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Teenager spared jail after shouting ‘vile’ abuse at Muslims on top of phone box

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November 26, 2024
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Ritchings was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years over his ‘grossly unpleasant’ behaviour on August 4.

An 18-year-old man has been spared jail after he spoke about burning down a mosque in an online video and shouted “utterly vile” abuse from the top of a phone box during the summer riots.

Max Ritchings, now 19, posted an Instagram story with a backdrop of news footage of the unrest on August 4, saying: “One more mosque, one more f****** mosque in the area, I will burn the f****** thing down.”

Later that evening, he stood on a phone box near Brighton Pier during Pride weekend wearing a St George’s flag shouting abuse about Muslims and that foreigners should leave the country.

Ritchings had pleaded guilty to offences of inciting violence online and causing religiously aggravated harassment at Lewes Crown Court on September 11.

Defending, Nicholas Hamblin, told the same court on Tuesday that Ritchings has made “substantial changes” in his life in a short period of time since the “grossly unpleasant misguided behaviour”, and was seeking help from a number of organisations.

The court also heard Ritchings recognised that he became “obsessed” with online personalities.

Mr Hamblin added that he was somebody easy to indoctrinate who became involved but has now “clearly detached himself”.

Sentencing him, Judge Christine Laing KC said: “It has to be viewed against the background of unrest … taking place (around) the country at that time and this was your contribution.”

“One of those weighted numbers bringing fear to the streets of the United Kingdom at that time.”

But the judge acknowledged that while he committed “very serious and troubling offences”, Ritchings showed self-reflection and was keen to understand his own mental health difficulties.

Ritchings, of Haywards Heath, West Sussex, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work in the community and 18 sessions of rehabilitation activity.

Evening Standard

Rioter who lit fire in hotel car park during mob violence jailed for six years

By
November 26, 2024
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Scott Greenwood admitted setting light to a generator outside a hotel housing more than 200 asylum seekers during rioting in Rotherham in August.



A rioter who set fire to a generator as a mob besieged a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for six years.

Scott Greenwood, 34, was filmed throwing wood on the fire during the disorder at the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers, near Rotherham, on August 4, Sheffield Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described how Greenwood was part of a group that set fire to items around a disused generator and then fed the blaze with fencing smashed down from nearby gardens.

Judge Richardson said the fire was not as serious as another blaze started earlier that afternoon outside the fire door of the hotel, but the “vigorous” blaze still posed a serious danger to police and to residents in the houses behind the generator.

The court heard that Greenwood was later spotted at the forefront of a mob taunting a line of riot police and stoked a grass fire which had been lit to create a smoke hazard for the officers.

The judge heard that the defendant was easily identified when he took off his shirt and tied it round his face and also because of a distinctive St George’s flag bucket hat he was wearing.

Judge Richardson said the hat gave the lie to the defendant’s claims that he had no racist intent when he attended the disorder at the hotel.

He told Greenwood: “I’m entirely satisfied you went to the area of the hotel with a view to participating in racist mob violence.

“You took a hat and wore that hat which undoubtedly had racist connotations.”

The judge added: “From first to last, the venom of racism infected the entirety of what occurred.

“It’s a very sad state of affairs that that flag, and on occasions the Union flag, has been appropriated by racists such as you.

“Immigration is a legitimate matter for public and political debate. Public protest is a legitimate form of public expression.

“We live in a democratic country where public debate and freedom of expression are entirely acceptable.

“What took place in Rotherham that day had nothing whatsoever to do with legitimate public protest. It was a desire to perpetrate mob rule.”

Judge Richardson ruled that Greenwood, who has had 44 previous court appearances covering 103 separate offences, is “dangerous” and would therefore be subject to an extended sentence.

He said this meant a six-year prison term followed by an extended licence period of three years.

Greenwood, of Tingle Bridge Lane, Hemingfield, South Yorkshire, admitted violent disorder and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered at a previous hearing.

He stood in the glass-fronted dock as he was sentenced flanked by a security guard.

Judge Richardson told him: “You are a dangerous offender. History could repeat itself.”

