Updated 54 seconds ago Swampscott has been the site of a number of political protests in recent months. For weeks, however, supporters of 32-year-old Ernst Jean-Jacques have gathered in town to demand that an assault case stemming from one of those protests be dismissed -- and the case is going to trial. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather. Jean-Jacques disputes a police report that alleges he “clenched and closed his fist” before punching a woman. His attorney argues that he was trying to take a water bottle away from the woman as she threw water on him.