Firework Attack on Cops Lands Man in Jail
Lewis Hill, 22, has been locked up for four months after his reckless firework injured four police officers and a police dog.
Violent Act Outside Football Match
Hill, from Latton, Swindon, admitted to four counts of assaulting emergency workers and one for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The offence happened on January 22 last year, just before the Swindon Town vs Bristol Rovers match.
Hill hurled a firework at police officers, which exploded right at their feet. Officers Insp Reed, T/Insp Fay, PC Miller, and SPT England suffered temporary injuries. Police dog Ross wasn’t so lucky, getting burns to his nose, but has since returned to duty.
Caught on CCTV, Facing the Full Force of the Law
Thanks to CCTV footage and witness accounts, Hill was soon identified and arrested. Besides jail time, he’s been slapped with a three-year football banning order.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “Throwing a firework at people is incredibly reckless. It’s lucky no one was seriously hurt, and PD Ross’s recovery is a relief. Assaults on police officers and police animals won’t be tolerated. Hill now faces a custodial sentence, and hopefully he’ll think twice next time.”
Police Dog Unit Speaks Out
Dog unit boss Ian Partington added: “It’s good to see Hill jailed for his actions. Offences against officers and police dogs are taken seriously. Thankfully, PD Ross is back on the job and performing well.”
