Muslim-bashing Marcus jailed after spitting at Hanley riot police

Marcus Ramsden will miss his son’s first birthday

A dad who took part in the Hanley riots is missing his son’s first birthday after being locked up for two years for spitting at police. Marcus Ramsden was invited to the Hanley riots by friends and family.

CCTV footage captured the 22-year-old – from Latebrook Close, in Goldenhill – shouting, swearing and spitting at police officers on Town Road.

Fiona Cortese, prosecuting, told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: “Disorder took place on August 3 and police were deployed to Hanley to keep opposing groups away from each other. Police officers were assaulted during the incident, they were the subject of violence and abuse, and projectiles were thrown. This resulted in serious physical injury, fear, distress and disruption. There were costs to businesses. It had a detrimental effect on the community. There was racial hostility by protesters in general because it was a busy public area, there was clearly alcohol involved, and people were throwing things.

“Two clips show Mr Ramsden spitting at officers. Mr Ramsden was arrested on August 22, he gave a prepared statement and said he was invited by friends and family, is not racist, and doesn’t hold racist opinions. He admitted spitting at the police shield and says he was caught up in the moment and was struck by a brick himself.”

Ramsden pleaded guilty to violent disorder and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. The Hanley riots were triggered by the deaths of three children at a dance studio in Southport.

Emily Calman, mitigating, said: “Mr Ramsden fully accepts that his behaviour was appalling but his anger towards the police was because he doesn’t think they are doing enough to protect young girls, particularly the ones in Southport. He isn’t throwing things at police officers, but he should have left when he knew the violence was escalating.”

Judge Graeme Smith interjected: “Mr Ramsden suggested Muslims are ‘rapists’ – that had nothing to do with Southport.”

Ms Calman replied: “He shouldn’t have been acting in that way and fully accepts that. He has enrolled in anger management therapy and has spoken to his GP about his emotions.”

Judge Graeme Smith told Ramsden: “Violence was fuelled by misinformation and far-right sentiment spread across the nation. Asylum seekers were targeted, injuries were sustained, and there was damage to communities.

“It is up to the police to protect the public from this attack. On and around Town Road there is a mosque and this was a Saturday when members of the public were out shopping, eating, and enjoying leisure time and you decided to take part in the violence.

“I have no doubt many who attended the protest conducted so peacefully, but regretfully, many were not. Weapons were used on both sides, missiles were thrown by both sides, and police officers and protesters were injured. It is a public duty to keep the peace and there was widespread violent public disorder.

“There were threats of violence to people or property. This was unlawful activity that would have resulted in serious fear, distress, and destruction. There was substantial risk of livelihood to businesses and the public purse.”

Stoke Sentinel