Man admits fighting at protests in city center

A man has admitted being involved in a fight during disorder in Nottingham.

Dominic Lane, 46, decided to join us when violence broke out during demonstrations in the city center on 3 August.

He was among several men accused of using threatening words or behavior with intent to cause fear or provoke violence in connection with the incident, with three others pleading guilty at previous hearings.

Lane previously denied the charge, but on Tuesday, when a trial was due to be held at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, he admitted the offence.

The court heard Lane “threw a punch” during the incident before being arrested immediately afterwards.

Graham Heathcote’s defense claimed Lane was on the “periphery” of the incident which saw the victim, an Asian man, involved in an altercation.

“I am suggesting to the court that the incident has already escalated into violence,” Heathcote said.

‘Hurrying into the fight’

He added that although Lane was “part of this” incident, he was “not targeted” and stated that the defendant did not play a “leadership role.”

Mark Fielding, prosecuting, said Lane was part of a group that “could be classed as a far-right gathering, protesting, demonstrating against immigration” and could be seen “shouting and gesturing” before the crime.

“There was then an incident where the right-wingers were infiltrated by a member of the other community,” he said.

“When this began, Mr. Lane rushed toward the fight clearly intending to participate, and, in fact, he joined in,” Fielding said.

He added that “the abuse continued” after Lane’s arrest, claiming he swore at the arresting officer.

The victim, who was not involved in the process, was also described in court as a “troublemaker”.

District Judge Gillian Young said the crime was “serious” and happened “at a time of civil disorder and heightened tensions”.

Lane is due to be sentenced at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on October 31.

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