Greenwood is the latest of more than 70 men who have been jailed after the rioting at the hotel.

The court heard that the 240 residents were trapped on the upper floors of the building as rioters broke in and started a fire in a bin at one of the exits, filling the hotel with smoke.

Staff have described how they barricaded themselves into a safe room, fearing they would die.

More than 60 police officers were injured in the disorder, the court heard.

Irish Times

Man jailed for 54 months after police officer’s nose broken during violent disorder in Southport

By
November 26, 2024
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A man has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after a police officer’s nose was broken during violent disorder in Southport.

Sean Beech, 55, of Len Cox Walk, Manchester, was captured on CCTV during the disorder in Southport on 30 July.

Beech was seen to grab hold of the office’s baton, which hit the officer in the face, breaking his nose.

Beech then threw the baton towards a line of officers and pushed and attempted to trip over another police officer.

He was sentenced on Friday (22 November) to a total of 54 months in prison – 40 months for Violent Disorder, 14 months to run consecutively for s20 assault and 3 months to run concurrently for assaulting an emergency worker.

It is the longest prison sentence to date for anyone convicted of being involved in the violent disorder in Southport.

It brings the total number of arrests to 151 with 107 people charged and 82 sentenced to a total of 172 years and seven months.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “This was a shocking attack on a police officer which resulted in him suffering a broken nose.

“It is right that Beech should be brought to justice for his actions and receive a significant prison sentence.

“We will continue to put those responsible before the courts and would encourage anyone with information to keep coming forward.”

Merseyside Police

Teenager admits violent disorder during riot

By
November 25, 2024
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A man has pleaded guilty to his part in a riot over the summer.

Ethan Bowes, 19, admitted violent disorder, use of threatening or unlawful violence and possession of an offensive weapon in Middlesbrough on 4 August.

Unrest had spread from an afternoon protest at the town’s cenotaph and was described by officers at the time as “staggering”.

Bowes, from Guisborough, was remanded in custody and will reappear at Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on 14 January.

BBC News

Hanley Market worker jailed after ‘stumbling across’ August riots ‘by chance’

By
November 25, 2024
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Ryan Perry was earning £1,800-a-month in Hanley Market

A 23-year-old man who has worked in Hanley Market for 12 years is now locked up – after ‘stumbling across’ the city centre riots ‘by chance’. Ryan Perry was on a Saturday off when he dropped his girlfriend off in Hanley and went to the shops and a pub.

But he later joined the Hanley riots, struck police officers’ shields, and made an obscene gesture to a group outside Salahuddin Mosque, on Town Road. Now Perry, of Mount Street, Hanley, has been jailed for 22 months for violent disorder and assaulting two police officers.

It comes as his mate – 22-year-old Marcus Ramsden, from Latebrook Close, in Goldenhill – has been jailed for two years for his role in the Hanley riots.

Fiona Cortese, prosecuting, told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: “The video footage shows Mr Perry push a police officer’s shield with some force before he turns and walks away and sticks his fingers up at the police constable who was recording. He then lashes out at a female officer and pushes her shield and then strikes another officer’s shield. The rest of the footage is much of the same, as comments are being shouted and Mr Perry makes a ‘w*****r’ gesture to the people at the mosque.

“Mr Perry says he had drunk a lot of alcohol the night before and woke up at 11am to go to the shop and stumbled across the riots by chance. He says he was with his mum when he was surrounded by men with knives, then he said he doesn’t remember it, and then he said something must have triggered him to react that way.”

Perry earns £1,800-a-month moving produce around Hanley Market.

Paul Cliff, mitigating, said: “Mr Perry works at Hanley Market and has done for 12 years from before he left school. He bitterly regrets that he happened to be in the city centre on August 3.

“He is normally there for work but by coincidence he was given that Saturday off, he dropped his girlfriend off in Hanley and visited shops before going to a pub he often frequents. Mr Perry then says he very foolishly joined some of those in that group and participated in a way that has been shown on CCTV and bodycam footage.

