Hull riot: 02 shop looter jailed for three years

Lee Battams handed himself into police more than a month after the shocking incident in Hull city centre

A burglar took advantage of violent scenes and serious disorder in Hull city centre to smash his way into a phone shop as well as trying to raid another store.

Serial criminal Lee Battams was not part of the main outbreaks of trouble but he quickly saw the widespread confrontations with the police as the perfect cover for looting missions, Hull Crown Court heard.

Battams, 36, of no fixed address but from Hull, admitted burglary, attempted burglary and violent disorder on August 3.

The court heard that Battams was among the troublemakers who targeted a Morrisons Daily store and the O2 shop in Hull city centre while disturbances were going on. He was seen kicking at the door of the Morrisons shop.

Judge John Thackray KC told Battams: “You were the one who instigated the attempts to smash down the doors of Morrisons. There was a member of staff standing inside.

“He must have been terrified as you and others attacked the doors. You were kicking the doors several times, causing the glass panel to smash, and then a group of men attacked the doors.

“The staff inside were trying to close the shutters. They were no doubt terrified, wondering what would happen if the mob got inside. You then went round to the O2 store. That was unoccupied and you were the one who started attacking the doors first.

“You, having made your entrance to the property, entered and stole a tablet and then numerous other people entered.”

Phones and other devices valued at more than £30,000 were stolen from O2 and serious damage was caused to the store. Battams handed himself in to police on September 8 and he told police: “I was involved in the riots and I was the one who smashed the window of O2 first. I put my foot through. I took a tablet.

I know I am going down. I am going to get myself sorted. I think I need it.”

Battams had convictions for 77 previous offences, including being locked up for two years for burglary. He had most recently been jailed for 12 weeks for offences including making off without payment.

Hull Daily Mail