Former milkman jailed for violent disorder

A former milkman who repeatedly charged at police during violent disorder in London has been jailed for 14 months.

David Probert, 50, lunged and acted aggressively towards police who were trying to diffuse a protest in Whitehall on 31 July.

He was among 121 people who were arrested during violent scenes outside Downing Street, two days after the triple murders in Southport that prompted disorder across the country.

Probert, of Mill End, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced at Inner London Court earlier.

Bottles and cans were thrown at police and flares launched at the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square during the trouble.

The court heard police had to change into protective clothing during the demonstrations, and five officers were injured.

A statement read out on behalf of Probert claimed he attended the protest after being left "very upset" by the deaths of the three girls in Southport.

Probert was initially arrested at the scene before being de-arrested once officers became aware that he had physical and mental health issues.

He was arrested again following the demonstration after being identified in footage.

Sentencing him, Judge Benedict Kelleher told Probert: "Violent protest cannot be tolerated.

"Those who engage in such violence can expect to receive serious sentences to punish and deter people from taking part in similar behaviour."

Speaking after the disorder in July, Cdr Lou Puddefoot of the Metropolitan Police said officers had faced "unacceptable aggression and abuse".

"We continue to stand ready to respond to any outbreak of disorder and to deal decisively with any offences," she added.

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