UK riots: Reading man jailed for kicking police officer in London

Ozzie Cush, 20, confronted a group of Metropolitan Police officers before hitting one with his foot at a demonstration near Trafalgar Square on Wednesday, July 31st. 

Prosecutor Alex Agbamu said Cush walked “deliberately” into the path of one officer, Pc Philip Munt, before he “kicked out” at him.

A video played in court showed the defendant approaching a group of police officers just outside Trafalgar Square before raising his leg at one of the officers and subsequently being detained.

Cush pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

He has now been was sentenced to 46 weeks’ detention in a young offenders’ institution at Inner London Crown Court. 

Sentencing, Judge Benedict Kelleher said the offence “displayed a complete contempt for the police”.

He added: “Your actions also ran the risk of inflaming the wider situation and encouraging others to attack the police.”

Cush's sentencing follows at least a dozen people across the UK being jailed on Thursday for their part in the riots over the past 10 days.

Suspected rioters continue to appear in magistrates courts across the country, including in Liverpool, Llandudno, South Tyneside and Wirral.

So far, more than 500 people have been arrested and 150 charged over the unrest, which left at least 110 police officers injured. 

An injured man is attended to during a protest in Liverpool (James Speakman/PA) (Image: James Speakman/PA)

In Reading, posts on social media alleged that migrant services and communities in Reading were set to be targeted by further unrest this week. 

Concerns that the town would be hit by violence has led one mosque to bring in a private security team, as well as cancelling children's holiday activities. 

Fears of violence also saw a large number of businesses in Union Street close early. 

The Refugee Support Group, based in the town centre, sent staff home early on Thursday.

Nick Harborne, CEO of the charity, said the group had a 'proud' history of supporting migrant communities and refugees for more than 30 years. 

He said: "We are part of a wider community where diversity and culture make Reading rich. 

“We work alongside, support and are supported by Acre, Reading Muslim, Reading Borough Council and all other groups and charities helping those in need.  RSG stands by everyone who opposes racism, hatred and embraces diversity and cohesion. 

“Reading is a place of welcome for refugees. Reading is a City of Sanctuary and 'we have more in common than that which divides us'. 

"As a community, we are stronger today than we were yesterday.”

A spokesperson from Thames Valley Police said the force is ready for any further disturbance and is monitoring intelligence about possible incidents. Police have also encouraged residents to be vigilant of misleading comments on social media about possible further unrest.