Dad spat at police and hurled brick after getting ‘caught up’ in Hanley riot

You joined in with wanton mob violence… it was despicable behaviour’

Dad Liam Curwen spat at officers and threw a brick towards the police line during the violent disorder in Hanley.

The 32-year-old was part of a mob which walked towards the police line on Town Road on August 3, 2024, just days after three girls were murdered in a Southport dance studio.

He spat towards the police line and threw a brick which hit an officer’s shield. Now Curwen has been jailed for 27 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Prosecutor Barry White said the defendant was seen to leave Hanley Bus Station and walk past The Albion pub towards the city centre on the day of the disorder. He joined a group on Town Road. Mr White said: “He and others walked towards the police line. The defendant had his right hand raised. He appeared agitated and angry.

He spat towards the police line. He continued shouting and pointing at the police line. He moved towards police holding a brick in his right hand, having picked up a paving block. He threw it. It hit a shield in the police line. He went back to the city centre. He covered his face.”

The defendant was arrested on January 24, 2025. He answered no comment to questions in his police interview. Curwen, of Murhall Street, Burslem, later pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Debbie Leadbeater, mitigating, said Curwen is remorseful. Miss Leadbeater said: “He was meeting a friend and got caught up in the group activity. He and his partner are carers for their children.

“There is a very good chance of rehabilitation in his case. I hope you will consider a suspended sentence. He needs further assistance in how to cope with things when they are getting out of control. The work that could be done with probation could ensure he does not appear before the courts in the future.”

Recorder Robert Smith said: “You and members of your group walked towards the police line. You spat towards police on the police line. You ran towards police holding a brick. You are shown on a video to pick up paving bricks. You threw a brick at the police, hitting a riot shield of an officer in the police line.

“I accept any imprisonment would adversley effect your partner and children. You should have thought about that before you involved yourself in a large-scale violent disorder. You participated, spitting at officer, wielding a brick and throwing a brick at the police line.

“What you did was not a peaceful protest. You joined in with wanton mob violence. It was despicable behaviour. I cannot and will not suspend the sentence.”

Stoke Sentinel