“Mr Perry has shown real remorse on his part that he chose to do that. He is keen his involvement wasn’t motivated by race and says he was caught up in the excitement of the disturbance as he has no political views at all.

“His family are both astonished and devastated that he should become embroiled in this type of offence, and they have said in their reference they find it surreal he has behaved in this way. His worst behaviour was banging on police shields and he didn’t throw or shout any racist commentary. He is still a young man at 23, I suspect he is more prone to reckless or foolish choices that are likely to diminish as he ages.

“He’s hopeful, because of his good work ethic, he will be working back in Hanley Market. He has a good relationship with his family and maintains direct relations with his mother and father and they will support him on his release. This will be his first experience of prison and the criminal justice system in any capacity. He assures me that once he’s released from his sentence he will return to work and will not trouble the criminal justice system again.”

Judge Graeme Smith described Perry as being at the ‘forefront of the activity’ on Town Road.

He added: “You were threatening and aggressive to police. You struck officers from the side when they didn’t see you coming. You are relatively young, have no previous convictions, and have a good work ethic. I will reduce your sentence from 34 months to 22 months imprisonment.”

Stoke Sentinel

Hull rioter jailed after handing himself in to police

By
November 23, 2024
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Leon Armstrong was at several places when disturbances broke out in Hull city centre, the court heard

A man who took part in scenes of “mass stupidity” during disturbances in Hull city centre in August got carried away with a “group mentality” and has now been jailed.

Father-of-three Leon Armstrong was later shown a social media post about the police trying to find more of the people who took part in the “12 hours of mob violence” and he handed himself in the next day, Hull Crown Court heard.

Armstrong, 33, of Holderness Road, east Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3.

The court heard that Armstrong was present in several places when disturbances broke out in Hull city centre, including in Ferensway, where there was a police line outside the Royal Hotel to protect asylum seekers being housed there.

He was also in Queen Victoria Square and Jameson Street, where a group lunged forward towards police and he encouraged another person to grab the shields of officers.

Armstrong played a leading role in the trouble and his behaviour was motivated by racial hostility, the court heard.

He had a long history of crime, including offences of wounding, assault causing actual bodily harm, assault, possessing weapons, threatening behaviour, criminal damage, harassment, racially aggravated disorder and possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Stephen Robinson, mitigating, said it was a serious incident but Armstrong cooperated with the police investigation and handed himself in.

“A post was put on a social media site showing further people that the police wanted to find,” said Mr Robinson. “A friend pointed out that he was on that and, the very next day, he handed himself in at the police station and he made admissions during interview.

“His apologies and expression of regret are genuine because he handed himself in. There was cooperation and there were expressions of regret.

“Little useful can be said about why he was there. He went to attend a protest. It didn’t turn out to be what he thought it would be but, rather than leave, he got caught up in a group mentality.”

Armstrong was most recently before a court in 2022 and he had got himself a job, training as a dock worker and gaining qualifications. “He has been doing that for two years and it gave him a purpose,” said Mr Robinson. “He had just started to sort himself out.

“He enjoyed the work. He has lost that job, of course. It is sad that, when he has managed to sort himself out, he got involved in this mass stupidity. He has paid a penalty already.

“He accepts that there will be further punishment to come in terms of the sentence to be imposed. He was not one of the more heavily involved individuals.”

Judge John Thackray KC told Armstrong: “Your offending formed part of 12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence. During those 12 hours of mob violence, immeasurable harm was caused to this city and to people. Huge financial costs were caused to the city and to businesses.”

There was “utterly deplorable public disorder” involving huge numbers of people, racist chanting and determined attacks upon the police.

“You were close by when missiles were being thrown at police officers who were there to protect asylum seekers,” said Judge Thackray. “Your history of previous convictions goes back many years, with relevant offences of violence and damage.”

Armstrong, who was already in custody on remand, was jailed for two years and eight months.

Hull Daily Mail

Taxi driver cleared of encouraging social media followers to murder Home Secretary

By
November 22, 2024
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Andrew McIntyre posted an ‘unpleasant rant’ about Yvette Cooper MP online amid violent scenes on Merseyside

A man has been cleared of allegations that he encouraged his followers to murder Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP in posts on social media.

