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Former boxer admits racially aggravated posts

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December 3, 2024
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A former boxer has admitted posting racially aggravated comments online during unrest and rioting in the summer.

Derek Heggie made “grossly offensive comments” in two YouTube videos between 2 and 8 August, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

He had been due to stand trial on a charge under the Malicious Communications Act but instead pleaded guilty to sending communication of an offensive nature.

The 41-year-old, of Welsh Road in Harraby, Carlisle, was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on 13 December.

The killings of three children on 29 July in Southport triggered waves of unrest across the country.

During a previous court hearing, prosecutor George Shelley said the comments posted by Heggie were “particularly inflammatory” in the context of those disturbances.
‘Man of some note’

Heggie, who describes himself as an actor and podcast host, was one of several people in north and west Cumbria to be prosecuted for the use of inflammatory online content.

The court heard that, in videos referring to Muslims, Heggie made comments including “young white girls are being raped by these grooming gangs”.

This was done for the “purpose of causing distress or anxiety”, the court heard.

When he was interviewed, the defendant had sought to portray himself as a journalist and maintained that the online posts were justified.

Chris Toms, defending, said: “As far as Mr Heggie is personally concerned, you may or not be aware that he is a man of some note in social media and formerly in the professional fighting world.

“He was at one time a professional bare-knuckle boxer who held titles and had televised bouts in that sport.”

Judge Nicholas Barker requested background information from the Probation Service ahead of the sentencing.

BBC News

Sunderland man caught at forefront of riots admits riot charge

By
December 2, 2024
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A man caught on camera kicking out at a police line during widespread disorder in Sunderland has today (Monday, December 2) admitted a charge of riot.

John Paul Kirtley was seen at the forefront of the confrontation with police in the city centre on the evening of Friday, August 2, following an anti-immigration protest.

The 26-year-old defendant of Rutherglen Road, Red House, Sunderland, handed himself into police following the circulation of images from the disturbances which blighted the city after the protest march.

He originally pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder at a court appearance earlier in proceedings.

But this was one of the cases in which the Crown Prosecution Service “upgraded” the charge to the more serious count of riot, which carries a potential sentence of up to ten years, compared to a maximum of five years for violent disorder.

The court heard today that an application by his legal team to have the riot charge thrown out as “an abuse of process” had failed.

Judge Julie Clemitson said she had “considered very carefully” the arguments submitted by lawyers representing both the defendant and a youth co-accused, who cannot be named due to his age.

She merely added: “It’s not an abuse of process.”

The case of the 16-year-old, who was 15 at the time of the incident, was remitted back to be dealt with at the youth court, provisionally in February.

But, Kirtley was remanded in custody to be sentenced, possibly with other rioters, at the crown court on January 31.

His counsel, Laura Miller, said he was aware of the type and length of sentence that is likely to be passed in the case.

Images released after the case by Northumbria Police showed Kirtley, at times shirtless and waving an England flag around, seeming to revel in the confrontations taking place.

He was also spotted pushing a shopping trolley towards police lines and kicking out at the shields of officers in riot gear.

Northern Echo

Guilty: Darlington man caught shouting vile abuse at police

By
December 2, 2024
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A Darlington man has been convicted of violent disorder after he was at the forefront as protesters clashed with police during a riot in a North East town.

Joseph MacKenzie was one of five people on trial after widespread disorder caused chaos in Middlesbrough town centre.

The 28-year-old was caught on CCTV and mobile phone footage shouting vile abuse at police officers as they struggled to maintain order when hundreds of people rampaged around the town.

Jurors watched a video compilation of MacKenzie’s movements on August 4 which showed him at the forefront of the protesters standing in the way of the police line.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, had asked PC Alan Lake how the defendant came to the attention of the police after jurors had watched a compilation of CCTV footage.

The Cleveland Police officer said: “He was heard shouting ‘we are f****** taking over’ and ‘we f****** hate you c****’.”

PC Lake said the defendant again approached the police cordon and tried to pass through, so he stepped in and arrested him as he was ‘irate and angry’.

