Two men have been handed prison sentences for their role in violent disorder that took place in Weymouth.
They appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 15 August 2024 to be sentenced following the disorder on The Esplanade on Sunday 4 August 2024.
Ian Vetier, 36 and of Culliford Way in Weymouth, was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder. He was arrested after he was captured on footage shouting abuse while taking part in the protest activity.
Kevin Gordon Searle, 40 and of Lichfield Road in Weymouth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for 21 months. During the disorder, he attempted to breach the police cordon while shouting verbal abuse and threw the contents of a can of cider toward officers.
Both men were identified and arrested in the days following the incident after officers reviewed any footage that was captured.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “These are two further people that are now behind bars following their actions during the recent disorder.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that violence and aggression is directed toward police officers who are there to enable peaceful protests, protect the public and ensure there is minimal disruption to local communities.
“Our work is not done and we will be continuing to review evidence and build cases against anyone who was involved in the disorder.
“I hope these latest court outcomes send a clear message to anyone thinking of getting involved in this type of criminality – it will not be tolerated and we will take all necessary steps to ensure you are brought to justice.”
Kate Brown, Chief Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “The disorder seen in Weymouth was a true blight on our region and will no doubt have disturbed residents of this otherwise peaceful community.
“The right to protest is enshrined in law, but that right does not extend to verbally abusing and physically attacking police officers who are there to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The behaviour seen will not be tolerated and the Crown Prosecution Service will continue working with our partners in policing and the wider criminal justice system to make sure those who bring violence to our communities face the full consequences of their actions.”
A 47-year-old man from Bournemouth who was charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker also appeared in Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 15 August 2024. He is next due to appear at the same court on Monday 9 September 2024.
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