Police litter row girl sentenced

A teenager whose attack on two police officers led to them being targeted by a mob has been given an 18-month community and rehabilitation order.

The girl, 16, who cannot be named, became angry in Croydon, south London, after a row over littering outside a shopping centre in July last year.

She bit an officer before they were pushed to the ground and set upon by the mob, Croydon Crown Court heard.

The girl had denied a charge of violent disorder but was found guilty in July.

The officers said they feared for their lives during the incident.

Wider disturbances

Judge Stephen Waller said the girl had shown no remorse for her actions but added that a prison sentence could not be justified due to her age and previous good character.

The court heard that the girl did well in her GCSE exams and plans to attend college. She wants to be a social worker.

The judge said the girl bore a "heavy responsibility" for the wider disturbances which occurred afterwards.

You have shown no remorse or sympathy for the true victims here, who are the officers Judge Stephen Waller

During the trial in July, Pc Perry Lathwood and Pc Anthony Smith described their ordeal.

The incident began when the officers asked the girl's friend to pick up a burger wrapper at the North End shopping area of Croydon.

After the biting incident, a mob attacked the police officers.

Describing those moments, Pc Lathwood said: "It was relentless. I was trying to save my life, to be honest."

Addressing the girl, Judge Waller said: "You have, unhappily, displayed very little insight into what happened.

"You have shown no remorse or sympathy for the true victims here, who are the officers. It seems to me you see yourself as the victim."

Wayne Elliston, 34, of Wynton Gardens, and Harold Hill, 38, of Clifton Road, both Croydon, who had both been accused of violent disorder, were acquitted on the judge's directions.