By Kit Roberts Thomas Cooper
A former police officer made reference to a “civil war” as he attacked riot police. James Fernandes, who had previously been in the army before joining the Royal Gibraltar Police, took to the streets of Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent on August 3, 2024, as riots flared up across the UK. The 30-year-old tried to knock over police officers with kicks in what was described by a judge as “direct action against police officers”, StokeonTrentLive reports . Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE As the rioting reached its height Fernandes shouted out towards riot police responding to the violence, calling them “scum” and shouting “it’s our country” as he egged on other rioters with calls of “come on”. The extent of his attacks against officers was revealed in bodycam footage, with prosecutor Emma Swindell saying that the offence was “racially aggravated”. Ms Swindell told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: 鈥淭he defendant played an active role on the front-lines, encouraging disorder. He was spotted at Upper Hillchurch Street shouting 鈥榗ome on鈥 to other protesters while threatening police officers. He remarked: 鈥業t鈥檚 our country鈥, in one piece of footage.鈥 Police reviewed their footage of the day, and were able to quickly identify Fernandes before arresting him on August 22. During interview Fernandes, of Compton Street, Hanley, admitted kicking police shield but denied threatening and encouraging violence, as well as being racist. However, Fernandes would later have second thoughts, pleading guilty to one count of violent disorder after initially denying the offence. Martin Bloor, defending, said: 鈥淚t took some time for him to come to terms with what he鈥檇 done. He shows deep remorse for his actions. “He was there with a friend but when he saw there was a protest in the area, he decided to attend. He had assumed it was a peaceful demonstration. Unfortunately, he chose to stay when things became violent. 鈥淗e had a very difficult start in life. His parents did not get on and there was often violence at home. He spent some time in the care of his grandparents and some in that of the authorities. 鈥淗e has always worked hard in full-time employment. He joined the Army but left due to health issues. He then joined the Royal Gibraltar Police. His time on the force has made him especially regretful of his actions.鈥 Judge Richard McConaghy sentenced Fernandes to 28 months in prison, of which he must serve at least 40 percent in custody before being eligible for release on licence instead of the usual half. Sentencing, Judge McConaghy said: 鈥淧olice who tried to maintain order as part of their lawful duty were abused and threatened by people keen to start violence. You were an active participant in that disorder. “Throughout the footage, you can be heard making comments about 鈥榦ur country鈥 and paying tax. At one point, you made a remark about a 鈥榗ivil war鈥. “Your motivations and intentions were quite clear. At your worst, you were involved in direct action against police officers. “As a former police officer, albeit in a different jurisdiction, you should have been keenly aware of their position.鈥