A MAN from Bolton has been jailed for his part in violent disorder that broke out at a pro-Tommy Robinson demonstration in London.

Robert Sandford of Bolton Road, Hunger Hill, was jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

The 47-year-old is one of 14 to have been sentenced ­— including a mum-of-two from Lancashire ­— after admitting their part in the violence during the protest in Whitehall in June 2018.

The Metropolitan Police said more than 20 officers were injured during the disorder, with scaffolding, glass bottles and have barriers being thrown at police.

The Bolton News:

Six defendants were handed prison sentences at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.

Sandford was among eight sentenced by Judge Deborah Taylor at the same court on Friday. Mum-of-two Kate Beveridge, aged 35, of Pool Foot Lane, Singleton, Lancashire was sentenced for 15 months, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Prosecutor Aska Fujita told the court on Friday that police had become "overrun" by disorder in central London by those calling for former English Defence League leader Robinson's release from prison for contempt of court.

Footage from police bodyworn cameras showed officers with batons raised coming face to face with Free Tommy Robinson protesters, some of whom threw bottles, cones and other missiles.

At one point, the officers were so outnumbered they were forced to retreat to sanctuary at Great Scotland Yard, just off Whitehall, and away from the worst of the violence.

Robert Hutchinson, a prosecutor from the London Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) complex casework unit, said this week the "terrifying disorder" at the demonstration was "inexcusable".

"Protesters set out to intimidate and hurt police, injuring more than 20 officers who were protecting the public and tourists in central London on the day of Trooping the Colour, and who should have been able to go about their duties without fear of violence," he said.

He added: "The strong case we built ultimately left the defendants with no choice but to plead guilty.

"The sentences passed should serve as a warning that those who direct violence towards police and act in this way will face prosecution and potentially prison."

The Met launched Operation Augusta to bring those involved in the disorder to justice.

Detective Sergeant Matt Hearing, who led the Operation Augusta team, said: “This investigation proved extremely challenging with hundreds of hours of CCTV, video and Body Worn Video to examine. However, such was the weight of evidence brought against those charged, that all pleaded guilty.

“Peaceful protest plays an important role in our society. However, the actions of some involved in this demonstration showed a contempt both for the law and the police.

"Officers that day were there to ensure the safety of all those taking part, yet were met with abuse and violence.”

List of those convicted after pleading guilty to violent disorder:

The following pleaded guilty to violent disorder and were sentenced on Monday, 30 September:

- Mitchell Feneck, 21, of Haverfordwest, Dyfed was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.

- Max Hammet-Millay, 22, of Wenlock Road, N1 was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

- Mark Ransome, 25, of Romford Road, RM5 was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

- James Thomas, 28, of Priory View Road, Burton, Dorset was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

- John Cummings, 49, of Hunters Hall Road, Dagenham, Essex was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

- Charles Haig, 24, of East Street, Seaford, East Sussex was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

An additional eight defendants were sentenced on Friday, 27 September having previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder. They are:

- Danny Grealey, 43, of Ebberns Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

- Kate Beveridge, 35, of Pool Foot Lane, Singleton, Lancashire was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

- Robert Sandford, 47, of Bolton Road, Hungerhill, Bolton was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment.

- Keith O’Sullivan, 40, of Holmstead Way, Luton was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment.

- Andrew McLean, 20, of Field Street, Wolverhampton was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

- David Anderson, 23, of Moraine Drive, Glasgow was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment.

- Kai Smith, 19, of Middleton Close, London, E4 was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.

- Carl Gustav Backland, 59, of Grafton Way, Camden was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.