Man sentenced over seafront protest disorder

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Weymouth in August 2024

A man has been sentenced following disorder at a protest gathering in Weymouth.

About 400 anti-immigration demonstrators and 200 Stand Up to Racism campaigners gathered on The Esplanade on 4 August.

The protest was one of a number across England and Northern Ireland, following the fatal stabbings of three girls in Southport.

James Hepburn, 31, of Woolcombe Road, Portland, was handed a community order by Poole magistrates after he pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour.

A previous charge of encouraging or assisting murder was discontinued by prosecutors.

Two police officers were injured as they formed a wall of bodies and police vans to stop the rival groups meeting, a court previously heard.

Hepburn was also ordered to undergo mental health treatment for 12 months, carry out a two-week rehabilitation activity and pay a £200 fine.