A MAN screamed and sobbed in the dock after being told by a judge he would be jailed for his behaviour during an anti-immigration protest in Weymouth.

Eden Tobias Reboul, aged 27, and of Rodwell Road in Weymouth, was seen on video 'lobbing' a can and taking part in the protest on The Esplanade on Sunday, August 4.

He is the latest person to be hauled before the courts in connection with offences committed at the protest.

Prosecutor, Christopher Pix, told Bournemouth Crown Court that the defendant was involved in the protest throughout the day before the incident at around 7.30pm.

Video footage played to the court showed Reboul wearing a distinctive top and throwing a can at police, which provoked cheering from the crowd.

Mr Pix said the defendant was seen in numerous videos taking part in the protest and “enjoying it” by smiling and videoing the disorder.

Reboul said in a police interview that he takes medication for PTSD, ADHD, anxiety and depression but does not take medication on Sundays, the day of the protest.

The defendant said not taking his medication makes him “irrational.”

He added that he could not find a bin for his Monster energy drink can so decided to throw it instead.

He has no previous convictions.

The deputy chief constable of Dorset Police said the protests across the county have cost the force £50,000 so far.

Mitigating, Stephanie Painter, told the court that in police body-worn video footage the defendant is seen pointing towards his brother, who is significantly disabled, and said: “He just wants to be treated like any other man.”

Ms Painter said Reboul has previously volunteered with special needs communities and seeks a career in the field.

She added that the defendant did not go out with the intention to support the protests, and is not a racist, but instead got caught up in the action.

“He is not the typical anarchist chanting at the front, he made a stupid decision to go along and record it and throwing a Monster can.”

The defendant said in a statement: “I have never been so ashamed.

“I heard it all kick off and stupidly went along.

“I did not mean to throw a can at anyone deliberately.

“Prison has been awful and terrifying and I am desperate not to go back there.”

Judge Robert Pawson said: "It almost makes it worse turning up for no good reason."

He added: "The behaviour you lend yourself to does not have a place in our society."

Judge Pawson said his sentence must act as a deterrent to others.

Reboul was sentenced to 12 months in prison for violent disorder.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said after the sentencing: “The public disorder and violence towards police demonstrated during protest activity in Weymouth on Sunday, August 4 was totally unacceptable. This caused a feeling of fear and hate in our communities and impacted those officers deployed.

“We have been working to identify those involved in this disorder and hold them accountable for their actions.

“We will continue to send a strong message to anyone involved in this type of activity that their behaviour will not be tolerated and we will work with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure justice is served.”