‘Sensitive young man’ involved in Sunderland riot dodges jail after throwing stone at police line

A “sensitive young man” who was involved in the Sunderland riot has dodged jailed after he handed himself in to police.

Drunken Liam Wilde was caught on CCTV throwing a missile at police officers and filming the disorder on his phone during wide-spread disorder in the city on August 2, last year.

A protest in the city centre quickly escalated into ugly scenes which saw police officers attacked, businesses damaged and looted and racist language shouted. Hundreds of people have since been arrested and many jailed for their roles in the disorder, which Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable said cost around £1m to police.

On Tuesday, Wilde, of Honister Drive, Sunderland, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for violent disorder. The 25-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that Wilde had been drinking in the city centre when he joined in on the violence in Keel Square. He was captured on CCTV filming the disorder on his mobile phone before throwing a missile at the police line.

Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, said that during the disorder, police officers were injured, and police dogs were hurt by masonry which was thrown by members of the mob. He said: “The defendant was seen walking away from the police line before bending down to pick up an object and throwing it with significant force towards the police line.”

The court heard that following the riot, police circulated images of those involved, with one image identifying Wilde. He later handed himself in to police.

Mr Ahmad added: “In interview he said he had drinks with a friend and had not been aware of the protest taking place, but joined in and carried on drinking. He accepted throwing a stone. He said he regretted his actions and wouldn’t have acted that way had he been sober.”

Sophie Allinson-Howells, defending, said Wilde had no previous convictions and that his involvement in the disorder was “out of character”. She said: “Much can be said for getting caught up in the moment. He observed and then began to film.”

Ms Allinson-Howells said that positive references had also been provided to the court on his behalf, adding: “He is a caring and sensitive young man who is responsible and soft-spoken and is very nervous about being involved in these proceedings.”

Judge Stephen Earl said Wilde had shown “genuine remorse” and handed him a 20 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and 40 rehabilitation days. He must also pay £187 surcharge.

The Chronicle