Archive

Tag Archives: violent disorder

‘Ashamed’ Hells Angels leader from Sunderland bitten by police dog, arrested and jailed after violence during counter-demonstration at Black Lives Matter march in Newcastle

By
May 9, 2022
Uncategorized

An “arrogant” Hells Angels leader is behind bars after getting involved in large-scale violence during a counter demonstration at a Black Lives Matter march.

Widespread trouble flared when members of North East Frontline Patriots, Protect the Monument from Black Lives Matter and other groups, including Hells Angels and veterans, attended the organised demonstration in Newcastle in June 2020.

The counter protestors said they were there to “protect” the city’s Grey’s Monument from the Black Lives Matter demonstrators and around 1,000 people in total gathered round the statue that day, including police officers.

The monument is an 1838 Grade I-listed memorial to Charles Grey whose government enacted the Slavery Abolition Act.

However, the act is controversial as it compensated slave owners for the loss of their “property”.

Newcastle Crown Court heard both groups stated they planned a “peaceful” protest.

But prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court from about 2pm that day, parts of the crowd became hostile and violent and police officers, dogs and horses were injured as well as members of the public.

Objects including glass bottles, metal cans and smoke grenades were thrown.

Mr Perks said police officers were hit by missiles and suffered injuries ranging from redness to bruising, a dislocated finger and one had his foot trampled by a horse trying to avoid an object, which led to eight weeks off work.

One police horse had blood coming from the mouth, another needed treatment to a cut leg and one service dog suffered a wound to the face from a bottle that was thrown.

A 17-year-old who attended to peacefully demonstrate with the Black Lives Matter group was hit by a bottle as she tried to get away from the violence and suffered a wound to the head.

The court heard Colin Green is the leader of the Tyne and Wear Chapter of the Hells Angels and he was caught on CCTV among the counter protesters.

He threw no missiles or punches but was shown on the footage to be running at police, refusing to leave and ended up being bitten by a police dog then taken to hospital.

The 58-year-old of Church Street, Sunderland, who lives in accommodation provided by the Chapter and works at their bar, admitted violent disorder and has now been jailed for 29 months.

Judge Edward Bindloss said: “He is an influential figure of the Hells Angels in this area.

“My assessment of him on the footage is of him walking around in a cool, calm and arrogant manner, walking up to police, going behind police, striding around in a way that made me assess him as someone who thought he was untouchable.”

Judge Bindloss said Green played a “significant part” in what happened that day and added: “It could have been open to him to say to those in his chapter ‘we are off’, ‘we are leaving the scene’, ‘let’s go’.

“He chose not to do so.”

Nick Lane, defending, handed in references to Green’s ordinarily positive character.

Mr Lane said Green is “deeply ashamed and embarrassed by his conduct on the day” and has been involved in charity work including providing Covid hampers during lockdowns and planning events such as the Armed Services Day event in South Shields.

Christopher Butters, 42, of Moorland Avenue, Bedlington, Northumberland, was jailed for 31 months at the same hearing.

He also admitted violent disorder and had been shown on CCTV throwing missiles at police after he was hit by a mounted officer’s baton.
Sunderland Echo

Byker football yob jailed for city centre riot against Black Lives Matter protest

By
May 5, 2022
Uncategorized

Michael O’Brien, of Byker, had been among a group of Newcastle United supporters who stormed a Burnley pub just six months before the shameful city centre scenes



A convicted football yob has been jailed for taking part in a city centre riot when a baying mob clashed with Black Lives Matter supporters.

Just six months before participating in the shameful scenes in Newcastle, Michael O’Brien was one of a group of Newcastle United supporters who stormed a pub in Burnley after an away game. He was subsequently jailed for two years for that violent disorder.

Now O’Brien, who volunteers at a youth football club, and two other men – one of them, like O’Brien, said to be wearing a cap showing affiliation to “football risk groups”, have been locked up for their part in a loud and intimidating disturbance in June 2020.

