Two suspects were arrested and charged as officers were out in Mansfield to make sure Christmas revellers were kept safe and enjoyed their celebrations on Friday night.
Four people were stopped and searched during the preventative Operation Guardian – an operation aimed at tackling drugs and associated violence.
A number of officers patrolled the streets of the town centre, aided by a passive drugs detection dog, and carried out stop and search activity, as well as engaging with people enjoying a night out.
As a result of our activity, a 26-year-old man was arrested after he was seen acting suspiciously while standing by a police vehicle.
He ran off but a short time later officers stopped him in Stockwell Gate.
Benjamyn Marriott, of no fixed address, was found to be in possession of a quantity of amphetamine. He spat in an officer’s face and kicked another officer to her leg during the incident.
Marriott was subsequently charged with offences and appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Monday (22 December 2025).
He was locked up for 12 weeks after pleading guilty to two counts of assaulting a police constable in the execution of their duty and another count of possession of a Class B drug. Marriott was also told to pay £50 compensation.
Also during Friday night’s Operation Guardian officers stopped, searched, and arrested a 16-year-old boy in Mansfield town centre.
A knife and quantity of cannabis were seized and the boy was subsequently charged with possession of a knife in a public place and possession of cannabis.
The boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was released on conditional bail and is due to appear at Nottingham Youth Court on 7 January 2026.
Operation Guardian is now well established in Mansfield and across other parts of Nottinghamshire and is highly successful in tackling drugs and reducing violence which is often associated with drug use and dealing in the nighttime economy.
Superintendent James Woolley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my thanks to the vast majority of people who were in Mansfield town centre on Friday night and enjoyed the festivities safely and responsibly.
“Overall, the operation was a success and the feedback we received from people we engaged with, to ensure they remained safe, was overwhelmingly positive.
“I want to reassure people that we will continue to run proactive operations like this one so that we see fewer crimes being committed and fewer victims.
“While we want people to continue to enjoy the festivities, I encourage everyone to behave responsibly, thinking before they act, and not risk ruining their night by spending it in a cell and potentially facing a criminal record.”
High-visibility patrols will continue in Nottingham city centre and other parts of the county, including Mansfield, over the festive period to keep people safe and tackle any criminality.
