A man who yelled homophobic abuse at police during a protest has become the first in Kent to be jailed following recent spates of national disorder.

Daniel Baldock was asked by officers to disperse during a demonstration outside the Innovation Centre, in Chatham, on Wednesday night (August 7).

He resisted their requests and went on to yell homophobic abuse at the emergency service workers multiple times.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty at Margate Magistrates’ Court to one charge of disorderly behaviour today (August 9).

His defence solicitors claimed during the hearing he was not aware there would be protests in the area.

However, magistrates told the defendant that he knew “damn well” they were happening and even if he did not plan on being part of them, he still attended.

Less than 48 hours after the incident, Baldock, of Richmond Road, Gillingham, was jailed for 14 weeks.

Chief crown prosecutor Kris Venkatasami, from Crown Prosecution Service South East, said: “This sentencing sends out a robust message to anyone abusing our police, who are currently working so hard to maintain law and order during this recent spell of disorder.

“Homophobic abuse and any action that makes the job of the police more difficult are unacceptable.

“The substantial sentence handed out today shows how seriously the criminal justice system is taking all crimes related to the disorder.

“Anyone involved in such activity needs to understand that there are consequences to their behaviour and the Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work with the police and courts to bring those involved to justice.”

A planned protest was held in Maidstone Road, Chatham, earlier his week as part of wider demonstrations across the country.

Dozens of anti-racism protesters gathered outside the Innovation Centre with signs reading “Stop the Far Right” and “Medway Stand up to Racism”.

At its peak, more than 100 others congregated on the opposite side of the road and were heard shouting “No you are not”, when the anti-racism protesters chanted “Refugees welcome”.

The number dwindled down to around 60 later on, and then at about 10.20pm police started to disperse the group.

Three people were arrested, and seven in total were spoken to.

Police in riot gear were also stationed in Canterbury and Dover amid concerns that the violent demonstrations seen nationally would be repeated in the county.

However, the disorder was kept in Chatham.

Hundreds of people have been arrested since disorder around England and Northern Ireland began last Tuesday night.

The violence was sparked by false claims about the identity of a teenager suspected of killing three young girls and injuring several others in a knife attack in Southport last week.