Police officers, horses and dogs were injured, along with members of the public, as around 1,000 people, in two opposing groups, gathered at Grey’s Monument. A peaceful protest planned in support of the Black Lives Matter movement was met by counter-protesters who threw cans, bottles and other missiles.

Two men were jailed for their parts in the violent disorder on Tuesday and now O’Brien, Ronald Short and Ryan Barlow have joined them behind bars with all three sentenced to 27 months.

Newcastle Crown Court heard O’Brien, 55, of Beresford Gardens, Byker, Newcastle, who was wearing a Green Bay Packers cap, moved to the front of the counter-protest after flares were thrown by the Black Lives Matter group. He remonstrated with officers and was pushed away but refused to retreat.

The court heard he raised his hands to a member of the public who was shouting at him to go away and police intervened but he tried to move towards the Black Lives Matter group and police had to stop him.

He went on to tussle with police and tried to stop them detaining an offender then threw a can, hitting an officer on his helmet then joining in a surge. O’Brien was then seen to punch a member of the public, who was then also hit by someone else.

He was picked out by a football spotter who recognised him. The 55-year-old has 10 previous convictions, including for violent disorder six months before the city centre riot, after travelling to a Newcastle United match at Burnley and became involved in violence in a pub. He was jailed for two years and given a Football Banning Order for that.

Short, 28, of Stockwell Greet, Walkerville, Newcastle, who has previous convictions for threatening behaviour, battery and drunk and disorderly, was seen on footage wearing a Newcastle United face mask and a Green Bay Packers cap. Others were wearing the same cap and prosecutors suggested “this meant he has an affiliation to football risk groups”.

The court heard he was seen to pick up an item and hurl it towards the police and Black Lives Matter group then he searched the floor and found three more missiles which he threw, according to prosecutors but he pleaded guilty on the basis he only threw two items.

Barlow, 28, of Parklands Way, Felling, Gateshead, who has no previous convictions, who was not said to be affiliated with any specific group, was seen to throw a can of Stella Artois toward the police and Black Lives Matter supporters, which contributed to an escalation in a tense situation.

He was asked to leave by police but refused and was seen with his arms up joining in chanting. He was then seen to pick up items from the floor and threw them at mounted police.

One police officer on a horse was struck in the head and Barlow then threw a carrier bag containing items, possibly bottles or cans, which hit a horse in the face and head then landed on a police dog.

Helen Towers, for O’Brien, said there were a number of references for him and said he volunteers at a youth football club. She added that he had been elected by fellow prisoners as a violence reduction representative and has “excelled” in prison.

Miss Towers added: “He accepts full responsibility for his completely unacceptable behaviour. He bitterly regrets his actions and is determined to turn his life around.”

Jonathan Cousins, for Short, said: “When he got out of bed that morning to attend this protest it was not with any intention to commit acts of violence. He understands it was completely unacceptable and he regretted what he did almost immediately after it happened and has regretted it ever since.”

Brian Hegarty, for Barlow, said he threw a can he was drinking from as an “instinctive reaction” to items being thrown from the other group. He added: “What he did was reckless but not intended to hurt anybody and he very much hopes he didn’t hurt anybody.”

Mr Hegarty said Barlow was not linked to any of the groups who attended and had gone there after reading about the protest on Facebook. He added: “He is embarrassed and ashamed of himself about getting involved. He fully accepts what he did was stupid and he should not have put himself in that position. He has shown remorse and was at a low ebb at the time.”

Newcastle Chronicle

Rioting Black Lives Matter counter-protesters left Newcastle city centre police officers, horses and dogs hurt

By
May 4, 2022
Uncategorized

Thugs from the counter-demonstration began throwing glass bottles, metal cans and smoke grenades in chaotic scenes at Grey’s Monument

Police officers, horses, dogs and members of the public were injured during a riot caused by thugs demonstrating against a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest.

