Man who threw can of lager towards people during ‘terrifying’ Sunderland riot jailed

Callum Armstrong, of Seaham, admitted violent disorder for his role in the widespread disorder in Sunderland last August

A man who threw a can of beer towards two people during a riot which brought shame on Sunderland has been locked up.

Callum Armstrong is the latest person to be sentenced over the disgraceful disorder that broke out in the city last August.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he was seen on CCTV, wearing a white polo shirt and black shorts, with two other men. They then joined a large crowd who were walking along John Street.

Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said Armstrong was drinking from a can of beer as he walked along. He added that there was audio of jeering and one of the group shouted a racial slur and a missiles were thrown by some of those in the crowd.

Armstrong threw his can of beer towards two men who were just inside an open window and it struck the window sill. Mr Perks said: “It was an attempted assault on members of the public with a weapon.”

Armstrong, 25, of Frederick St, Seaham, County Durham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Jailing him for 12 months, Recorder Adam Vaitilingham KC said his behaviour had contributed to inciting others to more serious offending. He told him: “It may be you weren’t involved in direct attacks on the police but your actions encouraged other people.

“It was a protest that turned into widespread public disorder with a huge amount of damage caused to buildings, shops and police vehicles. Police officers were injured and it was terrifying for anyone who might have been caught up in what was persistent and widespread public disorder.”

The judge said that while Armstrong was a “hard-working young man who had barely been in trouble” and had positive references, only immediate custody could be justified.

Helen Towers, defending, said: “His role is peripheral and he has expressed remorse and has insight into the effect on the community.

“He is of previous good character. This was bravado. He has no animosity towards the police.

“It was seconds of very poor decision making but was peripheral to the wider disorder. He is full of shame and will do anything to repay the community that he damaged.”

The Chronicle