Mill End man jailed over violent disorder in London

David Probert, 50, of Mill End, Hertfordshire, appeared at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to one charge of violent disorder.

Footage played to the court showed Probert, who had recently been diagnosed with autism and suffered from physical and mental health issues, repeatedly lunging and charging at police who were attempting to diffuse the situation.A Met commander said officers had faced unacceptable aggression and abuse during the unrest. (Image: PA)

Police arrested 121 people following violent disorder outside Downing Street on Wednesday July 31, two days after a stabbing at a dance studio in Southport.

Bottles and cans were thrown at police and flares were launched at the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.

The court heard police had to change into protective clothing during the demonstrations and five officers were injured as part of the disorder.

A statement read out in court on behalf of Probert claimed he attended the protest after being left “very upset” by the murder of three girls in Southport.

Probert was initially arrested at the scene before being de-arrested once officers became aware of his physical issues.

He was arrested following the demonstrations after being identified in footage of the incident.

Sentencing, Judge Benedict Kelleher told the defendant: “Violent protest cannot be tolerated.

“Those who engage in such violence can expect to receive serious sentences to punish and deter people from taking part in similar behaviour.”

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Commander Lou Puddefoot, of the Metropolitan Police, previously said on the Whitehall disorder: “The officers on duty in Whitehall that evening were operating in really challenging circumstances and faced unacceptable aggression and abuse.

“As is often the case with large-scale public order incidents such as this, so much of the work takes place in the days and weeks that follow.

“I want to thank the officers who have spent the past two weeks reviewing many hours of CCTV, phone and bodycam footage to build the cases that are being put before the courts.

“While we welcome the restoration of calm in London and across the country, we are not being complacent. We continue to stand ready to respond to any outbreak of disorder and to deal decisively with any offences.”

Police clash with protesters at the Enough is Enough march on July 31. (Image: PA) The individuals sentenced over the unrest within the last few days also include David Spring, of Longfellow Road in Sutton.

The 61-year-old was jailed for 18 months at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, August 12, after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Chris Jones, 51, of Portnoi Close in Romford was also fined £350 at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday after he admitted a public order offence. 

Ryan Atkin, 41, of Jarvis Brook in Tunbridge Wells, pleaded guilty to a public order offence and obstructing an officer at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Friday, August 9.

Magistrates handed the 41-year-old a 12-month community order including 60 hours of unpaid work

Following the Southport stabbings, Axel Rudakubana, now 18, of Banks in Lancashire, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on August 2 charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article, which was described in court as a kitchen knife with a curved blade.

He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on October 25 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.