A man who threw a flare during a far-right protest near Downing Street has pleaded guilty to affray. 

Steven Essex, 50, of Merebank Lane in Wallington, was charged in relation to far-right disorder in Whitehall on July 31. 

At Inner London Crown Court on Friday (September 13) he pleaded guilty to affray. 

Barrister Rajesh Rabary, representing Essex in court, said his client was nearby and cycled there on a bike.

He explained: “He picked up a flare and threw it over the fence at Downing Street. There was nobody on the other side.” 

Judge Vanessa Baraitser adjourned sentencing until October 3. 

But she warned Essex that an immediate prison sentence is inevitable. 

Judge Baraitser released Essex on bail until his sentencing but said he “must be under no illusions as to the sentence and come prepared”. 

The "Enough is Enough" protest organised by Daniel Thomas, took place the day after riots in Southport following the killing of three children. 

The demonstration grew violent as people broke out of the area while glass bottles and cans were thrown at officers.