Boy, 15, guilty of violent disorder and burglary of vape shop in Sunderland

A 15-year-old boy has become the first child in the North East to be convicted over the recent eruptions of disorder after his shameful actions in Sunderland

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on Friday, August 9, as part of another round of early morning raids across Sunderland by Northumbria Police.

The 15-year-old appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Saturday, August 10, where he admitted one charge of violent disorder and the burglary of a business – after stealing from a vape shop.

He will next appear at South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday, August 15.

Another male also admitted guilt in court on Saturday morning.

Philip Cawthorne, 38, of Southend Road, Sunderland, was arrested by the Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT), which the force says has been persistently investigating since the disorder occurred last week.

Cawthorne was charged with one count of violent disorder and appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning, where he pleaded guilty to his role in the disorder.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on August 20 to be sentenced.

It brings the total number of those convicted in the first week to 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT), said: “Now, just over a week on, we know all too well the effects those appalling scenes have had on our communities across the North East.

“A thorough investigation has been well underway as we look to identify those responsible and ensure they are met with the full strength of the law.

“We will not tolerate the behaviour we saw in Sunderland city centre on Friday, August 2.”

Sunderland Echo