Protester jailed for assaulting police officer

Ian Wyn Thomas admitted to assaulting an emergency worker during a protest in Weymouth

A man has been jailed for 14 months after assaulting a police officer during an anti-immigration protest.

Ian Wyn Thomas, 47, of Elliott Road in Bournemouth, Dorset, attended the protest on The Esplanade in Weymouth on 4 August.

Dorset Police said he was seen to confront and push an officer, before throwing his right hand toward their head, which the officer blocked with their arm.

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker at Bournemouth Crown Court on 10 September.

Dorset Police said it had been working to identify those who took part in "unacceptable behaviour"

Thomas was identified following a review of footage and other evidence gathered from the protest, the force said.

An estimated 400 anti-immigration protesters gathered in Weymouth on 4 August. There were also about 200 Stand Up to Racism demonstrators.

It was one of a number of violent outbreaks across England and Northern Ireland, following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport - with unrest fuelled by misinformation online.

Another man, James Ashley Hepburn, 31, from Portland, was previously charged with encouraging or assisting in the commission of offences of murder believing one or more will be committed.

The charge, in connection with the same protest, was discontinued at Bournemouth Crown Court on 30 August.

He will instead appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on 30 September charged with using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provocation.