During the trial, the defendant denied shouting abuse at the officers but accepted that he was shouting at them out of frustration.

MacKenzie, of Skeldale Grove, Darlington, was remanded in custody until he is sentenced in the new year.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said: “You have been convicted unanimously by a jury and you will be sentenced in January.

“I direct that a pre-sentence report be prepared, your counsel seeks to get further medical reports on you.

“Even though I am ordering a pre-sentence report do not take that as an indication of what your sentence will be – all sentencing options remain open.”

The charge of violent disorder against 38-year-old Anthony Brown, of Windsor Road, Middlesbrough, was dropped following a direction from the judge.

He was found not guilty of a charge of assaulting an emergency worker.

Charges against a fourth man, Christopher Howard, were dropped on the second day of the trial when the prosecution offered no evidence against the 42-year-old Middlesbrough man.

A fifth defendant, Ethan Bowes, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon on the day of the trial.

The 19-year-old, of Woodhouse Road, Guisborough, will be sentenced on January 14 next year and was remanded in custody while a pre-sentence report was completed.

The trial continues as jurors continue to consider the verdict in the case of Peacock-Lightfoot, 20, of Dixon Grove, Middlesbrough.

Northern Echo

Man admits kicking police during riot

By
December 2, 2024
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A man who kicked police officers and threw bricks has pleaded guilty to rioting during unrest.

John Kirtley was seen holding a blue flare, shouting “England ‘til I die” as he threw a beer keg at officers who were guarding a mosque in Sunderland on 2 August.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, the 26-year-old, of Rutherglen Road in the city, pleaded guilty to riot.

Kirtley, who had previously admitted violent disorder, will be sentenced on 31 January.

BBC News

Fleetwood man, 21, threw bottles at police and encouraged JD Sports looters during Blackpool riots

By
November 29, 2024
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A Fleetwood man threw bottles at police and cheered on yobs as they attempted to loot a store during the riots in Blackpool.

Violent disturbances broke out following a protest in the resort on Saturday, August 3.

Morgan Spencer, 21, was identified by police at various scenes of the disorder.

CCTV showed him in Talbot Square where he joined others in running at a police van and throwing bottles at officers.

He then joined the protestors as they moved to Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Spencer cheered on the group as they attacked security guards and attempted to loot the JD Sports store.

He was then seen throwing bottles and chairs at a group of people from the Rebellion Festival in St John’s Square.

Spencer, of Windsor Terrace, Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

He was subsequently jailed for two years and nine months by a judge at Preston Crown Court on Friday (November 22).

Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards, of Lancashire Police, said: “Morgan Spencer clearly played a role at different locations in the disgraceful disorder in Blackpool on August 3.

“He was involved in abhorrent behaviour where police officers and members of the public were subjected to threats and violence.

“Such behaviour is not welcome in Lancashire and will not be tolerated in our county.

“A number of people have been brought to justice for their role in the disorder and I welcome the sentence in this case.”

Blackpool Gazette

Pair given youth detention for migrant hotel attack

By
November 29, 2024
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Two men have been given custodial sentences for taking part in a violent protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Joe Howell, 20, and Alby Brannan, 18, hurled objects at Potters International Hotel in Aldershot, Hampshire, on 31 July, police said.

The pair, from Ash, Surrey, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Crown Court to violent disorder.

Howell, who also admitted assaulting an emergency worker, was sent to a young offender institution for 22 months, while Brannan was given an 18-month sentence.

More than 200 protesters gathered at the hotel, as part of the rioting that swept across England in the days after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, the court previously heard.

A small group of men entered the car park, kicked footballs against windows and damaged blinds and a perimeter wall, the court was told.

The protesters shouted slogans including “we want our country back” and “get ’em gone”, leaving hotel residents “petrified”, Judge Rufus Taylor previously said.

Howell, of Bareham Drive, hurled bicycles at the hotel and banged on doors, while Brannan, of Winchester Road, threw fireworks, police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “We know that the majority of people who attended this protest in Aldershot were respectful.

“However, Howell and Brannan were part of a smaller group that chose to act in an aggressive and intimidating manner.

