A former milkman has been jailed for 14 months following his involvement in the Whitehall violent disorder.
David Probert, 50, of Broughton Way, Mill End, Rickmansworth, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 9 after being charged with violent disorder.
He pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody until he appeared at Inner London Crown Court for sentencing on August 14.
Probert received a 14-month imprisonment period for his participation at the Whitehall riots on July 31. This came after a knife attack took place at a Taylor Swift-themed children’s yoga and dance concert in Southport on Monday, July 29. Three children were killed, and eight other children were injured. False claims were subsequently circulated by far-right groups that the attacker was Muslim and an asylum seeker.
Probert’s offence comes among a string of 31 other offences that took place in Central London that day.
Commander Lou Puddefoot said: “The officers on duty in Whitehall that evening were operating in really challenging circumstances and faced unacceptable aggression and abuse.
“I want to thank the officers who have spent the past two weeks reviewing many hours of CCTV, phone and bodycam footage to build the cases that are being put before the courts.
“While we welcome the restoration of calm in London and across the country, we are not being complacent. We continue to stand ready to respond to any outbreak of disorder and to deal decisively with any offences.”
Herts Police issued a statement to reassure Hertfordshire residents after rumours had spread in local Facebook groups of similar protests taking place in various locations across the county, amidst plans for more than 100 such events nationally.
Herts Police Chief Superintendent Ruth Dodsworth, said: “I would like to reassure Hertfordshire residents and businesses that your neighbourhood policing teams are here alongside you, working hard in the community to reassure people and keep them safe.
“Hertfordshire is a safe county and we want people to feel safe to go about their lives as normal. Across the country, policing is always prepared to tackle any problems and Hertfordshire is no different.
“I would like to highlight the dangers of disinformation in the current climate. We would encourage you to report any disinformation and criminal behaviour to the police online, on 101 or by calling 999 if there is a crime in progress.”
Photo credit: Met Police
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