Gary Harkness pleaded guilty to violent disorder

Harkness, aged 51 and of North Road West, Plymouth pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Monday August 5.

Prosecutor Claire Tresidder said Harkness was standing on the House of Fraser side of Royal Parade and was seen “to be standing at the front of the group constantly throughout the incident”, “making offensvie hand gestures towards the Civic Centre group”. She said he was being “abusive approximately eight times” and there were “two physical altercations with police”.

The court was told Harkness was seen “making w***** gestures” towards counter-protestors. Harkness was also seen attempting to break through police lines and reach the counter-protestors.

Ms Tressider said on occasions police had to push Harkness away and at one point he pushed a police dog handler and then attempted to grab the dog handler’s “hand or baton” and walked towards the dog handler “in an aggressive fashion”.

The court heard Harkness had previous convictions the latest being in 2018 which was for possession of a prohibited weapon and drugs offences.

His advocate told the court that Harkness “doesn’t hold right wing views or affiliation” and that he “regrets being there” on the night. He said Harkness was seen “amicably chatting” to people on the “anti-fascist” side of the road.

District Judge Smith said the powers of the Magistrates’ court was insufficient and as such Harkness would be remanded into custody ahead of a sentencing hearing at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday.

Plymouth Herald