‘Excited’ rioter egged on mob shouting ‘howay boys push forward’

An “excited” rioter was heard encouraging others to participate in disorder shouting ‘howay boys push forward’ after violence erupted on the streets of Middlesbrough.

South Bank’s Christopher Sharp was captured on police camera footage egging on fellow rioters to surge towards officers during the Middlesbrough riots on Sunday, August 4. Teesside Crown Court heard Sharp – on licence at the time – gathered with others who were trying to set fire to a bin during a far-right protest.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Mr Ahmad said the 34-year-old defendant was captured at around 4pm egging on others. He said: “The defendant was identified from footage. He was seen speaking to other individuals gathered facing the police line on Linthorpe Road at the junction of Ayresome Street.

“The defendant was walking with the crowd shouting ‘howay boys push forward’. He was seen running to a back lane before emerging and seconds later other individuals also emerged and were pushing a red industrial style bin.

“The defendant walked alongside them putting his hand to his mouth and appeared to shout to others in the crowd resulting in others approaching the bin as well. ”

Mr Ahmad said footage captured fellow rioters trying to ignite the bin before pushing it into the police line. The prosecutor said the riots caused “severe disruption and distress” and said officers faced an “unprecedented” level of aggression and many were assaulted.

Ms Ahmad said the defendant was arrested on August 28 and in police interview denied being involved in the disorder stating “the police were responsible for everything”.

The court heard the Middlesbrough Road defendant was on licence for burglary at the time of the incident. He was recalled to HMP Hull and appeared via videolink for sentence on Tuesday.

The court heard the defendant has a lengthy criminal record including violence, dishonesty, driving and drugs offences but admitted the violent disorder.

His barrister, Robert Mochrie, said Sharp did not involve himself in the riots because of a “strong political view” but that the disorder was on his doorstep and he allowed himself to become “excited” by the situation.

He added: “He for less than a second put his hand on a bin as it was being pushed by others. There is no suggestion he charged at the police or threatened violence at the police. This is a case of lending his voice to what was going on around him.”

Mr Mocherie said Sharp’s involvement in the riots falls at the bottom of the offending spectrum and asked for credit for his guilty plea.

Sentencing, Judge Francis Laird KC described the atmosphere on Sunday, August 4, as “aggressive and angry” and said police were forced to form a line preventing marchers from entering Clarendon Road. He said: “Violence erupted, missiles were thrown, bins were set a light, damage was caused to police vehicles and residential homes and public buildings. The university and the courts were particular targets.

“Your actions were caught on camera, you were seen to stand in front of the police line and encourage other participants to surge forward.” Judge Francis Laird KC sentenced the defendant to two-and-a-half-years in prison.

Gazette Live