Man admits ‘barrelling into police officer’ during Southampton protest
Ryan Wheatley is facing a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to assault by beating of a police officer who he “barrelled” into at a protest in Southampton. The 40-year-old, of Malvern Close, Fair Oak, admitted running into Sergeant Rob Perry at the demonstration on Wednesday.
Leah Dillon, prosecuting, told Southampton Magistrates’ Court, that the defendant had attended the protest wearing a mask and a hooded top with an England flag draped over his shoulders. She said that he was part of a small group of anti-immigrant protesters who were confronted by a group of about 400 counter protesters.
Ms Dillon described how Wheatley was spotted by Sgt Perry leaving the group and attempting to run at the counter-demonstration. She said that he stepped in to intervene when the defendant ran straight into him.
She said that the officer sprayed Wheatley with an incapacitant spray and he was arrested. Ms Dillon said that he accepted in interview that he had “barrelled into the officer”.
Barry Keel, defending, said that Wheatley, who is unemployed, had expressed remorse for his actions and added: “He accepts he has let himself down, his family down, he is a family man with children and grandchildren.”
District Judge Tim Pattinson committed the case for sentencing at Southampton Crown Court on Monday, August 12, and remanded Wheatley in custody until then.
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