Member of a counter-demonstration chose to attend Grey’s Monument in Newcastle city centre at the same time as the planned show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement and some came prepared for a violent showdown. Ugly and frightening scenes on a Saturday afternoon were captured on CCTV as a barrage of bottles, cans and smoke grenades were thrown while around 1,000 people gathered and 180 police officers were verbally abused as they tried to keep the two groups apart.

Several Northumbria Police officers, animals and members of the public were hurt in the appalling outbreak of violence. Now three of those responsible – children’s football coach Christopher Bone, then-council worker Craig Hornsby and ex joiner Neil Drummond – have been sentenced for violent disorder at Newcastle Crown Court. Around 30 people have pleaded guilty and are to be sentenced in the coming days.

The court heard there was a peaceful demonstration planned in support of Black Lives Matter on Saturday June 13, 2020. However police were told a group called the North East Front Line Patriots, along with Hell’s Angels, veterans and some with a history of football violence, were to hold a counter demonstration at the same time in the same place.

The counter-protesters claimed to be there to protect Grey’s Monument from anarchists but a judge said it was the counter-protesters who were responsible for the bulk of the violence, which they started and continued. Despite repeated warnings by police to disperse, a hardcore of 50 to 60 remained for hours.

Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said: “From 2pm, some protesters became hostile and instigated public disorder. Objects were thrown at police and protesters, including glass bottles, metal cans and smoke grenades.

“Several police officers, service animals, including a number of dogs and horses and members of the public were injured.” One PC at the back of the counter protest was hit in the base of the neck by a full, unopened can of lager. He stumbled forward and was then hit on the back of his helmet with a glass bottle.

An inspector was hit in the chest by a can of lager and a bottle smashed at his feet. He also saw someone grabbing a police officer’s baton and witnessed a horse bleeding from its mouth and another horse with a cut to its leg.

Another PC was struck with a bottle to his hand and suffered a dislocated finger and a colleague suffered an injured foot when a missile was thrown towards a horse and it jumped back and stood on his foot.

The court heard police horse Peroni was hit in the face with a full can of beer and also suffered a cut leg while police dog, Ivan, suffered a cut to his eyebrow.

One PC was hit in the face with a can of lager and another was punched in the face by a counter-protester. Another was bitten by a police dog after someone antagonised it.

The court heard a 17-year-old girl in the Black Live Matter group decided to leave the demonstration and as she did so was struck in the back of the head by a beer bottle. She needed hospital treatment for a wound to her head.

Bone was present in the area from that morning and footage shows him marshalling and beckoning others to move towards the police line and he was seen aggressively gesturing towards the other group.

He was seen to throw a can which appeared to strike a senior police officer. He was later seen picking up a plastic bag and throwing it and it’s contents at the police line, striking an officer. He also obstructed efforts by the police to move the group back and continued pointing and shouting and pushing.

The court heard Bone’s previous convictions include rioting in Portugal during the Euros in 2008 and failing to comply with a Football Banning Order.

Hornsby threw a bottle towards the police line. He then threw a further three bottles at the police and Black Lives Matter group. Mr Perks said: “A PC was struck in the body and smashed glass caused injury to police horses and dogs and a member of the public was struck.”

Drummond was with a group of protesters chanting and shouting towards the Black Lives Matter group and took part in a racist song. He was also seen ranting at police about not allowing anarchy in the city and said he wanted to “protect our statues against anarchy and liberalism”.

Sentencing them, Judge Edward Bindloss said he gave little or no weight to the argument they had been there to protect the monument from anarchists and said: “The bulk of the violence and the bulk of the necessity for the police being there was to hold back the counter-protesters.”

Bone, 46, of Affleck Street Gateshead, Hornsby, 52, of Wordsworth Close, Hexham, and Drummond, 65, of Audley Road, South Gosforth, Newcastle, all admitted violent disorder. Bone was jailed for 29 months, Hornsby got 38 months and Drummond got two years suspended for two years with a one month curfew. His sentence was only suspended on medical grounds as he has cancer, including a brain tumour.

