Judge's words to 'idiotic hooligan' who stormed police at protest

Ryan Wheatley was jailed for twelve months for assaulting Sergeant Rob Perry at the Grosvenor Square anti-immigration protest last Wednesday.

The 40-year-old, of Malvern Close, Fair Oak, sat in the dock with his head down as his actions were described by prosecutors at Southampton Crown Court yesterday.

The South African-born grandfather draped himself in an England flag and wore a mask to cover his face during the protest.

You can read more about it here: 'Violent hooligan' jailed for charging at police 'like a rhino'

Sentencing him, Judge Christopher Parker KC said: "It is perfectly clear to me that you intended to cause violence or threaten violence with the other group.

"At 7.35 that evening Sergeant Perry was diverted to keep the two groups away from each other."

He made reference to the offices at Grosvenor Square which "had been targeted" and the protest held there "because they carry out work to help asylum seekers".

Ryan Wheatley (Image: Hampshire Police)

Judge Parker went on to say the whole protest "had been widely publicised" as an event where there could be offending.

"You joined what turned out to be a small group of protestors against immigration," the judge told Wheatley.

He said "it must have been clear when you arrived" that there was a likelihood the protests could turn violent.

"It's perfectly clear from the footage that you clearly intended to turn threats to violence which would work if instigated."

The judge referenced the Olympics which saw British athletes compete on the world stage.

He said they were people from all sorts of backgrounds "who are proud to be British and which Great Britain is proud of".

Ryan Wheatley was arrested on Wednesday night (Image: Alex Shute)

The judge went on: "You moved to circumvent the police's efforts, and [your] actions were seen by two police officers who were then diverted to intercept you".

"As you approached the group, Sergeant Perry told you to stay back, and as a result, you moved towards the officer.

"You are a large man and you did intimidate him."

The judge praised the work of the police officers, saying: "Like the hundreds of other officers around the country, they showed remarkable courage.

"[Police officers] don't go to work expecting to be [victims of aggression] by idiotic and violent hooligans.

"You very clearly intended to cause a fear of serious harm. You used your substantial physique to do so.

"In ordinary life, an assault of this nature wouldn't attract a prison sentence at all. However, the situation is seriously aggravated.

"The victim here was a police officer carrying out his duties to protect the public, which included women and the elderly."

Wheatley was given an 18 month prison sentence, reduced to 12 months when credit for his early guilty plea was taken into account.