A BLACKBURN man who played a key role in organising an anti-immigration protest in Dover has been jailed for violent disorder.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how Shane Calvert, 34, of Shadsworth Close, rallied supporters to take part in a march through the town on January 30.

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A counter-protest was held at the same time and both sides quickly engaged in violence towards one another, police said.

Calvert was filmed throwing debris, pushing against the police cordon and standing on a police vehicle during the disturbance.

Five people were injured in the violence.

Calvert was arrested at his home on March 7 but always denied committing violent disorder and pleaded not guilty to the charge in court.

But a jury returned a guilty verdict following a trial. He was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Speaking after the court case, Detective Inspector Bill Thornton said: “While everyone involved in the violence was responsible for their own actions, Shane Calvert played a big part in bringing groups of troublemakers together in one place.

“He has considerable influence over those who share his political views and has a lot to answer for following the wholly unacceptable behaviour witnessed in Dover last January.

“I am very pleased the courts have recognised this and imposed a lengthy prison sentence on Calvert, ensuring he will no longer be able to stir up trouble and bring further harm to other communities throughout the UK.

“The investigation into offences committed on the day continues and I am confident there will be many more positive outcomes for the people of Dover.”

In September 2013 Calvert was jailed for 14 months after admitting to a charge of violent disorder at Liverpool Crown Court.

The assault on people attending an anti-fascist benefit gig happened in Liverpool in July 2013 when a gang of nine men rushed towards the victims, throwing punches and kicks.

The violence then spilled from the street into the nearby Tabac café where diners were left shocked.

Witnesses later told officers there were two distinct groups involved in the fighting, one clearly doing the attacking and the other being attacked.

A Merseyside police inspector was on duty that evening and he saw between eight and 10 men running from the scene. That group included Calvert, the court heard.