Jail for man who attacked police officer at Brighton counter-demonstration

A man has been jailed for a total of 16 months for assaulting a female police officer and attacking another man during a counter-demonstration in Brighton on 7 August. 

Ian Ward, aged 53 from Portslade, was part of a 1,000 strong counter-demonstration, which had been organised in response to recent unrest. 

Police were keeping the counter-protestors separate from a small group of demonstrators when Ward approached the line of police officers, punching one of the demonstrators in the face and pushing one of the police officers. 

Ward told police that he had not planned to attend the protest on 7 August but happened to find himself there. He was identified by police from footage shot by at the scene. When arrested, he admitted the assaults and showed no remorse in interview, telling officers he knew there “would be some follow up”. 

Chief Crown Prosecutor Kris Venkatasami from Crown Prosecution Service South East said: “Anyone taking part in violent disorder can expect to feel the full force of the law – which we apply equally to everyone without fear or favour. 

“This defendant attacked a police officer, who was working hard to maintain law and order on the streets of Brighton in the face of two opposing groups. This was a volatile situation, and Ward’s actions had the potential to ignite things further. 

“Anyone involved in this sort of activity needs to understand that there are consequences to their behaviour and the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work with the police and courts to bring those involved to justice.”