Man sentenced for assaulting England's Chief Medical Officer in a London Park
Last updated 30th Jul 2021
A 24 year old man has appeared in court and pleaded guilty to assaulting England's chief medical officer in a central London park.
Lewis Hughes, from Romford in Essex, admitted a charge of assault by beating at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison suspended for two years and ordered to pay £100 in compensation.
An investigation was launched after footage of the incident involving Professor Chris Whitty in St James' Park in June was widely shared on social media.
The scientific advisor wasn't hurt and told police he didn't want to press charges.
Following the incident the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 'public servants shouldn't have to face intimidation on our streets'.
Kalsoom Shah, from the CPS, said:
"This was a completely unacceptable act of targeting and assaulting Professor Chris Whitty.
"Lewis Hughes showed little regard for him or relevant social distancing rules when he accosted the Government's Chief Medical Officer in the street. His behaviour was both shocking and disgraceful."
Another 24 year old man has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault by beating and is expected to go on trial later this year.