“Their behaviour that day spiralled out of control and caused fear of violence to those inside the hotel and our officers. Our message is clear – this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

BBC News

‘Good’ dad bitten by police dog as he hurled beer cans at officers during riot

By
November 28, 2024
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He’ll now miss his daughter’s first birthday after being jailed

A dad who threw beer cans at police officers protecting a hotel full of asylum seekers and was bitten by a police dog has been jailed for 30 months.

Tommy McQuaker, 29, will miss his daughter’s first birthday this weekend after he was ordered to serve at least 12 months in prison for his part in “extreme” disorder on August 4 outside Tamworth’s Holiday Inn Express hotel that arose in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings.

When McQuaker arrived at the scene that evening, a fire had already been set inside the foyer of the hotel with around 300 protesters throwing missiles including fireworks, a petrol bomb, bricks, chunks of concrete, lampposts and makeshift flamethrowers at Staffordshire Police officers who were trying to protect those inside.

Judge John Gosling said the incident was a “siege” which involved serious violence and racist and abusive language and that McQuaker was not a ringleader but part of a mob.

Stafford Crown Court heard on Thursday that McQuaker, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, wore dark clothing, a hoodie and a balaclava to disguise himself as he pulled at least four cans of beer out of a bag and launched them at a line of officers.

At around 9.20pm, a police dog handler and police dog Vixen were deployed, with the handler giving “repeated warnings to the baying mob, including the defendant, to move back or they may be bitten”, prosecution barrister Rajbir Punia said.

When the defendant did not move, he was set upon by PD Vixen who bit his leg to “discourage him from taking part in further violent behaviour”.

Ms Punia said: “He shouted ‘get your f****** dog off me’, which appeared to incite the nearby crowd. He fuelled an already hostile crowd, leaving the police dog handler vulnerable and in fear.

“He called for help but colleagues were unable to assist him as they too were coming under attack. He said this was the first time in his 10-year career that he felt he was in trouble.”

Ms Punia said the events at the hotel was an “unacceptable, relentless attack” on both police and hotel residents, which forced staff members to run to the loft for safety as smoke bombs and other missiles were hurled at the premises and fires were set.

Defending, Christopher O’Gorman told the court that McQuaker’s “inexplicable” behaviour had had a serious effect on his family, including his children and partner, and that he was suffering as his beloved grandmother died while he was in custody.

He said: “Men have appeared before this court for offences arising out of this disturbance for whom prison is an occupational hazard and missing their family is part of that occupational hazard while they serve their time.

“There are reasons that are unique to Mr McQuaker that bear a burden that will no doubt remind him every day of the utterly reprehensible and shocking behaviour he indulged in that evening.

“He genuinely regrets his inexplicable decision to get involved in that disturbance that night, but the regret will stay with him for the rest of his life.

“He is a good father. His daughter is one this weekend and he has missed a third of her life by getting himself remanded in custody because of the terrible behaviour he took part in.

“He knows he only has himself to blame for all of this. There is a handwritten letter from his nan. She is no longer here to read the letter out herself and he will think about that every day.”

Stoke Sentinel

Man warned he faces likely prison sentence for role in Hull riot

By
November 28, 2024
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Andrew Wardrobe pleaded guilty to violent disorder

The latest troublemaker to appear in court after the serious scenes of mob violence in Hull city centre in August has been warned that he faces a likely prison sentence.

Andrew Wardrobe was brought in custody before Hull Crown Court, where he appeared in the secure dock for a charge of violent disorder to be put to him.

Wardrobe, 54, of Falkland Road, Greatfield estate, east Hull, pleaded guilty to committing the offence on August 3. His behaviour was part of 12 hours of trouble in the city that day.

The disturbances in Hull included rowdy and violent scenes outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, which was being used at the time to house asylum seekers. There were confrontations with police, who were forming a protective line.

There were also disturbances in Queen Victoria Square, Jameson Street and at a garage. Details on Wardrobe’s involvement in the disorder will be given at a later stage.

