CONVICTED (2023) | Lewis Hill, born c. 2000, of Collett Place, Latton, Swindon SN6 6EH – threw a firework towards police officers, injuring four of them and a police dog.
Hill threw the firework towards a group of police officers ahead of Swindon Town’s clash with Bristol Rovers on 22 January 2022.
The firework exploded at the feet of the four officers, causing minor injuries, while PD Ross suffered burns to his nose. Ross has since returned to work as a police dog.
In court, Hill admitted one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
Hill was tracked down through CCTV and witness statements, Wiltshire Police said.
Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Catherine Roper, said: “To throw a firework towards any group of people is an incredibly reckless and dangerous act.
“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.”
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.”
Sentencing | four months’ imprisonment. Three-year football banning order.
Vile , monster !
Hope he experiences the worst treatment in prison
Glad the officers and k9 have recovered
I am sorry for the dog but he was just having a laugh (football is a game for yobs).
No way he should have got sent to prison or banned from watching his sport.
Did he talk to the police?
A stupid man. The police dog could have been spooked for ever. Fireworks are meant to be used safely in a controlled environment. Its hard to imagine why he thought throwing a firework was anything but stupid and dangerous.Perhaps he will grow a brain while he is in prison.