Tom Neblett pleads guilty

Tom Neblett, wearing a fleece and sporting black hair, is brought into the dock. He is represented by Heather Toohey. Neblett, supported by three members of his family, speaks to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The charge of violent disorder is put to him. Neblett, 20 and of High Park Road in Southport, enters a plea of guilty.

Defendant seen ‘climbing on top of a white van and throwing bricks at police officers and vehicles’

Ms McInerney, prosecuting, tells the court: “The crown says the defendant played a leading role in the violence in Southport. The Southport community now fears violence. He is seen to be climbing on top of a white van and throwing bricks at police officers and vehicles. He is also seen throwing objects towards a police carrier and behaving in a violent manner while standing in a large group.”

The defendant has a previous conviction for possession of cannabis in April 2023 and youth convictions for battery, handling of stolen goods and theft.

In mitigation, Ms Toohey tells the court: “The defendant is taking a pragmatic approach. He understands he will be sentenced next week and understands there is an inevitability to the sentence he will get. He is very lightly convicted as an adult. He would refute playing a leading role. He didn’t organise this and got caught up in something on the streets of Southport. There is no bail application today.”

District Judge Healey confirms the defendant will be remanded into custody until August 15 for sentence at the crown court. The defendant speaks briefly with his family before leaving to go down to the cells.

Liverpool Echo