Rioter who threw missile at police during disorder in Sunderland jailed

A rioter who threw a missile at police during mass city centre disorder has been put behind bars.

The single item hurled by Liam Dugdale hit an officer’s shield during the trouble that swept through Sunderland, and mirrored similar scenes in other UK cities, in August 2024.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Dugdale was identified through CCTV and questioned about his involvement while he was serving a prison sentence for something else.

The 32-year-old, of Townsend Road, Sunderland, admitted riot.

Judge Tim Gittins today jailed him for 20 months and said what happened that day was an “orgy of mindless destruction, violence and disorder”.

The judge added: “Those participating in mass disorder must expect severe sentences, intended not only to punish what you have individually done but also to deter others from copying their example.”

The court heard Dugdale has 13 convictions on his record, including violence.

Sue Hirst, defending, said Dugdale was questioned about his involvement in the riot while he was in custody for something else, in March 2025.

Miss Hirst added: “Surprisingly, it has taken the police and CPS a further eight months to charge him. “He was released from custody in July last year. It does appear the police have then waited until he was released from the last custodial sentence to charge him with this offence.

“Clearly, that is not what should happen, it means he has been back out in the community trying to get his life together and now he faces another potential custodial sentence.

“That is not conducive to rehabilitation, it simply perpetuates the cycle.

Miss Hirst said after his release from the last prison sentence Dugdale, who has a good employment record, has been working and kept out of trouble.

Prosecutor Rachel Butt said during the widespread trouble that day police officers, dogs and horses were pelted with missiles as areas became unsafe for ordinary members of the public.

She added: “Officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence. Officers were attacked with missiles and verbally abused.

“Four officers required hospital treatment and some are not fit enough to return to frontline duties.

“Police vehicles were targeted and damaged. Several patrol cars needed repairs.”

The court heard the city’s police hub was set on fire, business premises were smashed and shops were looted.

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said in an impact statement police vehicles as well as community buildings and businesses came under attack that day.

Ms Jardine said the violence was met with a £1.517m policing operation and the full psychological cost to officers involved is yet to be known.

Sunderland Echo