Two from South London among six sentenced for harassing BBC journalist

Two men from South London were among six convicted and sentenced for chasing and verbally abusing a BBC journalist during anti-lockdown protests in Whitehall. 

Nick Watt, Newsnight’s political editor, was subjected to intimidating and threatening behaviour from protesters on June 14, last year and a police Public Order unit identified six suspects. 

Videos circulating after the incident showed Mr Watt being harrangued with cries of: ‘Traitor!’ He was chest bumped by one of the men and yelled at in the face. 

The six were all subsequently charged with an offence under Section 4A of the Public Order Act, which covers threatening or abusive words or behaviour with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress. 

One of the men pleaded guilty and the other five people pleaded not guilty. 

Following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court from June 29 to July 1, a verdict of guilty in all the cases was recorded on August 1. 

They included Christopher Aitken, 63, of Kellett Road, Lambeth and Alexander Peat, 35, of Erphingham Road, Wandsworth. 

The others were Gary Purnell 45, of no fixed abode, Martin Hockridge 58, of Harpenden, Hertforshire, Djazia Chaib-Eddour,44, of north London and Joseph Olswang, 40, of East Sheen, who pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. 

Purnell, Peat and Hockridge were yesterday issued with 12-month community orders, with a requirement to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. 

They also had to pay a victim surcharge of £95 each, plus £300 in court costs. 

Aitken did not attend court and has not been sentenced yet. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. 

Chaib-Eddour was given a 12-month community order, with a requirement to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 hours of rehabilitation. 

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

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

Detective Constable James Harold, the officer in the case, said: “A video of this incident prompted a huge amount of online 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.”

Director of BBC News, Jonathan Munro, said: “Nick Watt is a brilliant journalist who was just doing his job that day when he was targeted on the streets of Westminster. 

“All journalists should be able to carry out their work without intimidation or impediment, and we will continue to stand up for our right to do so.” 

Pictured top: Westminster Magistrates Court (Picture: GrimsbyT)