Man admits being involved in fight at city protest

Demonstrations in Nottingham were among several across the country on 3 August following a fatal knife attack in Southport

A man has admitted being involved in a fight during disorder in Nottingham.

Dominic Lane, 46, decided to join in when violence broke out during demonstrations in the city centre on 3 August.

He was among several men charged with using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke violence in connection with the incident, with three others pleading guilty at earlier hearings.

Lane previously denied the charge but on Tuesday, when a trial was due to be held at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he admitted the offence.

The court heard Lane had "thrown a punch" before being arrested immediately after.

Graham Heathcote, defending, claimed Lane had been on the "periphery" of the incident which saw the victim, an Asian man, involved in an altercation.

"I'm suggesting to the court that the incident had already escalated into violence," Mr Heathcote said.

'Hurried toward fight'

He added that although Lane was "part of that" incident, it was "not targeted" and he submitted the defendant did not play a "lead role".

Mark Fielding, prosecuting, said Lane was part of a group that "could be categorised as a far right-wing gathering, protesting, demonstrating against immigration", and could be seen "shouting and gesticulating" before the offence.

"There's then an incident where the right wingers were then infiltrated by a member of the other community," he said.

"When that started, Mr Lane hurried toward that fight clearly with the intention of joining in and indeed he did join in," Mr Fielding said.

He added "the abuse continued" after Lane's arrest, claiming he swore at his arresting officer.

The victim, who was not involved in the proceedings, was also described in court as a "troublemaker".

District judge Gillian Young said the offence was "serious" and happened "at a time of civil disorder and heightened tensions".

Lane is due to be sentenced at the same court on 31 October.