New Scotland Yard: The Cone Wars

A woman, who threw a traffic cone at a police officer during a Covid demo outside New Scotland Yard, has been sentenced.

Nina Hurley, 38, was present as anti-lockdown protesters targeted Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer at the HQ of the Metropolitan Police for his failure to challenge the Tory government's approach to the crisis.

PC Harry Huddleston was struck by the cone and although not seriously injured complained of tenderness to his right arm and leg.

Jobless gardener Hurley, of Hill Farm Road, North Kensington, who receives £270 a fortnight in benefits had always fought the case, but eventually admitted it on the day her jury trial was due to start.

She pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to assaulting the officer on February 7, last year and was fined £200, with £650 costs.

The court heard Hurley achieved 11 GCE's and attended college, but dropped out and has struggled with alcohol for many years.

She has completed two alcohol detox programmes and has also undergone rehabilitation.

Recorder Jas Jandu told Hurley: “On that day there was a New Scotland Yard anti-vaccination protest and Sir Keir Starmer was targeted for failing to oppose the government and was taken away in a car.

“You picked-up a traffic cone and threw it in the direction of the officer.

“You tried to say you were not there, but you were clearly part of the protest.

“You say you were pushed to the ground by the police officers and that you did not deliberately throw the cone at the PC, but were aiming between the police and the protesters and you were not wearing your glasses.

“The right to free expression and to protest is a right in this country, but must not be abused.”