11 April 2023 , 17:33
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A thug who launched a firework at police officers and a police dog during a football match has been jailed.
Lewis Hill, 22, pleaded guilty to four counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
A court heard that on January 22 last year, ahead of the Swindon Town match against Bristol Rovers, Hill threw a firework towards several police officers, which subsequently exploded at their feet.
He was sentenced last Thursday in a hearing at Swindon Magistrates' Court.
Insp Reed, T/Insp Fay, PC Miller and SPT England fortunately only suffered temporary injuries, while PD Ross suffered burns to his nose. He has since returned to work as a police dog.
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Hill, of Swindon, Wilts., was identified through CCTV and witness statements and arrested.
He also received a three year football banning order.
PD Ross suffered burns to his nose but has since returned to work as a police dog (Wiltshire Police / SWNS.COM)Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Catherine Roper, said: "To throw a firework towards any group of people is an incredibly reckless and dangerous act.
"It is extremely fortunate that none of the officers were seriously hurt by Lewis Hill's act, and that PD Ross recovered quickly and was able to return to his normal duties.
"Assaults against police officers and police animals will never be tolerated. If you assault an officer or any other emergency services worker then be prepared to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.
Hill was jailed and handed a football match banning order at Swindon Magistrates Court (Getty Images)"I'm pleased that Mr Hill now faces a custodial sentence and hopefully he will think more carefully about his actions in future."
Dog unit manager Ian Partington said: "It is pleasing to see that Mr Hill has been jailed for his actions and that offences against officers and police dogs are taken seriously.
"Thankfully PD Ross has been able to continue his career and is performing well as a police dog."