Man admits police assault during seaside protests

About 600 protesters gathered on Weymouth seafront on 4 August

A man has admitted assaulting a police officer during protests on Weymouth seafront.

Kevin Searle pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker during a hearing at Poole Magistrates' Court.

About 400 anti-immigration protesters gathered on the Esplanade on 4 August, along with about 200 Stand Up to Racism demonstrators.

The 40-year-old from Weymouth was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard Searle pushed and shoved police officers in an attempt to get through a cordon on the Esplanade, shouted abuse and threw a can of cider.

Searle told the court he had been returning from a fishing trip, had consumed alcohol and had not been aware the protest was taking place.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: "This latest arrest and charge demonstrates our continued commitment to take action against those believed to be involved in criminal activity during the recent protest activity.

"Our message remains very clear - we will not tolerate any reported hate, violence, or disorder in our communities."

Disorder broke out in Southport on 30 July, a day after Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event in the town.

It spread to other towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland in the subsequent days, fuelled by misinformation on social media.

Two men appeared in court on Tuesday after the protests in Weymouth.

Ian Thomas, 47, from Bournemouth, is charged with violent disorder, and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

Ian Vetier, 36, from Weymouth, is also accused of violent disorder during the gathering on Weymouth Esplanade on 4 August.

Both men were remanded in custody by Poole magistrates. They are due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday.