Anti-vaccine protestors who chased BBC journalist Nick Watt avoid prison

Four anti-lockdown protestors who were convicted of abusing the BBC Newsnight journalist Nick Watt have avoided prison time.

Video footage of the political editor being chased and threatened by a group on Whitehall, in central London, on June 14, 2021, was widely shared online.

Following the incident, Met Police detectives investigated and tracked down six suspects, who were charged with a public order offence.

One man, Joseph Olswang,40, pleaded guilty to the charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

While four other men - Gary Purnell, 45; Martin Hockridge, 58; Alexander Peat, 35; and Christopher Aitken, 63 - and one woman - Djazia Chaib-Eddour, 44 - pleaded not guilty.

But after a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, on August 1, 2022, all six were convicted.

DC James Harold, from the Met, said: "A video of this incident prompted a huge amount of comment and public concern and the behaviour shown by these people was unacceptable.

"Members of the public, of any profession, have the right to go about their day without being subjected to verbal harassment or actions that put them in fear for their safety."

Yesterday (Tuesday, August 30), Purnell, Peat and Hockridge were sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work, while Chaib-Eddour was sentenced to 100 hours and 20 hours rehabilitation.

They all also received a 12-month community order.

And Olswang was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

All were ordered to pay £395 in costs and other charges and given an indefinite restraining order not to contact Mr Watt.

The Guardian reported an arrest warrant was issued for Aitken, who did not attend court.