Pair jailed after becoming involved in Hartlepool riots after afternoon bingo session
A couple who became involved in riots in Hartlepool after going to an afternoon bingo session have each been jailed for two years and two months.
Former postmaster and school governor Steven Mailen, 54, of Arch Court, Hartlepool, was described as “one of the main instigators” of a large-scale disturbance on Murray Street.
His partner Ryan Sheers, 29, of Powlett Road, Hartlepool, was bitten on the hip by a police dog during the incident.
The pair, neither of whom had any previous convictions, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after 200 people gathered in the North East town on July 31.
A judge said Mailen and Sheers were “at the very forefront of the mob”, and tried to push their way through a police cordon, with Mailen taunting officers and encouraging others to use violence towards them.
Far-Right Criminals 