Ex-police officer jailed after attacking Hanley riot cops

A FORMER police officer is in prison for his part in the Hanley riots.

- Sentinel Reporter

James Fernandes could be seen on the front-line during the August 3 unrest.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Fernandes tried to bowl over police with heavy-footed kicks while encouraging violence in others. At the height of the disorder, he branded the responding officers as 'scum!

Bodycam footage played to the court showed Fernandes - who has one previous conviction of causing actual bodily harm - attacking police.

Prosecutor Emma Swindell asserted that 'this was a racially-aggravated offence, adding: "The defendant played an active role on the front lines, encouraging disorder.

"He was spotted at Upper Hillchurch Street shouting 'come on' to other protesters while threatening police officers. He remarked: 'It's our country, in one piece of footage."