One of the campaigners involved in the violent Dover demonstrations earlier this year staged another protest today - in the dock of the court.

Aaron Buttress was due to be sentenced for his part in January's street fracas between rival factions which led to more than 30 arrests.

At an earlier hearing, Buttress, of Clarendon Street, Dover pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Dover’s Eastern Docks.

But after being led into the dock at Canterbury Crown Court, the 26-year-old began communicating with family and friends in the public gallery.

As his lawyer Natasha Spreadborough explained that Buttress’ involvement in the events was "distinct" from others, Judge Adele Williams told him: "It will not be necessary for you to communicate with people in the public gallery.

"You do your case no good whatsoever by behaving in this manner."

As Buttress began arguing, the judge ordered security to take him to the cells - but Buttress sat in his chair shouting: "What have I done?"

The judge told him: "I will not have bad behaviour in this court."

When he refused to go, she left the court room as the defendant shouted to a woman in the public gallery: "I love ya... yeah well if I get into trouble, then I’ll get into trouble."

He eventually agreed to go to the cells and the case continued in his absence. Ms Spreadborough offered an apology.

The judge told her: "There is no need for you to apologise. I have read the pre-sentence report (on the defendant) and it came as no surprise to me whatsoever."

Ms Spreadborough added that Buttress was not part of the banner-waving right-wing or anti-Fascist marchers who clashed that day.

Judge Williams retorted: "Oh so he just joined in for the hell of it then?"

Sentence was adjourned until May 16 and Buttress was remanded in custody.

On that date, others – including Peter Atkinson, 46, from Birkenhead, who admitted GBH with intent, and Roy Price, 50, from Romford, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, possessing a prohibited weapon and having drugs - will also be sentenced.