Andrew McIntyre, of Cousins Lane in Rufford, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday charged with two counts of encouraging or assisting an offence following violent scenes across Merseyside in the summer.

Disturbances flared in Southport, Liverpool city centre and Walton following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the seaside town. Charge sheets had alleged that the 39-year-old published “electronic communications which were capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of one or more offences of murder” and “capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of one or more offences of violent disorder and criminal damage” between July 28 and August 8 this year.

McIntyre, who the ECHO understands works as a taxi driver, yesterday pleaded guilty to the latter count and a further offence of possession of a bladed article in a public place in relation to a “folding pocket knife” found upon his arrest on Smithdown Road. But Arthur Gibson, prosecuting, told the court of the charge of encouraging murder: “While there are comments on social media concerning actions to be taken against the Home Secretary, that in itself does not support the allegation in count one because the requirement is that there has to be a genuine belief that any such actions would be carried out.

“There is a clear distinction between what might be termed a rant, however unpleasant it is, and messages which clearly incite criminal activity to take place. There is undoubtedly clear, and the crown would say overwhelming, evidence in relation to the offences of violent disorder and criminal damage being carried out.

“However, that is not the case in relation to count one. In those circumstances, having carefully considered the matter, a decision has been taken to ask the court to lie that count on the file.”

Judge Neil Flewitt KC accepted this application and remanded McIntyre into custody ahead of his sentencing on January 6. Addressing the delay until this date, defence counsel Julian Nutter said: “On any view, he is going to be where he is for some time.”

The judge meanwhile told the defendant: “There will inevitably be an immediate and significant prison sentence. How long it will actually be, I will decide when I have had all of the information.”

McIntyre nodded and blew a kiss to his parents in the public gallery before being led down to the cells. The same court heard during an earlier appearance in August that he was accused of being the “administrator of an online group” and “encouraged followers of that group to commit murder and to take part in disorder”.

He had previously pleaded not guilty to all three charges and was due to stand trial in February next year. McIntyre will also appear in court for a mention hearing on December 19.

Liverpool Echo

Southport rioter pelted in the privates and face with bricks faces jail

By
November 22, 2024
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A Southport rioter who went viral after being pelted with bricks in the head and groin is facing a prison sentence.

Father-of-five Brian Spencer made headlines over the summer after video footage showed him provoking riot police in Southport only to find himself on the receiving end of some instant karma.

‘Party animal’ Spencer, 40, was struck twice in the back and front of his head after gyrating in front of officers, before turning around and being hit for a third time in the crotch.

Spencer, who works as a painter and decorator, was admitted to hospital following the barrage, where he was later arrested after officers recognised him from the viral footage.

While in hospital, he was also found guilty of racially abusing a Polish-speaking patient, the Mail reports.

Appearing in Sefton magistrates’ court, Spencer was told he caused ‘harassment, alarm or distress’ to the patient while recovering in hospital.

He faces a ‘starting point’ of three years in jail when he is sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court next week, they added.

The magistrates court said its own powers were insufficient to deal with the case.

Spencer joined rioters in Southport on July 30, a day after three young girls were stabbed to death while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Wearing a grey tracksuit, he was filmed swinging his hips and dancing in front of a line of police officers before striking a pose in an attempt to taunt them.

During his attempts to provoke the officers, he was nearly knocked to the ground when a large brick ricocheted off a riot shield into his face, while another hit the back of his head.

As Spencer stumbled away in pain, rubbing the back of his head, another flying brick struck him right in the groin.

He shouted ‘f***ing hell boys’ as two other rioters helped him out of the crowd.

One Southport local said at the time: ‘People are saying the protesters were outsiders who came her to cause trouble – but Brian came from just up the road.

‘Everyone knows Brian. He’s a bit of a party animal and I think he just got excited last night. His head will be hurting this morning.’

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 18, from Banks, Lancs, has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

He is also charged with producing the toxin ricin and possessing an Al-Qaeda terrorism manual.

