County Durham man convicted of riot after taking part in Sunderland and Hartlepool disorder

Ashley Wilkinson, 35, went equipped with a ‘riot kit’ to the disorder in Hartlepool and Sunderland, in July and August

A Durham man has been convicted of riot at Newcastle Crown Court, after taking part in two separate incidents of disorder.

Ashley Wilkinson, 35, of James Street South, Murton, County Durham, went equipped with a ‘riot kit’ to the disorder in Hartlepool and Sunderland, in July and August.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of riot in relation to his involvement in the Sunderland rioting, and a further charge of violent disorder for his involvement in events in Hartlepool.

Wilkinson was caught on CCTV throwing a brick at police on St Marks Road during the Sunderland disorder, and was later filmed throwing a beer barrel and a fence support at police officers in Keel Square, as part of a larger group. Wilkinson was also identified as being a part of a mob who hurled missiles at police in Hartlepool.

Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit at CPS North East said: “Wilkinson played an active role in the disorder in Hartlepool and Sunderland. At each of these events, he was captured on camera carrying a distinctive black backpack on CCTV footage.

“At a further planned event in Newcastle, Wilkinson was recognised by an officer who had been involved in the policing of the Sunderland disorder. When stopped and searched, Wilkinson’s backpack was found to contain a ‘riot kit,’ comprising of fishing wire, firelighters, ball bearings, goggles and a face covering.

“It is clear that Wilkinson was not simply swept up in these events in the heat of the moment, but that he attended them with a clear intent of becoming actively involved. While it is fortunate that the planned event in Newcastle passed largely without incident, the disorder in Sunderland and Hartlepool both resulted in a number of police injuries, with significant damage caused to properties and businesses.

“The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work alongside our criminal justice partners to ensure that anyone threatening the communities we serve is brought to justice for their actions.”

The Chronicle