Rioter threw rocks at police during Middlesbrough protest

A rioter who threw rocks and stones at police as they attempted to control angry protesters has been locked up for his behaviour.

Connor Stokes was at the forefront of the violent disorder that swept through Middlesbrough town centre in the summer and his actions were caught on camera as the protest descended into violence.

The 27-year-old was spotted hiding behind a wall before launching a barrage of missiles towards the police lines, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Emma Atkinson, prosecuting, said: “He was distinctive because he was wearing a grey tracksuit and black face covering and was observed throughout the day – he was deemed to be one of the main participants of the disorder.

“He was observed throwing bricks at police lines. The defendant hid behind a wall, he then came from behind the wall and threw several objects in the direction of the police.”

An officer was forced to move out of the way of his missiles and he was caught on camera throwing rocks at a passing police van, the court heard.

Stokes, of Mansfield Avenue, Thornaby, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following his behaviour on August 4 this year.

Gary Wood, mitigating, said his client had very little memory of what he did on the day as he was so intoxicated but had taken advantage of the time he had spent in custody to carry out a number of courses.

He added: “He is working with the drug and alcohol team in prison, he has had a problem with cocaine and has been doing relapse prevention work. He has also been working with the mental health team.

“He realises that the only sentence the court can impose is a custodial one and he is very ashamed of his actions.”

Judge Richard Clews sentenced Stokes to two years and nine months in custody for his role in the disorder.

He said: “You were wearing some sort of facial disguise at the time which suggests to me that you had intended to involve yourself in disorder and you didn’t want to be recognised.

“The police described you as one of the main participants throwing objects to the police lines and you were seen to hide behind a wall before throwing several rocks towards the officers.”

Northern Echo