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Thug convicted of pushing female police officer down stairs during statue protest

A thug has been convicted of seriously injuring a police officer by shoving her down a set of stairs during a protest in London last month.

Jamie Dewing, 31, admitted pushing the officer, who now needs physiotherapy for neck and back injuries.

The violent incident took place during a June demonstration in Parliament Square when a large group gathered to “protect” a statue of former prime minister Winston Churchill.

CCTV footage showed Dewing pushing the officer and throwing items including a metal barrier at other members of the Metropolitan Police.

Jamie Dewing travelled from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to join hundreds of demonstrators protesting in Parliament Square. (Metropolitan Police)
Jamie Dewing travelled from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to join hundreds of demonstrators protesting in Parliament Square. (Metropolitan Police)

He was also captured on camera spitting at officers during the demonstrations.

Dewing, of Valley View, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, initially denied the offences but pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting an emergency service worker and one count of violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

He was one of hundreds of demonstrators in central London on 13 June, and was part of a minority who squared up to officers attempting to control crowds near the Nelson Mandela statue at about 1pm.

A Cleveland Police officer identified Dewitt after seeing the CCTV footage

He will remain in custody until his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court at a later date.

Dewing (centre right) was filmed shoving the officer. (PA)
Dewing (centre right) was filmed shoving the officer. (PA)

Detective Constable Nicky Dixon, who is investigating the recent disorder, said: “Dewing initially denied that he was the man responsible for pushing one of our colleagues, claiming that it was someone else.

“However, he quickly changed his mind when he was in the dock, admitting both charges against him.

“Footage from nearby police shows the force he used to push the officer – his actions were completely reprehensible.

“I’d like to thank Cleveland Police for their help in identifying Dewing but we also need the help of the public.”

Det Con Dixon urged the public to look through images released by police of those involved in the disorder and help identify more suspects.