Female student believed throwing missiles at police was fine because they were wearing helmets

A female student who believed it was 'fine' to hurl missiles at police because they were wearing helmets has been spared jail. Hanita Dadswell, 18, threw sticks and stones at officers during the protest over tuition fees outside Conservative headquarters in Millbank, central London, last November 10.

When she was detained she managed to slip her handcuffs and spit in the face of the arresting officer, Westminster Magistrates Court heard. In a police interview, privately-educated Dadswell said she thought her behaviour was "fine" because the officers were wearing helmets.



She admitted throwing sticks and small stones at police officers. She said she believed it was fine because they were wearing helmets. She fully admitted to spitting in the officers face and said it was because she was angry.

Dadswell, of west London, admitted affray. Jude Lanchin, defending Dadswell, said she had moved back with her family in Brixham, Devon, since the demonstrations and was due to begin a university course in Belfast in September. Dadswell was given a six week jail term, suspended for a year.