Man who attacked 9News reporter Sophie Walsh during live cross jailed
A screwdriver-wielding man who assaulted 9News reporter Sophie Walsh during a live television cross in London has been jailed.
Walsh was speaking to 9News Adelaide's Brenton Ragless at a Black Lives Matter rally in London's Hyde Park last June when Soofuue Yakr approached her, making motions to stab and punch her while yelling the words "Allahu Akbar".
Yakr was chased and detained by Walsh's camera operator, Jason Conduit, and other bystanders at the scene until police arrived.
Sophie Walsh was assaulted during a live television cross in London. 9News
"This random guy grabbed me from behind... He started punching me, the only way I can describe it is sort of stabby motions," Walsh later said.
"He had a hand in his pocket. I thought: 'Does he have a knife and will he start stabbing us all?'"
Yakr, of no fixed address, admitted to assault and drug offences when he appeared at the Westminster Magistrates' Court last year.
Walsh's attacker was detained by a 9News cameraman and other members of the public until police arrived. Nine News
He was sentenced overnight in the Newcastle Crown Court over the assault and other unrelated offences.
Walsh welcomed the news of Yakr's sentencing and thanked supporters for their well-wishes.
"The man who attacked me during a live cross in Hyde Park in London was sentenced overnight to two years, four months jail," Walsh wrote.
"Thank you to everyone who reached out at the time and checked in since.
"Your kindness meant a lot to me."
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
