Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Fernandes tried to bowl over police with heavy-footed kicks while encouraging violence in others. At the height of the disorder, he branded the responding officers as ‘scum’.
Bodycam footage played to the court showed Fernandes - who has one previous conviction of assault - attacking police.
Prosecutor Emma Swindell asserted that ‘this was a racially-aggravated offence’, adding: “The defendant played an active role on the front-lines, encouraging disorder. He was spotted at Upper Hillchurch Street shouting ‘come on’ to other protesters while threatening police officers. He remarked: ‘It’s our country’, in one piece of footage.”
After reviewing the footage, officers quickly identified Fernandes and arrested him on August 22. When quizzed by police, he admitted kicking the officers’ shields but denied being threatening or encouraging violence. He also denied being racist.
Fernandes, of Compton Street, Hanley, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder - despite previously pleading not guilty.
Martin Bloor, mitigating, said: “It took some time for him to come to terms with what he’d 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.
“He 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.
“He 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.”
The 30-year-old was handed a 28-month prison sentence. He must serve at least 40 per cent before becoming eligible for release on licence.
Judge Richard McConaghy said: “Police 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 ‘our country’ and paying tax. At one point, you made a remark about a ‘civil war’. 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.”
