out enquiries as part of an active investigation.”
Councillor Murray was approached for comment by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
