A man has pleaded guilty to violent disorder after grabbing a police officer’s baton and running off during Monday night’s protests in Plymouth.
Guy Sullivan, 43, appeared at Plymouth Magistrate’s Court via a video link from Exeter Prison on Friday.
On Thursday he was jailed for 16 months after admitting stealing alcohol worth £281 from a Tesco Express while the disorder was taking place nearby.
Sullivan was remanded in custody for a sentencing hearing at Plymouth Crown Court on 12 August.
Prosecutor Gareth Warden said Sullivan was seen on a wall behind police officers during Monday evening’s protest in Plymouth’s city centre.
He said: “Sullivan jumped down from the wall and grabbed an officer’s baton. He had no defence and three or four people jumped on the officer and assaulted him.”
District Judge Lisa Boyce told Sullivan he had left the officer “defenceless”.
Speaking via video link, Sullivan said: “I do apologise. I do apologise.”
