Environment Campaigner Busted Fellow-Protestor's Jaw On Eve Of Demo

An environmental campaigner, who broke a fellow-protestor's jaw with a single punch during an alcohol-fueled evening before the Hyde Park demo, has been jailed for nine months.

Jay Hindley, 34, of The Cottage, New House Farm, Kniveton, Derbyshire was convinced the victim made a pass at his girlfriend after the group had enjoyed a chinese meal and drinks.

The single-father-of-two, (pictured) who runs a small crafts business, had travelled to London with his girlfriend to attend an anti-geo engineering/chemtrials protest, which aimed to bring attention to environmental pollution.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Daniel Betts at 8B St. Charles Square, North Kensington in the early hours of April 6.

Prosecutor Mr. Olu Phillips told the court one of the protest organisers agreed to house the defendant, his girlfriend and Mr. Betts at her home overnight.

There had only been Facebook contact between them before meeting up, but there was no hostility during the meal and they bought wine and beer on the way back to the address.

After more drinking the host and Hindley and his girlfriend retied to their respective bedrooms, with Mr. Betts sleeping on the sofa.

However, during the night when the defendant's girlfriend got up to go to the bathroom there was an incident, which led Hindley to believe there was some sexual contact between the pair.

He woke Mr. Betts and punched him as he lay on the couch, also knocking out two of the victim's teeth.

"It was an unprovoked attack, a single punch," said Mr. Olu.

Hindley's lawyer Mr. Alistair Walker told the court: "He made a full confession in interview and prior to his arrest texted the victim an apology and posted his regret on Facebook.

"His drinking led him to a gross error of judgement."

Judge Phillip Matthews told Hindley: "On that day you punched him once in the face with sufficient force to fracture his jaw, which was broken in two places, and you broke two of his teeth.

"There had been some form of argument between you and Mr. Betts and the large intake of alcohol removed any inhibition you had to resolve your differences other than resorting to violence.

"You have clearly shown remorse for your behaviour and it was a single blow and you have family that are dependant on you."