Portslade man jailed for assaults at Brighton counter protest

A Brighton man who assaulted a member of the public and a police officer at a demonstration in the city has been jailed.

Ian Ward, 53, of Old Mill Close in Portslade, was part of a large crowd gathered in Queens Road on Wednesday (7 August), separated from a smaller group by a line of police officers.

During the event, Ward forced himself through the line of officers and struck one of the smaller group, assaulting a female police officer in the process.

Review of video footage in the days following the incident identified the offence and Ward as a suspect.

He was arrested on Sunday (11 August), and charged with affray, assault and assaulting a police officer.

He pleaded guilty to all counts at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday (12 August) and, at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday (13 August), was sentenced to eight months in prison, with another eight to be spent on licence.

Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “This is a significant custodial sentence that should send a clear message that any acts of violence are not being tolerated, against members of the public or our officers.

“We are committed to facilitating peaceful protests impartially and, where individuals step over the line into unlawful behaviour, we will take action.

“Investigations are ongoing into a number of other reports over the last week as we look to ensure those seeking to sow division in our communities are held to account.”