Policeman charged over assault at pro-Brexit 'yellow vest' protest
Six people were charged and two officers were assaulted after protesters clashed with police during the march in central London.
Tuesday 13 August 2019 19:15, UK
A policeman has been charged with an assault at a pro-Brexit protest staged by "yellow vest" activists.
PC Connor Pennery has been placed on restricted duties and will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 29 August in connection with the alleged incident in February.
The charge against the 27-year-old relates to clashes between protesters and officers during the march between Whitehall and Piccadilly on 16 February.
Demonstrators wore yellow vests like those worn by protesters in France who staged separate anti-government rallies, including some in Paris on the same day.
Pennery, who is attached the Met's Territorial Support Group at Chadwell Heath in east London was charged by postal requisition after a probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Six others were charged at the time, and two officers were assaulted during the clashes.
The officers were treated in hospital for "actual bodily harm and common assault injuries", the force said.
In June, James Goddard, one of the leading pro-Brexit yellow vest protesters, was convicted of assaulting a photographer at a march in Manchester.
Last month, he was was handed a suspended prison sentence last month for harassing MP Anna Soubry and racially abusing a police officer.