Sikh Avoids Prison For Violent Religious Protest

A “frenzied” Sikh protestor, who threw bricks and a wooden pole at police during a violent demonstration against a controversial religious speaker, has dodged prison with a suspended sentence.

Debt advisor Jagjeet Dhesi, 25, of Springfield Crescent, West Bromwich travelled to the heart of the Sikh community in Southall, West London intent on peaceful protest.

However, approximately 100 rioters attempted to storm the Gurdwara where banned preacher Darshan Singh was preaching, despite his excommunication from the faith.

First-time offender Dhesi – an ex-Lance Corporal in the Territorial Army – pleaded guilty to affray outside the temple on March 19, last year and was given eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Prosecutor Mr. Lyall Thompson told Isleworth Crown Court (pictured): “Police officers identified this defendant as a main aggressor, he was livid and shouting in a frenzied state.

“He was riling the crowd and encouraging them to throw objects at the Gurdwara and at the police.

“He threw half-bricks at police and a wooden pole at officers like a javelin.”

Police knew the event was a potential flashpoint, but were quickly overcome by the numbers of protestors and requested back-up.

“Officers lost control and have described being swamped by men screaming in their faces: ‘You are supporting criminals. He should not be in there’.”

Some protestors scaled the temple’s seven-foot wall as others tried to lift the gates off their hinges.

Tempers were enflamed as they watched some demonstrators who broke through to the temple grounds beaten with sticks and having their turbans knocked off by the event orgainisers.

Police saw a variety of objects including knives, chairs, sticks and fireworks hurled at the building by the mob.

Eventually the Territorial Support Group were needed to disperse the crowd and some officers were left with injuries to their arms and hands.

The Gurdwara organising committee identified four further suspects, who were arrested by police, but charges were never brought.

When quizzed Dhesi – easily identified by police due to his short stature – insisted only throwing a brick in retaliation after it was aimed at him.

“Mr. Dhesi takes his religion very seriously, but accepts the law is more important,” said Mr. Michael House, defending.

“He travelled down from West Bromwich to peacefully protest against the speech, but suffered a red mist and behaved out of character.”

Judge Andrew McDowall told recently married Dhesi: “I accept this incident was out of character and although you felt strongly about what happened at the temple you did not go there intent on violence.

“You did not start things and you yourself received some injury.”

Dhesi was also ordered to complete 180 hours community service work and pay £250 costs.