John Cann pleads guilty to violent disorder

John Cann, aged 51 of North Road West, Plymouth has pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Monday August 5.

After hearing the charge Cann, flanked by two security officers in the dock, replied “Oh yeah, I’m guilty” before putting his hands up in the air.

Prosecutor Claire Tresidder said police footage showed Cann on the “city centre” side of Royal Parade and was “seen to be on a bike”. This was actually a form of mobility scooter as Cann has a prosthetic lower leg.

Ms Tresidder said Cann was seen to pick up items from the floor and throw them in the direction of the counter protestors. She said according to footage from police Cann was also seen to throw a firework which landed on the counter-protestors’ side and run from where it landed.

The court was told that Cann did have previous convictions, the most recent being possession of an offensive weapon in 2019.

District Judge Stuart Smith said Cann had accepted his role in the “very significant” disorder which occurred on that day. He added: “Violent thuggery is not going to be tolerated” but his own sentencing powers were not sufficient.

As such Cann would be remanded into custody and would appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Tuesday August 13 for sentencing.

Plymouth Herald