Far-right supporter admits shoving female police officer down stairs at London protest

A man has admitted to violently pushing a female police officer down a flight of stairs during a protest attended by the far right in London’s Parliament Square.

Jamie Dewing, 31, was caught on camera aggressively shoving the officer to the ground at the rally, which was attended by supporters of the English Defence League and Britain First.

The altercation left the officer requiring physiotherapy on her neck and her back in the weeks after the assault.

CCTV footage also showed Dewing, who initially denied the offences, throwing a metal barrier at officers and spitting at them despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Appearing at Teeside Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, the 31-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting an emergency service worker and one count of violent disorder.

Dewing, of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire, travelled down to the London rally from his home on 13 June. The event had initially been billed by organisers as a “peaceful protest” but turned violent within minutes of its scheduled start.

At around 1pm, Dewing could be seen squaring up to officers who were attempting to control crowds near a statue of Nelson Mandela, which had been boarded up for its protection. It was there that he pushed the officer down the stone steps.

Following an investigation he was identified by Cleveland Police. He will remain in custody until his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court at a later date.

Detective Constable Nicky Dixon said: "Dewing initially denied that he was the man responsible for pushing one of our colleagues, claiming that it was someone else.

"However, he quickly changed his mind when he was in the dock, admitting both charges against him. Footage from nearby police shows the force he used to push the officer - his actions were completely reprehensible.

"I'd like to thank Cleveland Police for their help in identifying Dewing but we also need the help of the public."