Occupy San Diego protester gets three months in jail

A 26-year-old San Diego man has been sentenced to three months in jail after being convicted of attempting to block the arrest of a fellow Occupy San Diego protester.

Andrew Fisher was also sentenced to three years probation after his release.

Of 44 people charged with misdemeanor offenses during the Occupy San Diego protest, only five have gone to trial. Most cases have ended with plea agreements.

Two cases ended in hung juries, one in acquittal and two in conviction. The other conviction resulted in a sentence of probation and community service.

After a five-day trial, Fisher was convicted of two counts of resisting or delaying an officer, and he was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Richard Whitney.

"While protesting is a cherished right, it is not a license to break criminal laws," City Atty. Jan Goldsmith said.

Occupy San Diego protesters camped out in the plaza behind City Hall for several weeks last year. Later, they were ordered off the plaza but allowed to stay in a grassy area near Civic Center Plaza.

Fisher allegedly attempted to pull a woman away from police as they sought to arrest her for crossing a perimeter onto the plaza.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Occupy San Diego protest on Civic Plaza behind City Hall. Credit: Tony Perry / Los Angeles Times