Man jailed after attack on officer

A man who punched a police officer during the recent disorder in Nottingham city centre has been jailed.

Stephen Wilson struck the officer in the face with substantial force in King Street on 3 August 2024 as police dealt with disorder linked to a protest in Old Market Square.

Wilson, aged 35, was identified as the attacker following a media appeal.

He appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (10 September) where he was jailed for four months.

Wilson, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to assault of an emergency worker.

He also admitted possession of a Class B drug after officers found cannabis in his cell following his arrest.

Wilson punched the police constable as the officer attempted to assist a colleague in arresting a man.

The officer, who had volunteered to work on 3 August, sustained a cut and swollen lip and damaged tooth as well as bruising and swelling to his cheek following the assault.

Chief Inspector Karl Thomas, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“This was an attack on an officer which occurred in Nottingham city centre during a busy, large-scale protest.

"The officer who was assaulted had volunteered to work that day to protect the public.

"No emergency worker should be subjected to violence of this nature. It is not, and never will be, part of the job description.

“As well as injuring the officer as he carried out his duty, Wilson’s actions had the potential to cause further disorder at a time of tension and unrest in our communities.

“I’d like to thank the people who helped us to identify Wilson as the attacker following a public appeal.

“It further highlights how the police and community have worked together during this period of unrest.

“This cohesion has helped us to bring those responsible to justice and send a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.”