Man who assaulted police officer and struck demonstrator in Brighton jailed
Ian Ward forced himself through a line of police officers and attacked one of the small group of protesters and assaulted an officer.
![Ian Ward, 53, was sentenced at Hove Crown Court (Sussex Police/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/08/13/16/13160538-d0aad592-c0da-44bb-87c7-1a26726817f9.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
A man who assaulted a police officer and struck a demonstrator at a counter-protest in Brighton has been jailed.
Ian Ward, of Portslade, was part of the large crowd in the city centre on August 7, when he forced himself through a line of police officers who were separating the bigger group from a smaller group of protesters, Sussex Police said.
The 53-year-old attacked one of them and assaulted an officer in the process, the force added.
We are committed to facilitating peaceful protests impartially and, where individuals step over the line into unlawful behaviour, we will take action
At the evening protest, Sussex Police had said about 2,000 people attended in Queens Road, which was busy with anti-racism demonstrators holding signs reading “No to Racism” and “Education is key, misinformation kills”.
Ward pleaded guilty to affray, assault and assaulting a police officer at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, and was handed a 16-month sentence, half to be spent in custody and half on licence, at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday.
Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “This is a significant custodial sentence that should send a clear message that any acts of violence are not being tolerated, against members of the public or our officers.
“We are committed to facilitating peaceful protests impartially and, where individuals step over the line into unlawful behaviour, we will take action.
“Investigations are ongoing into a number of other reports over the last week as we look to ensure those seeking to sow division in our communities are held to account.”
Sussex Police said on Monday they had arrested nine people, including Ward, in connection with protests around the county.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.