Sussex Police release photo of Brighton protest attacker

Sussex Police have released the mugshot of Ian Ward, 53, who was jailed for eight months earlier today for “lumping” another man in Queen’s Road.

Ward, of Old Mill Close in Portslade, pleaded guilty to affray, assault by beating and assault of an emergency worker after the attack in Queen’s Road last week.

Sussex Police Chief Superintendent James Collis said: “This is a significant custodial sentence that should send a clear message that any acts of violence are not being tolerated, against members of the public or our officers.

Ward, right, attacking a man (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

“We are committed to facilitating peaceful protests impartially and, where individuals step over the line into unlawful behaviour, we will take action.

“Investigations are ongoing into a number of other reports over the last week as we look to ensure those seeking to sow division in our communities are held to account.”

Ward told Sussex Police after his arrest that he was “the c*** who lumped the right wing c***” during unrest on August 7.

Ian Ward (Image: Sussex Police)

Footage showed Ward striking a man allegedly involved in a right wing protest while around 1,000 counter protesters surrounded the men.

While the protest was largely peaceful, eggs, flour and a snooker ball in a sock were all thrown at the small group of around five protesters.

Ward was given a 16 month sentence and will serve half of that time in prison and half on licence.