A man who travelled 470 miles to take part in the Dover riots...fell asleep during his sentencing hearing!

Right-winger Kevin Kennedy journeyed from his home in Edinburgh to take part in demonstrations in support of lorry drivers.

The father-of three, who hasn’t worked since 1989 due to an industrial accident on his back, threw a piece of wood, a rock and another missile during the street battles in January of last year.

But after pleading guilty to violent disorder, Kennedy fell asleep in the dock at Canterbury Crown Court while a judge was deciding his fate.

His lawyer, Phil Rowley, who had to wake him up, explained that Kennedy had become addicted to prescription drugs because of his injuries.

He was then given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered to remain indoors between 7pm and 7am for the next four months.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd had told the jury how Kennedy had been caught on film throwing the missiles but there was no evidence if they hit any left-wing opponents.

The judge, Recorder Sir Geoffrey Nice QC told him: “This is a serious offence both locally and nationally for now and for the future.

“And a sentence is required to deter you from ever repeating such an offence. You have been reduced by addiction to prescription drugs which is likely to have had an effect on your personality and your behaviour.

“You travelled a considerable distance to join this demonstration, during which you threw three missiles, although it is not known whether or not they were aimed at individuals."