Crime, Weymouth | Posted on August 12th, 2024 | return to news
Man jailed for attacking police during Weymouth protest
Jason Barry Francis, 38, punched an officer in the face during an anti-immigration protest in Weymouth on Sunday 4 August.
A man who assaulted emergency workers during an anti-immigration protest in Weymouth, including punching a police officer in the face, has been handed a two-year jail sentence.
Jason Barry Francis, 38, of Meadow View Road in Weymouth, pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 12 August to violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker during the protests.
On Sunday 4 August, Francis was involved in an anti-immigration protest on Weymouth Esplanade which led to violent disorder. CCTV cameras and videos posted to social media showed Francis moving towards a police line pushing and kicking out at officers. He then went on to punch an officer in the face before backing away into the crowd.
Police reviewed the footage and were later able to identify Francis. He was arrested by officers at his home address on Thursday 8 August and subsequently charged with violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker.
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.”
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