Elizabeth Muir, for Bone, said references “speak of a different man to the man one can see behaving atrociously on the CCTV”.

She added: “He is a qualified football coach and has been very much involved in children’s football coaching. That’s why this behaviour is so utterly appalling.” Miss Muir said Bone’s son, who has suffered serious health issues, and partner would suffer by him being jailed.

Christopher Bone, jailed for violent disorder

Andrew Turton, for Hornsby, said he is remorseful and didn’t attend intending to cause trouble and that his main concern was to protect the Grey’s Monument statue. He said throwing missiles was a reaction to items being thrown the other way.

Craig Hornsby, jailed for violent disorder

He added that he was brought up with a military background and denies being aligned to any groups or being a member of any hate crime groups or holding racist values. He was a tenancy support officer at Derwentside Council but was sacked as a result of the offence.

Tom Bennett, for Drummond, said he claimed he had gone to town to go shopping, despite it being the height of lockdown and became concerned damage would be done as it had been to statues in other areas.

But Judge Bindloss remarked: “All of the people I have to sentence are counter-protesters. People are saying they are here to defend people from anarchists – the only people committing violence were Mr Drummond and his ilk.”

Mr Bennett added that Drummond is having treatment for cancer and is now reliant on others.
Newcastle Chronicle

Man jailed for pushing police officer down flight of stairs during an anti-Black Lives Matter protest

By
August 19, 2020
Uncategorized

A SALTBURN man has been jailed for pushing a police officer down a flight of stairs during an anti-Black Lives Matter protest in London.

Jamie Dewing, 31, of Valley View, Saltburn was sentenced to two years in prison at Teesside Crown Court today (Tuesday).

He had previously appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 8 where he admitted one count of assaulting an emergency service worker and one count of violent disorder.

He had been remanded in custody by the court awaiting sentence.

On June 13, Dewing had travelled from Saltburn to join hundreds of demonstrators protesting in Parliament Square.

Very early into the day, a small minority of demonstrators, including Dewing, became increasingly hostile to police officers.

At around 1pm, Dewing fronted up to officers who were policing the crowds near to the Nelson Mandela statue.

Officers had made their way there to retrieve from the crowd a woman from the opposing Black Lives Matter protest, as there was serious concerns for her wellbeing.

Officers were taking the woman to safety and were moving away from the crowd, when Dewing violently shoved the female police officer.

As a result, she fell backwards down steps and onto her back, causing injury to her back and neck and although she has returned to duty she is still receiving physiotherapy.

Dewing’s violent behaviour didn’t stop there, and throughout the rest of the day he was caught on camera acting aggressively, including throwing items such as a metal barrier at officers and repeatedly spitting at officers at cordons along Whitehall.

As part of the investigation, his image was released to the media by the Metropolitan Police and he was identified by an officer from Cleveland Police.

DC Nicky Dixon, part of the investigation team, said: “Dewing assaulted an officer who was only trying to protect a member of the public. This officer braved a hostile crowd to carry out the rescue of someone who was vulnerable. Having come to the woman’s aid, the officer was moving away when Dewing assaulted her. There is no excuse for this or his later actions, it was just thuggery.

“I’d like to thank Cleveland Police for their help in identifying Dewing. When arrested he initially denied that he was responsible, but officers had gathered extensive evidence. When faced with the overwhelming evidence against him, he pleaded guilty and has rightly been sent to prison.”

Northern Echo

Judge says thugs at Portsmouth FC v Southampton game were not true fans

By
August 2, 2020
Uncategorized

A JUDGE has said hooligans intent on fighting at the Portsmouth v Southampton match are not true fans.

Judge William Ashworth made the comments at Portsmouth Crown Court where he jailed 53-year-old former Ukip candidate Derek Jennings for violent disorder.

Dad-of-two Jennings punched police horse Luna twice, in the nose and mouth, ahead of kick off at the Carabao Cup third round derby match on September 24.

