One of two men charged for assaulting Chris Whitty pleads guilty
One half of a duo that was caught on video in an incident involving England’s chief medical officer (CMO) Chris Whitty has pleaded guilty to assault in court.
Lewis Hughes, 24, today pleaded guilty to assault at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
It comes after Hughes was charged with common assault at the beginning of the month, after a video captured on a mobile showed Whitty being grabbed by men in a park in London as he attempted to cross the road on 27 June.
The video also identified a second man, Jonathan Chew, 24, who was also charged with common assault and obstructing police in relation to the incident.
The incident on 27 June prompted responses from prime minister Boris Johnson and home secretary Priti Patel.
Patel, who branded it “appalling”, hinted at police protection for the CMO, telling Times Radio that “it’s important we give him the right support.”