Man jailed over Weymouth anti-immigration protest
He was caught on CCTV punching a police officer in the face.
Last updated 12th Aug 2024
A man has been jailed for his part in an anti-immigration protests in Weymouth.
38-year-old Jason Barry Francis of Meadow View Road in Weymouth has been jailed for two years.
He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.
The charges related to an incident at the protest in Weymouth on August 4th.
CCTV footage showed him punching a police officer in the face.
He was arrested four days later and appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on August 12th.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “This conviction demonstrates our commitment to the relentless pursuit of criminality in the wake of the disorder which took place during the protests in Weymouth on Sunday 4 August 2024.
“Our officers attended the protests with only one thing in mind – to keep members of the public safe – and it was totally unacceptable for one of them to be assaulted in this way in the line of duty. I hope that this conviction will act as a deterrent for those who are looking to cause disorder in the future.
“We will continue to facilitate peaceful protests, but if people are intent on committing public disorder or criminal offences, they will be dealt with robustly as such behaviours will not be tolerated.
“We are fully prepared to respond to incidents of disorder and we have a full command structure in place to ensure there is minimal disruption to local communities who can approach officers should they have any concerns.”