Swindon thug jailed for firework attack on police and police dog
Lewis Hill, 22, from Latton, Swindon, was sentenced last Thursday at Swindon Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to four counts of assaulting emergency workers and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
Firework thrown at officers before football match
On January 22 last year, just before the Swindon Town vs Bristol Rovers match, Hill hurled a firework towards several police officers. The explosive detonated at their feet, causing injuries.
- Insp Reed, T/Insp Fay, PC Miller, and SPT England suffered temporary injuries.
- Police dog PD Ross was burned on the nose but has since returned to duty.
Hill was caught via CCTV footage and witness statements before being arrested.
Custodial sentence and football banning order
Hill now faces jail time and has been slapped with a three-year football banning order.
“To throw a firework towards any group of people is an incredibly reckless and dangerous act,” said Chief Constable Catherine Roper of Wiltshire Police.
“It is extremely fortunate none were seriously hurt and that PD Ross recovered quickly.
“Assaults on police officers and police animals will never be tolerated. Anyone who attacks emergency workers will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
“I’m pleased Hill will face a custodial sentence and hope he thinks twice about his actions in future.”
Dog unit manager Ian Partington added: “It’s good to see Hill jailed for his actions and that offences against officers and police dogs are taken seriously.
“Thankfully, PD Ross continues to perform well as a police dog.”
