Drummond ‘punches officer in the face’

Drummond, who is represented by Jack Sweeney, is brought into the dock wearing a grey jumper and sporting short greying hair.

One of his supporters is in tears in the public gallery. He speaks to confirm his name, address and date of birth before pleading guilty to both charges.

Mr Sanderson-Kirk says: “PC Ball had been deployed to Southport after the attacks on Hart Street. At about 6pm he was deployed in uniform to the mosque on St Luke’s Road. He sighted a group of around 300 marching towards the mosque. The crowd were shouting this is our f***ing country and scumbag b******s. Numbers grew rapidly and officers had to withdraw. The crowd were shouting England till I die and let’s get them.”

Mr Sanderson-Kirk says of the officer: “He had to draw his baton and was shouting get back. The crowd were shouting who the f*** is Allah.”

Drummond was then said to have shouted “s*** houses” before punching the officer in the face.

Another PC then “affected a baton strike” on the defendant, who went on to throw bricks and “breaking down a garden wall”.

PC Ball was left with injuries including cuts and bruises to his arms. Footage taken from a helicopter at the scene is played to the court.

Mr Sweeney says it is not accepted that Drummond is shown throwing bricks on the clip. There is no application for bail.

Judge Boswell sends the case to the crown court to be sentenced on August 29 and says: “This court’s sentencing powers are insufficient. You will be remanded into custody.

“If there is to be a basis of plea, that should be provided by August 15.”

A pre-sentence report is also ordered.

Drummond turns to his supporters in the public gallery and says “love you” as he is led down to the cells.

Liverpool Echo