‘Ringleader’ who challenged police line and kicked out at officer during Sunderland disorder jailed

Michael Parker, 54, was captured on CCTV making gestures and approaching the police line

A rioter has been jailed after kicking out at police during the violent disorder in Sunderland last summer

Michael Parker, 54, was caught on CCTV during the riot on August 2 last year approaching the police line and kicking out at officers. Newcastle Crown Court heard Parker had also been spotted gesturing towards officers and “goading” bystanders to join in.

In mitigation, the court was told Parker was “deeply appalled and ashamed” at his involvement in the offence. The court was told he “struggled to comprehend” why he became involved and “highly respects” the work police officers do.

The court was told Parker, of Norfolk Street, Sunderland, was dealing with family issues at the time. On sentencing Recorder Toby Hedworth said the defendant was “a man of essentially good character”.

He added: “Unfortunately for someone who highly respects the police or the work they do, your behaviour on August 2 in Sunderland City Centre suggests something different. Unfortunately what was initially a planned protest turned into widespread civil disorder.

“The police were repeatedly attacked, often with missiles, your particular role in that having been one of those standing looking on, drinking, encouraging with gestures, encouraging, shouting. You then at one stage went to the front of those confronting the police line and kicked out at a police officer who was able to block your kick with the shield.”

Record Hedworth said officers were not there to be subjected to attacks by people such as Parker and those who approach and challenge police lines emboldens others to carry out violent and antisocial behaviour.

He added: “I have carefully considered the role you have played in the violence. You did not throw a missile at police but by going to the front of those who were challenging the police line, kicking out at officers and gesticulating at them and goading them to involve themselves with you were one of those who effectively on the ground were a ringleader.”

Parker, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was jailed for 22 months.

Chronicle Live