Man who punched police officer in head during Help for Heroes march walks free from court

 
PA
17 June 2013
WEST END FINAL

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A man who punched a police officer in the head when a Help for Heroes march turned sour has walked free from court.

Luke Selman, 23, was part of a 60-strong group who attended a rally to raise money in memory of murdered Drummer Lee Rigby, 25.

The walk began peacefully when 30 people gathered at the Kingswood Royal British Legion Club in Bristol.

But the atmosphere became hostile when more people joined the march as it made its way around the city, resulting in a group of 60 at St George's Hall, a pub.

Police in riot gear attended the pub and formed a line outside as protesters, including members of the English Defence League, pelted glass and bottles towards them.

Bristol Magistrates Court heard Selman was at the front of a crowd - some shouting anti-Muslim slogans - who attempted to push through the police line and pull protective gear from officers.

Selman, of Horfield in Bristol, repeatedly grabbed the riot shield of Pc Karen Stenner before aiming two punches at her - one hitting her helmet visor.

He then pushed against the riot shield of Pc Peter Crawford with such force that the officer "feared for his safety".

A total of 19 people were arrested and 12 charged in connection with the incident, which happened on May 25.

Prosecutor John Mannion told magistrates that the event had been organised on Facebook in response to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby.

Mr Mannion said: "During the course of the day, the protest became more volatile and hostile. As a result, riot officers surrounded the pub and formed a line outside the building.

"Bottles and glasses were used as missiles and projected towards officers. Pc Stenner was stood in full riot uniform.

"Having pulled on her shield several times, the defendant threw two punches at her. The first missed but the second connected with her helmet visor.

"The defendant then attempted to push through the police line. He pushed on PC Crawford's shield so much that the officer feared for his safety and struck him twice with his baton.

"PC Stenner said it was one of the most frightening things she had been involved in."

Selman was arrested and initially denied punching Pc Stenner but today pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting a police officer in execution of her duty and using threatening words and behaviour towards both Pc Stenner and Pc Crawford.

The defendant, who represented himself, told magistrates he was not part of the English Defence League.

He said: "I just want to apologise for my behaviour in that split moment on that day. I can't believe a day when we were raising money for Help for Heroes turned so sour.

"I feel embarrassed by my actions and promise never to be in front of you again."

The magistrates ordered Selman to do 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £245 in costs and compensation.

Selman, who has two previous convictions, was also told to complete a 12-month community order.

Michael Loughlin, chair of the bench, told suited Selman: "Any public order is a very serious matter.

"When the police are present and trying to control that disorder and protect the public, people or persons like yourself who aggravate the disorder by using violence against the police officers can expect the courts to take a very serious view and punish accordingly.

"As you said, we won't be seeing you again Mr Selman."

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