County Durham man admits violent disorder in Middlesbrough

A man who has pleaded guilty to his role in the violent disorder that caused chaos in a North East town centre will have to wait to be sentenced.

A judge ordered a medical report to be compiled on Andrew Grieves to assess whether he has a diagnosed learning disability.

The 24-year-old became embroiled in the rioting that broke out in Middlesbrough following the death of three young girls in Southport in the summer of 2024.

Teesside Crown Court heard how further medical reports would be required before the defendant could be sentenced.

Gary Wood, representing Grieves, said his client was taken out of mainstream education as a teenager due to his learning difficulties.

He urged the judge to adjourn sentencing to allow time for a psychological report to be compiled on the defendant.

Grieves, of Acorn Close, Sacriston, County Durham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Middlesbrough on August 4, 2024.

Judge Richard Bennett adjourned sentencing until April 27 to allow time for the report to be completed.

He said: “I had intended to sentence you today, but I have read conflicting information,” he said.

“In your pre-sentence report it suggests that you have a learning disability but in the psychiatric report, the doctor suggests the position may not be as difficult.

“I need that sorting out. I need to know precisely what it is and I can’t sentence you until I know that.

“I can’t tell you what your fate will be but I can tell you it crosses the custody threshold and it will be decided at the next hearing whether you serve that sentence or whether I am able to suspend it.”

Grieves was released on unconditional bail until the next hearing.

Northern Echo