The trusted family man, of Laburnum Grove, Copnor, has now been jailed for 20 months with a six-year football banning order. He admitted violent disorder.

During sentencing, judge Ashworth said: ‘There’s absolutely no doubt that some of the, I won’t call them Portsmouth fans, people from the Portsmouth side of the supporting section – I won’t call them fans because they weren’t there for the football – they were there to fight.

‘They were clearly goading and threatening the Southampton contingent, singing a particular song which was clearly a group indication of a desire to engage in violence.

‘Both groups, Portsmouth and Southampton groups, were exchanging threats and goading each other, and if the police had not been there then this turbulence of threats and aggression from both groups would simply have boiled over into a vast running battle in the residential streets of Portsmouth and the damage and the results of that violence would have been wide ranging.’

More people are being prosecuted in relation to the disorder.

Sgt Leon Astley, from the shared Hampshire and Thames Valley police horse unit, said: ‘Luna was simply there to do her job and assist police in protecting the public

‘This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

‘Fortunately she was not injured during this incident but we’ve made sure she’s had plenty of TLC since then.’

Det Chief Insp John McGonigle added: ‘For a grown man to act in this way was deplorable, especially against an animal, who was simply there to help protect people who wanted to enjoy the game and get home safely.

‘We hope this sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour or any disorder at any public event.

‘Action will be taken and those responsible will be investigated.’

Both he and Sgt Astley thanked the public for an ‘outpouring’ of support for Luna.

Portsmouth News

Sunderland thug with more than 110 offences to his name – how Daniel Allan’s Westminster arrest followed history of offending

By
July 25, 2020
Uncategorized

A Sunderland thug has been jailed for his part in violence which broke out in Westminster and made headlines across the country.

But it’s not the first time Daniel Allan has found himself in trouble; the thug has over 110 convictions.

The 35-year-old, who lives in Ridley Terrace in Hendon, has now been sentenced to 28 months in prison Southwark Crown Court, after pleading guilty to violent disorder at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

He had travelled to the capital on June 13 to join in a demonstration held in Parliament Square.

Clashes broke out between protestors – who said they were protecting monuments from damage they feared would be caused by anti-racism campaigners – and police officers.

Allan was seen at 3.15pm that day, kicking a police sergeant in the back, knocking him to the ground in Bridge Street, just next to the Houses of Parliament.

The Metropolitan Police said footage of the attack was shared widely on social media, and a short time later, “officers recognised Allan due to his distinctive coloured clothing” which turned out to be a pair of luminous shorts.

He was arrested by City of London Police and later charged.

The Met Police has said the officer he struck was left with bruising to his back and was able to recover at home.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said 38 officers had been hurt during the disorder.

Back in February 2017, Newcastle Crown Court heard Allan had threatened to burn down a former partner’s home, threatening to take children hostage after smashing his way into her home and grabbing her phone.

Their ordeal happened after he had made 50 unanswered calls to the woman before he turned up drunk at her door early one January morning.

Police turned up and soon arrested Allan, who had been trying to hide in a nearby lane.

As he was sentenced 12 months after admitting burglary, the court was told at that stage he had 110 previous offences on his record.

His barrister said Allan believed his drink had been spiked and had been left distraught at the end of the relationship with the woman and had not gone to the house to steal anything.

Sunderland Echo

Name of Teesside man arrested at London ‘statue’ demonstration released after court appearance

By
July 10, 2020
Uncategorized

He was one of three Teesside men arrested as the Met Police swooped on Wednesday, following violent clashes with police in Parliament Square

A Teesside man will face a crown court judge to be sentenced after taking part in a London demonstration which saw police officers attacked.

Three men in our region were arrested as the Met Police swooped in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after the violent protests in Parliament Square on June 13.

