Lewis Hill, a 22-year-old man from Swindon, has been sentenced to four months in jail after throwing a firework that injured four police officers and a police dog.
Hill pleaded guilty to four counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
The incident occurred on January 22nd 2022, before the Swindon Town match against Bristol Rovers.
Hill threw the firework toward the police officers and their dog, causing it to explode at their feet. Although the officers suffered temporary injuries, including burns to the nose of PD Ross, the police dog, they, fortunately, made a full recovery.
Hill was apprehended following an investigation that included the use of CCTV footage and witness statements.
His actions were condemned by Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Catherine Roper, who described them as “incredibly reckless and dangerous.”
She added that assaults against police officers and police animals would not be tolerated and that those who committed such crimes would face the full extent of the law.
“To throw a firework towards any group of people is an incredibly reckless and dangerous act” she said.
“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.
“I’m pleased that Mr Hill now faces a custodial sentence and hopefully he will think more carefully about his actions in future.”
Ian Partington, the dog unit manager, was pleased with the outcome of the case and emphasised the seriousness of offenses against police officers and police dogs adding that he was glad to see that Hill had been jailed for his actions and that PD Ross had been able to continue his career as a police dog.
“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.”
