Ian Ward, 53, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after assaulting a female police officer and another man during a counter-protest in Brighton.
Arrested on August 11, Ward faced charges of affray, assault by beating of an emergency worker, and assault by beating, to which he pleaded guilty. The incident occurred during a 1,000-strong counter-demonstration organized in response to recent unrest. Judge Christine Henson emphasized that the wider context of unrest across the UK necessitated an immediate custodial sentence. This incident marks one of several recent arrests related to protests in the region.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner highlighted the strain on police resources during this challenging period, with officers working extended hours to ensure public safety.
Photo@sussex police