Two men from Middlesbrough, aged 44 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder linked to the demonstration and have been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

But a third, Jamie Dewing, was charged and appeared from custody at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

The 31-year-old, of Wharton Place, Boosbeck, indicated a guilty plea to two charges – violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Dewing has been remanded in custody until he appears at Teesside Crown Court for sentence, at a date to be fixed.

Thousands marched on Parliament Square on June 13 as debate about historical monuments intensified, in the wake of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston being pulled down in Bristol during an earlier Black Lives Matter protest.

A statue of Winston Churchill in London was boarded up before the demonstration.

After the demo, Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the actions on display after officers were seen being punched and kicked.

And Andrew Banks, 28, of Stansted, Essex, has already been jailed after being photographed urinating at the Westminster memorial dedicated to PC Keith Palmer, during the protests.

PC Palmer, 48, was stabbed while on duty during the Westminster terror attack in March 2017.

The Met Police also confirmed on Wednesday that two London men, one aged 40 from Lewisham and another, aged 58 from Hammersmith and Fulham, were arrested in the early hours.

Since Saturday, six other men have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder linked to the protests and released under police investigation, as inquiries continue.

The Met Police says it has arrested 258 after disorder at a number of gatherings across the capital, including an unlicensed party in Brixton.

Commander Bas Javid, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: “When London witnessed the frankly unacceptable levels of violence during recent protests we said those actions would have consequences.

“During clashes with police, a small minority targeted officers with racial abuse or violence – pelting them with bottles, rocks or other items… it was deeply frustrating seeing them being so senselessly assaulted.”

The Gazette

Sunderland man admits kicking policeman during violent protests in London

By
June 16, 2020
Uncategorized

Daniel John Allan, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder against a police officer at Westminster Magistrates’ Court

A Sunderland man has admitted attacking a police officer during a day of violence in central London.

Daniel John Allan was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday for violence as right-wing protesters, Black Lives Matter supporters and the police clashed on Saturday.

Allan, a father of two from Ridley Terrace, in Sunderland, was arrested on Saturday after kicking a policeman in the back.

He was later spotted in the crowd due to his “distinctive appearance” – a pair of luminous shorts, the court heard.

Allan, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder against a police officer and will be sentenced at a later date.

Jennifer Gatland, prosecuting, said Allan travelled from his home as groups of right-wing protesters sought to protect statues around Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.

She said Allan “kicked out” at a policeman from behind, “suddenly and without provocation”.

He was later spotted due to his distinctive attire.

Remanding Allan into custody, District Judge Nicholas Rimmer said: “The seriousness of your conduct consists of being part of wider protesters in which missiles were thrown.

“You personally kicked out at (the police sergeant), that appears to have catalysed the violence.”

Eleanor Fraser, for Allan, said he has a previous conviction for violence in 2010, and suffered with depression and anxiety.

The court heard he had a panic attack upon arrest, and then in police custody.

Saturday’s far-right demonstration took place after thousands of anti-racist protesters marched in multiple events sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of white police officers in the US last month.

The Chronicle

Four jailed for violent Sevenoaks brawl after attending conference

By
December 2, 2019
Uncategorized

Deirdre McTucker, Dale Lutton and Paul Carbine have been jailed for violent disorder

Four people who took part in a violent brawl after attending a conference in Sevenoaks have been jailed.

Dale Lutton, Paul Carbine, Sebastian Seccombe and Deirdre McTucker all attended an event at a theatre in the town on April 14 2018.

Soon afterwards, a fight broke out with non-attendees in Bligh’s Meadow car park.

Lutton, 27, of no fixed address, was jailed for 16 months after being found guilty of violent disorder at a trial in September.

He was filmed joining in with the fighting as soon as it began, targeting one person in particular and throwing multiple punches at him.

Carbine, 33, of Meadow Lane in Wickford, Essex, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

He was caught on camera throwing punches at various different members of the opposing group.

McTucker, 43, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 months after being found guilty of violent disorder at a trial in September.

She was filmed grabbing a woman by the hair before punching her repeatedly in the face.

