The ‘cowardly’ thug who stamped on man’s head in Piccadilly Gardens

Anthony Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following an incident in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls told the court that at around 1pm on Saturday there was ‘large-scale disorder’ in the city centre which led to ‘far right protesters’ engaging in an altercation with a black male.

“This was filmed by a member of the far right group and uploaded onto X, formerly Twitter,” she said.

“In relation to this defendant, he was seen to antagonise mounted police officers with two beer bottles in his hand on Market Street whilst swearing and chanting at the police and opposing protestors.”

Livesey was then seen to follow the group as they climbed over some barriers before they attacked the black male. He was seen to ‘swing’ a punch’ towards the man whilst others engaged in the attack.

At one stage the man was dragged away by members of the group before falling to the ground.

“The defendant was then seen to stamp on top of the male’s head. The police then became involved,” the prosecutor added.

The court heard he had previous convictions for domestic violence including battery and controlling behaviour. No application for bail was made on his behalf by his solicitor.

Remanding him into custody, District Judge Lucy Hogarth said: “I have worked in criminal justice for nearly 30 years and I am not often lost for words but this offence that was committed by you and your friends is one of the most cowardly and disgraceful cases I have ever experienced. I am absolutely stunned and shocked by you and your friends’ behaviour.”

He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 16.

Livesey smiled to a friend in the public gallery during the hearing.
Manchester Evening News