The mother of a 'yob' who grappled with Professor Chris Whitty in a shocking video has issued a heartfelt apology on behalf of her son and his family.
The viral video of Jonathan Chew and his friend Lewis Hughes, both 24, grabbing the Government's top medical adviser as he walked through St James' Park received widespread condemnation.
Ministers including Home Secretary Priti Patel and PM Boris Johnson labelled the pair 'thugs' after they apparently tried to force Prof Whitty into posing for a selfie.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Chew's mother Natasha, 49, joined in the criticism, saying: 'As his mother, I was not overjoyed at the way in which the boys asked for a photo, the over-exuberant nature in which they approached Mr Whitty.'
Hughes, who has been fired from his job at Caplen Estates Agents following the backlash, has since tried to explain his actions, saying they were 'not malicious'.
Chew (left, and right in the video with Whitty) said he has ADHD and autism and said their interaction with Prof Whitty seemed like a good idea at the time. He also claimed the pair only wanted a selfie and meant no harm
And Mrs Chew, from Barking, east London, whose son has ADHD and autism, said he meant no harm by his behaviour and had simply misread the situation.
She said: 'First and foremost I would like to apologise for any distress that the incident may have caused Mr Whitty.
'My son and his friend had been enjoying their day, having a few social drinks together when they spotted Mr Whitty.
'Realising who he was, and understanding how important he is to our country at this very moment, they wanted to get a picture with him.
Hughes, 24, (left, and right in the video) was fired from Caplen Estates Agents after the clip of him and friend Chew, also 24, with the Chief Medical Officer found its way to his boss
Hughes (pictured, who filmed himself holding Chris Whitty in a headlock, has been sacked as an estate agent after his sickened boss found out
