JUDGE Christopher Harvey Clark has warned against violent repercussions in Bere Regis after he sentenced Fearnley to five years in prison for his attack on Mr Huntley.

After the verdict Judge Harvey Clark called the officer in the case, acting Detective Sergeant Simon Austin into the witness box to ask him to make sure there was an additional police presence over the coming days.

He said he was concerned there could be ill feeling in the village as a result of the conviction, particularly after a disturbance in the public gallery when the jury’s verdict was delivered.

The judge said: “I would ask the police to keep an active presence in the village as there is a real risk of further breaches of the peace.”

As he sentenced the defendant Judge Harvey Clark added: “If any of your family or friends seek revenge for what has happened they would be very ill-advised.

“I have asked the police to keep a close watch in the village over coming weeks and months and if there is any repercussion from what has happened in this court the perpetrators will be dealt with severely.”

DS Austin confirmed measures would be put in place to step up policing in Bere Regis and backed the judge’s appeal for calm.

He said: “Nobody, either as a witness or a victim, should be put in fear as a result of the jury’s verdict and police will take action against anybody who feels they can take alternative action.”