Fire Extinguisher Student Jailed

A student from Brockenhurst Sixth Form College was jailed for two years and 8 months today for throwing a fire extinguisher from the roof of the Millbank building.

Edward Woolard, 18 from New Forest, took part in demonstrations by student protesters at 30 Millbank in late 2010 against University fee rises. He is reported to have thrown a metal fire extinguisher from the roof of the building, narrowly missing Police officers guarding the Tory HQ below.

Mr Woolard's defence claimed the actions were prompted by a "moment of madness" and attempted to argue that the extinguisher was not aimed directly at Police standing below. However, the judge stated "Had that fire extinguisher struck a police officer or anyone, it would almost certainly have caused serious harm or death."

"The courts have a duty to provide the community with such protection from violence as they can and this means sending out a very clear message to anyone minded to behave in this way that an offence of this seriousness will not be tolerated."

Footage of the attack is available on the BBC Website. Additional details can be found at the Cannock Post website and The Independent.