Masked Newcastle dad who waved St George’s flag while confronting police at Sunderland riot jailed

Jack Fowler was sentenced to two years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court

A masked dad who waved a St George’s flag while confronting police at the Sunderland riot has been jailed.

Jack Fowler, 24, was part of the mob approaching the line of officers during the disorder in Sunderland city centre on August 2.

Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: “He’s seen approaching the police line and shouting abuse. He’s seen waving and encouraging others to approach the police line.”

He said Fowler, who was at Keel Square and the mosque, was part of the crowd approaching the line of officers while others are throwing missiles – however he did not throw any himself.

The court heard how the defendant was waving a St George’s flag and shouting “Who’s streets, our streets”. He was also heard to say: “This is going to be constant all summer” – while referring to the disorder.

The Recorder of Newcastle, Judge Paul Sloan, said there was also footage of him confronting a line of officers and blaming politicians for letting in killers and paedophiles.

When he was arrested on August 10, Fowler said: “I’m not going to lie, I was there but I did not throw anything. I didn’t cause any violence or threaten anyone.” He said he wore a balaclava so he was not targeted.

Mr Ahmad said Fowler stated he was at the protest with his girlfriend and he had travelled there from Newcastle. He said he left via Sunderland Metro Station when it began to get dark.

He said he admitted shouting “Who’s streets, our streets” but did not believe this to be violent disorder.

Fowler, of Northbourne Street, Elswick, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to violent disorder during a previous hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in South Shields.

Penny Hall, defending, told the court that Fowler wasn’t violent himself and did not throw anything. She said he accepts he would have encouraged others by being there and chanting.

She said there is footage of him moving his girlfriend away from an argument and someone else away from the police. She said that, although he’s clearly involved, there are parts where he’s trying to stop anything further happening.

Ms Hall said: “It’s right to say he’s made progress in his personal life since then because he’s in a settled relationship with his girlfriend and they have a 15-month-old child. He does have a number of health conditions – severe ADHD, anxiety and a personality disorder.”

Judge Sloan sentenced Fowler to two years in prison.

the Chronicle