Arsonist receives longest sentence yet linked to summer riots

Thomas Birley, 27, of Swinton, Rotherham, has received the longest sentence of anyone involved in the summer riots so far.

Here’s a summary of what was heard in court today:

Birley was involved in a riot outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham on 4 August, where asylum seekers were being housed at the time

The 27-year-old was part of a group that smashed the hotel’s windows and he added to a fire against the building

He previously pleaded guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder, and possessing an offensive weapon

He was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to nine years in prison, with a five-year extension on licence

The Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said the lives of at least 50 people were endangered and those inside thought they would be killed

Birley and people like him were “intent on spreading a hateful message of violence and racism”, the judge said

It was one of the worst cases the court had heard related to the incident, the judge added

A pre-sentence report had views which “raised alarm” with a probation officer and there were hints of a “white supremacist mindset”, the judge said

Birley’s defence barrister said the former painter and decorator “expresses heartfelt remorse”. The court also heard Birley is a “loner” and has a learning disorder and mental disability

Birley has been jailed for nine years for taking part in a riot in Rotherham on 4 August – the highest prison sentence handed out by judges following widespread violence and rioting.

He was part of a group which helped smash windows at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers and added wood to a fire against the building, which housed asylum seekers.

Birley, 27, of Swinton, Rotherham, previously pleaded guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder, and possessing an offensive weapon.

At Sheffield Crown Court, the Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said: “You are unquestionably a dangerous offender.”

His sentence is nine years in prison, with a five-year extension on licence.

BBC News