LEWIS HILL OF LATTON SENTENCED FOR FIREWORK ATTACK ON POLICE IN SWINDON

Lewis Hill, a resident of Collett Place in Latton, Swindon, was convicted in 2023 for a reckless and dangerous act that took place on January 22, 2022. The incident involved Hill launching a firework directly at a group of police officers and a police dog during a tense moment ahead of a football match between Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers.

According to reports, Hill threw the explosive device with the apparent intent to cause harm or disruption. The firework detonated at the feet of the officers, resulting in minor injuries to four police personnel and burns to the nose of Police Dog Ross, who was part of the Wiltshire Police canine unit. Despite the injuries, Police Dog Ross has since recovered and resumed his duties, demonstrating resilience and the dedication of the police force.

In court, Hill admitted to multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and four counts of assaulting emergency workers. His actions were captured on CCTV footage and corroborated by witness statements, which led to his swift identification and subsequent arrest by Wiltshire Police.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper of Wiltshire Police condemned Hill’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of such reckless behavior. She stated, “To throw a firework towards any group of people is an incredibly reckless and dangerous act. Assaults against police officers and police animals will never be tolerated. If you assault an officer or any other emergency services worker then be prepared to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”

Ian Partington, the manager of the police dog unit, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting, “It is pleasing to see that Mr. Hill has been jailed for his actions and that offences against officers and police dogs are taken seriously. Thankfully, Police Dog Ross has been able to continue his career and is performing well as a police dog.”

As part of his sentencing, Hill received four months of imprisonment and was issued a three-year ban from attending football matches, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities treat violence and misconduct related to sporting events and law enforcement personnel in the Swindon area.