Man who tried to goad police officers into fight at far-right protest cries as he is jailed
A protester who squared up to police and tried to goad them into a fight during a violent demonstration in Whitehall cried as he was jailed. Alfie Arrowsmith, a 28-year-old traffic manager, attended the 'Enough is Enough' rally in Whitehall on July 31, organised by far-right leader Danny Tommo, real name Daniel Thomas, after the spread of misinformation about the religion and immigration status of a knifeman accused of stabbing three schoolgirls in Southport on July 29.
Despite conditions being imposed by police, the crowd broke out of an agreed enclosure on Richmond Terrace, becoming 'noisier and angrier' when a man climbed a barrier and a smoke flare was thrown at Downing Street. While some protesters were moved back to the enclosure, others stayed in Parliament Square in breach of the conditions, amassing near the statue of Winston Churchill.
Police then decided to identify and arrest those still in breach of conditions, with missiles, including glass bottles and cans, being thrown at them, forcing them to put on riot gear and helmets. Mr McKinley said there was 'organised chanting', including 'Who the f**k is Allah' and 'You're not English anymore', with spitting, swearing and abuse directed towards police officers.
Arrowsmith, of Maiden Lane in Crayford, Bexley, could be seen 'walking up against' the police cordon and 'pushing against' police lines. "He is also identified as taunting police officers by saying 'Come on then' and 'Let's have it'," said Mr McKinley who then suggested this was to goad baton-wielding officers into a fight.
Footage played to the court showed Arrowsmith in a pink shirt and black cap squaring up to the police line, using his hands to make taunting gestures at officers. MyLondon made an application for the footage to be shown in open court, after technical issues nearly led the judge to view it in private, out of view of reporters and the defendant's family.
Arrowsmith was arrested at his home on Friday, August 16, and gave a full comment interview. Under questioning, he admitted he was there and owned up to his actions, but claimed he was trying to get away from the protest, after being 'kettled', and that was why he approached the police line.
Mr McKinley argued Arrowsmith 'participated in an incident that involved widespread acts of violence', which aggravated the offence. The protest left five officers with minor injuries, and police were forced to put on more protective clothing to shield them from missiles.
Arrowsmith was working at the Ritz on the day of the protest, then went to Green Park to have a drink with friends. His barrister, Stephen Nelson, said his client 'believed he was joining a peaceful protest', but had become trapped behind the police line when it became violent.
Calling for a suspended sentence, Mr Nelson outlined Arrowsmith's primary caring obligations to his mum, who attended court in a wheelchair, and argued his client's involvement in the disorder was 'somewhat limited'.
"He does not throw missiles or any objects, at his maximum it is him using his flailing arms at the police cordon and shouting at the police in the way it is described," said Mr Nelson.
'Tensions were running high'
Judge Vanessa Baraitser said the offences took place 'during an alarming period of disorder and widespread lawlessness' at a time 'tensions were running high across the country and there were fears of further disorder'.
"It's quite clear from what you can see in that footage you walked repeatedly to police lines and squared up to police to the extent officers needed to push you backwards. You were heard to say 'do it, come on, let's do it'," said the judge, adding: "You deliberately joined in with this disorder, goaded police, and provided comfort and encouragement for those around you to do the same."
Arrowsmith cried as he was jailed for 16 months, a sentence which Judge Baraitser said could not be suspended 'to deter others'. Arrowsmith said 'Thank you very much' and blew kisses to his mother and girlfriend as he left the court.
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