Two men charged with ‘common assault’ over Chris Whitty incident
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Two men have now been charged over an incident caught on video where England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty is seen to be man-handled.
The video, caught on a mobile phone, shows Whitty being grabbed by men in a park in London as the chief medical officer (CMO) attempts to cross the road.
After arresting one man last week, police confirmed today that a second man has been charged over the incident.
Jonathan Chew, 24, has been charged with common assault and obstructing police and is due to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court later today.
Lewis Hughes, 23, who was arrested last week has been charged with common assault and will appear in court 30 July.
The incident on 27 June prompted responses from prime minister Boris Johnson and home secretary Priti Patel.
Patel, who branded it “appalling”, hinted at police protection for the CMO, telling Times Radio that “it’s important we give him the right support.”