Seccombe, 20, of Holwick Close in Consett, County Durham, was sentenced to 10 months in a young offender institution after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

He kicked a member of the opposing group in the stomach before aiming a flying kick at others who were fighting.

All four were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday November 29.

Detective Sergeant Dan Barker of Kent Police said: “The actions of these four people and others involved in fighting that day were completely unacceptable.

“Members of the public should be able to go about their daily business without having to witness such mindless acts of violence, as has been demonstrated by the sentences imposed by the judge in this case.

“All four now have plenty of time behind bars to consider whether the juvenile behaviour they displayed was really worth it.”

News Shopper

Six sentenced following violent disorder in Whitehall

By
October 1, 2019
Uncategorized

Six individuals are the last in a group of 14 to be jailed for almost 18 years for their part in violent disorder in Whitehall on 9 June 2018.

The following pleaded guilty to violent disorder and were sentenced on Monday, 30 September:

– Mitchell Feneck, 21 (17.07.98) of Haverfordwest, Dyfed was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.

– Max Hammet-Millay, 22 (9.05.97) of Wenlock Road, N1 was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

– Mark Ransome, 25 (7.02.94) of Romford Road, RM5 was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

– James Thomas, 28 (24.10.90) of Priory View Road, Burton, Dorset was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

– John Cummings, 49 (16.09.70) of Hunters Hall Road, Dagenham, Essex was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

– Charles Haig, 24 (22.03.95) of East Street, Seaford, East Sussex was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

An additional eight defendants were sentenced on Friday, 27 September having previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder. They are:

– Danny Grealey, 43 (28.06.76) of Ebberns Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

– Kate Beveridge, 35 (04.04.84) of Pool Foot Lane, Singleton, Lancashire was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

– Robert Sandford, 47 (27.11.71) of Bolton Road, Hungerhill, Bolton was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment.

– Keith O’Sullivan, 40 (22.04.79) of Holmstead Way, Luton was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment.

– Andrew McLean, 20 (18.11.98) of Field Street, Wolverhampton was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

– David Anderson, 23 (06.05.95) of Moraine Drive, Glasgow was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment.

– Kai Smith, 19 (09.10.99) of Middleton Close, London, E4 was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.

– Carl Gustav Backland, 59 (14.11.59) of Grafton Way, Camden was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.

On 9 June 2018, serious disorder broke out at a ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ demonstration in Whitehall. Scaffolding, glass bottles and items of street furniture, including heavy barriers, were thrown at police. More than 20 officers suffered injuries. Serious disruption was caused to members of the public, local businesses and the local community as a result.

Operation Augusta was launched by the Met to bring those involved in the disorder to justice.

Detective Sergeant Matt Hearing, who led the Operation Augusta team, said: “This investigation proved extremely challenging with hundreds of hours of CCTV, video and Body Worn Video to examine. However, such was the weight of evidence brought against those charged, that all pleaded guilty.

“Peaceful protest plays an important role in our society. However, the actions of some involved in this demonstration showed a contempt both for the law and the police. Officers that day were there to ensure the safety of all those taking part, yet were met with abuse and violence.”

Robert Hutchinson, prosecutor from the London CPS complex casework unit, said: “The terrifying disorder wreaked by these individuals in the heart of London on 9 June 2018, was inexcusable. Protestors set out to intimidate and hurt police, injuring more than 20 officers who were protecting the public and tourists in Central London on the day of Trooping of the Colour, and who should have been able to go about their duties without fear of violence.

“This was a complex case and has involved exceptionally close liaison with the police from an early stage to determine appropriate charges that reflected the seriousness of their crimes. The strong case we built ultimately left the defendants with no choice but to plead guilty.

“The sentences passed should serve as a warning that those who direct violence towards police and act in this way will face prosecution and potentially prison.”

Met Police

*** Note *** We have been asked to point out that Carl Gustav Backland is not a member of the far-right and was caught up in the violence on the day whilst trying to get to the counter protest.