Labourer caught on CCTV throwing missiles in Hanley riot dodges jail

Building site worker Lewis Edwards who hurled bricks and stones at police as anarchy erupted in Hanley has been spared jail.

The 21-year-old was arrested on September 19 and has served the equivalent of a 12-month prison sentence on remand after his involvement in the violent disorder in the city centre on August 3.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he was captured on CCTV twice during the riot. Prosecutor Fiona Cortese said: “He was standing on a concrete block shouting towards the opposing group, ‘Twenty boys from Shelton, go and get us a kebab’. He was joining in the chanting.

“In Town Road, near the mosque, he picked up a rock and threw it towards the police line. He picked up a large paving stone, raised it over his head and threw it to the ground, causing it to smash to pieces, which meant others could pick it up. He picked up a brick and threw it towards the police line.”

The defendant was arrested at a building site on September 19. Edwards, of Thornhill Road, Bentilee, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Hamish Noble, mitigating, said Edwards was aged 20 at the time and has no previous convictions. Mr Noble said: “He was in a good position in life. He was working and was approaching the end of his gas and plumbing apprenticeship.

“He has no history of substance misuse and has a supportive family. He was with friends. He was disinhibited by alcohol. He had had four or five pints and went to Hanley to see what was happening. He does not hold racist views but accepts that the behaviour displayed was contrary to this. There was a lack of maturity and an element of peer pressure.

“He apologises through me for his behaviour that day. He understands and acknowledges it was totally unacceptable. He has had a significant period of time to reflect on his behaviour while in custody.”

Mr Noble added that Edwards’ grandad has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Judge Graeme Smith sentenced Edwards to two years in prison, suspended for two years, with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 30 days and 300 hours unpaid work.

Judge Smith said: “Weapons were brandished, missiles were thrown, including by you, and a number of people were injured. There is no suggestion that anything you threw caused an injury.

“Outside the town hall you were shouting slogans with racist connotations. Although they may have been offensive, you were not causing or inciting anyone to violence. In Town Road you were seen picking up and throwing missiles.

“According to your references you have no racist views and are friends with people who hold to the Muslim faith. It is puzzling how you got involved in this.

“You are assessed as a low risk of re-offending. The probation service considers they can work with you. There is the recent diagnosis and treatment is about to start for your grandfather. You have already served the equivalent of about one year. In those circumstances, I am just persuaded that I can suspend the sentence.”

Edwards was ordered to pay £150 costs.

Stoke Sentinel