Man who kicked female police officer to ground in Hull riots is jailed

A man who kicked a female police officer to the ground and joined an attack on a garage which left nine cars damaged during riots in Hull has been jailed for three years.

Connor Whiteley, 26, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker after playing a “prominent role” in the “racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” that unfolded in the city on August 3.

He was jailed on Wednesday as the judge encouraged prosecutors to consider charging offenders who played central roles in the disorder with rioting, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years – double the potential tariff for violent disorder convictions.

Hull Crown Court heard Whiteley was at the front of a group confronting police who were trying to protect a hotel known to house asylum seekers, and was seen charging at officers.

The court heard he kicked the shield of a female police officer, forcing her off her feet and leaving her with a minor injury to her elbow and forearm.

Whiteley was also part of a group that targeted a garage, setting cars alight and shouting threats at staff, who were forced to lock themselves inside.

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