Sikh Lives Matter activist hit policemen during protest in London
A Black Country health worker attacked two police officers during a Sikh protest in London, a court heard.
Gurinder Dhadwar, 24, of Babors Field, Bilston, joined hundreds of activists campaigning at the Sikh Lives Matter protest outside the Indian High Commission in Kingsway, on October 22, Westminster Magistrates Court heard.
Dhadwar, who works for the NHS, struck out twice, hitting Pc Mark Rayworth in the jaw, and landing another blow under another officer's right eye, the court heard.
A police helicopter flew over the scene and 20 people were arrested.
The protest had been staged to highlight police brutality and the desecration of Sikh scriptures in India ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's UK visit on November 12.
Dhadwar admitted two charges of assaulting officers in the course of their duty. He was fined £400 on each charge and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each officer – a total of £1,000.
Prosecutor Mr Nathan Miebai said: "The protest was initially very peaceful, speeches were made and flags were waved.
"The Crown say there was a deliberate move by some protesters to move directly into the road outside the Indian High Commission.
"The protesters decided to block the road in both directions. Officers from the local borough asked the protesters to move on, but their requests were ignored."
He continued: "An officer saw the defendant approach Pc Rayworth and punch out at him striking him in the face.
"The officer was punched in the left jaw and immediately after being punched saw the defendant pulling his arm away."
Dhadwar was arrested after he was seen assaulting a second officer and complained about police tactics when he was interviewed.
He claimed he had attended the protest for peaceful reasons and said he was struck in the back with a police baton while helping a campaigner who had been pushed to the ground.
The Met later issued an apology for 'deeply disrespectful' behaviour by officers after one snapped the stick of a sacred Sikh flag while others took away Kirpans (ceremonial knives) from two protesters when they were arrested.
Dhadwar told the court: "It was completely wrong what I did – because of what was happening in India I think it got to me."
District Judge Quentin Purdy said: "What possesses a man to do this?
"He is entitled to his views, entitled to take a strong stance against the Indian government... but punching police officers in the face – not one but two – is an entirely different matter."
He continued: "You lost your temper and acted completely unacceptably.