Spencer, of Lytham Road, Southport, was released on conditional bail.

Metro

Muslim-bashing Marcus jailed after spitting at Hanley riot police

By
November 20, 2024
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Marcus Ramsden will miss his son’s first birthday

A dad who took part in the Hanley riots is missing his son’s first birthday after being locked up for two years for spitting at police. Marcus Ramsden was invited to the Hanley riots by friends and family.

CCTV footage captured the 22-year-old – from Latebrook Close, in Goldenhill – shouting, swearing and spitting at police officers on Town Road.

Fiona Cortese, prosecuting, told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: “Disorder took place on August 3 and police were deployed to Hanley to keep opposing groups away from each other. Police officers were assaulted during the incident, they were the subject of violence and abuse, and projectiles were thrown. This resulted in serious physical injury, fear, distress and disruption. There were costs to businesses. It had a detrimental effect on the community. There was racial hostility by protesters in general because it was a busy public area, there was clearly alcohol involved, and people were throwing things.

“Two clips show Mr Ramsden spitting at officers. Mr Ramsden was arrested on August 22, he gave a prepared statement and said he was invited by friends and family, is not racist, and doesn’t hold racist opinions. He admitted spitting at the police shield and says he was caught up in the moment and was struck by a brick himself.”

Ramsden pleaded guilty to violent disorder and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. The Hanley riots were triggered by the deaths of three children at a dance studio in Southport.

Emily Calman, mitigating, said: “Mr Ramsden fully accepts that his behaviour was appalling but his anger towards the police was because he doesn’t think they are doing enough to protect young girls, particularly the ones in Southport. He isn’t throwing things at police officers, but he should have left when he knew the violence was escalating.”

Judge Graeme Smith interjected: “Mr Ramsden suggested Muslims are ‘rapists’ – that had nothing to do with Southport.”

Ms Calman replied: “He shouldn’t have been acting in that way and fully accepts that. He has enrolled in anger management therapy and has spoken to his GP about his emotions.”

Judge Graeme Smith told Ramsden: “Violence was fuelled by misinformation and far-right sentiment spread across the nation. Asylum seekers were targeted, injuries were sustained, and there was damage to communities.

“It is up to the police to protect the public from this attack. On and around Town Road there is a mosque and this was a Saturday when members of the public were out shopping, eating, and enjoying leisure time and you decided to take part in the violence.

“I have no doubt many who attended the protest conducted so peacefully, but regretfully, many were not. Weapons were used on both sides, missiles were thrown by both sides, and police officers and protesters were injured. It is a public duty to keep the peace and there was widespread violent public disorder.

“There were threats of violence to people or property. This was unlawful activity that would have resulted in serious fear, distress, and destruction. There was substantial risk of livelihood to businesses and the public purse.”

Stoke Sentinel

Norris Green man jailed for two years and eight months for Violent Disorder in Liverpool city centre

By
November 20, 2024
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We are welcoming the latest court result following Violent Disorder in Merseyside, the 82nd person sentenced so far.

Liam Lewis, 27, of Sandway Crescent, Norris Green, was jailed for two years and eight months for Violent Disorder and Burglary other at Liverpool Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 November.

On Saturday 3 August, Lewis was found to have been involved in Violent Disorder that occurred in Liverpool City Centre following the tragic events in Southport days earlier. He was seen to break up bricks before throwing them at police officers. Lewis was then seen letting off a fire extinguisher on the public highway, before using it to force entry to a phone repair shop in Church Street.

Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “The scenes of violence, criminal damage and looting we saw over the summer were disgraceful, and we are pleased to see another offender facing the consequences of their actions.

“To use misinformation as some kind of excuse to target members of the public, businesses and the emergency services is inexcusable, and caused emotional and material damage to communities shocked but standing together in the face of tragedy.

“We will continue to put those responsible before the courts, and would encourage anyone with information to keep coming forward.”

A total of 151 arrests have now been made, with 105 charged and 82 people now sentenced to 168 years and one month.

Anyone with information to assist our ongoing investigations is asked to contact us via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Merseyside Police