AN asylum seeker living on board the Bibby Stockholm barge has appeared in court charged with assault and theft.

Ahmed Haffa, aged 24, of the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port, appeared before Poole Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 18 where he was formally charged.

He pleaded not guilty to assault by beating, common assault and theft from a shop.

The charges refer to an alleged incident at St Mary Street in Weymouth on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

Haffa was also charged with stealing a jacket worth £59.99 from TK Maxx on New Bond Street on the same day.

He was represented by Mr Sharpe for the defence. The prosecutor was Leah Dillon from the Crown Prosecution Service.

The magistrates were Mr Bennett, Ms Ellis and Mr Trevett.

The case was adjourned until a hearing on Thursday, February 29 at Poole Magistrates' Court.

A warrant for arrest was issued for Haffa after he failed to appear at Weymouth Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, January 17.

 A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "On Wednesday, January 17, a warrant was issued by Weymouth Magistrates’ Court regarding a defendant who had failed to attend court in relation to allegations of theft and assault.

"The charges related to incidents in Weymouth town centre on Wednesday, December 13."

"Following enquiries, the warrant has now been executed and the defendant, aged 24 and from Portland was due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 18."