Man becomes first person to be convicted over rioting in Rotherham
Self-employed builder Joshua Simpson has become the first person to be convicted following the rioting in Rotherham after he admitted assaulting a police officer.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how Simpson, 25, was abusive to police before he kicked a riot shield, forcing it back on to an officer’s leg.
A deputy district judge was told the incident happened as those involved in Sunday’s disorder were dispersing and Simpson, of no fixed abode, turned up by himself in the evening after seeing the incident unfold on a video as he was helping a friend in Worksop, Nottinghamsire.
The defendant admitted one count of assault of an emergency worker.
He was remanded in custody by deputy district judge Simon Blakebrough who asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared before he is sentenced on August 27.
The judge said he could not rule out sending Simpson, who said he is currently homeless, to prison.
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