Sentence on Wardrobe was adjourned for a psychiatric report to be prepared on him. Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that Wardrobe had suffered problems. He was further remanded in custody.

Judge Mark Bury warned Wardrobe that he faced a likely prison sentence at the next hearing.

When the case of Wardrobe was mentioned at a different point of the day, Judge Bury asked if any co-defendants with the surnames Lion and Witch were going to be brought before the court. He was told that there would be no defendants with those names appearing in court.

Hull Daily Mail

Two young women appear in court for their parts in Hull riot

By
November 28, 2024
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Elizabete Zvirgzdina and Lucy Houghton both handled stolen shoes from Shoezone, the court heard

Two young women became involved in the serious scenes of looting that played a key part of the widespread violence and disorder that broke out in Hull city centre in August.

One of the teenagers was among the troublemakers who targeted and burgled the Lush and 02 stores during the 12 hours of mob violence that left a trail of destruction and damage. They both handled stolen shoes that had been taken from the nearby Shoezone shop after a break-in there, Hull Crown Court heard.

Elizabete Zvirgzdina, 18, of Westbrook Road, Gilberdyke, admitted burglary at the Lush store in Jameson Street, Hull, involving entering the shop as a trespasser and stealing “multiple products” of an unknown value, on August 3. She also admitted burglary with intent to steal at the 02 store, also in Jameson Street.

Zvirgzdina and the other defendant, Lucy Houghton, 19, of Constable Street, off Hessle Road, Hull, both admitted handling stolen goods by dishonestly undertaking or assisting in the retention, removal, disposal or selling of stolen shoes, of an unknown value, from Shoezone on the same day.

The court heard that shoes, which had been taken from the raided store, in Jameson Street, were put on the pavement outside the shop and both Zvirgzdina and Houghton picked them up and stole them.

Zvirgzdina also admitted a separate offence of possessing cannabis on August 5.

The two teenagers appeared before the court for sentence after pleading guilty to the offences at earlier hearings before a deputy district judge at Hull Magistrates’ Court.

Their cases were adjourned because there were no pre-sentence reports on either of the women. Their barristers both asked for reports to be ordered so that the probation service could provide further details on the background to the women’s involvement in the offences.

They were both on bail for their appearances in court and this was extended until the next hearing. Judge Mark Bury told them that all sentencing options would be available to the court next time, when a decision would be made on whether a custodial sentence would be imposed. Mitigating factors would be considered at the next hearing.

Both women had previously appeared before Hull Magistrates’ Court on November 11, when they had been allowed unconditional bail.

Hull Daily Mail

Man says ‘love ya’ as he’s jailed for what he did in Pret A Manger

By
November 27, 2024
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Adam Harvey thanked the judge before turning to the public gallery and smiling to his supporters

A man emptied the contents of a fire extinguisher over customers at Pret A Manger and Black Sheep Coffee in Liverpool ONE. Adam Harvey was identified by police from the “distinctive” tattoos on his neck after embarking upon a rampage of violence across Liverpool city centre.

The thug also launched a can at an officer’s head and hurled a brick at a van before breaking into a phone shop. He now says he “got carried away” after widespread disturbances erupted following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Da Silva Aguiar in Southport.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Wednesday, that Harvey was involved in the incident of “mass disorder” in central Liverpool on August 3 this year. The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, was first seen on camera at around 3pm on the day in question, being identified in footage via the “distinctive tattoos on either side of his neck” by a PC with whom he had had previous dealings.

Rebecca Smith, prosecuting, described how he thereafter launched a can of beer after forming part of a crowd around 300 people near to the Liver Building, with this missile striking a police officer in the head. PC Rachel Judge, who was not wearing a protective helmet at this stage, was also hit by a second object thrown by a second person and rendered unconscious.

Harvey was later seen throwing another object as he crossed the Strand and chucking a brick at a police carrier van as an officer was driving the vehicle away. As he subsequently made his way through Liverpool ONE with a group of other men shortly, he was shown on CCTV letting off a fire extinguisher over customers who were sitting outside Pret A Manger and Black Sheep Coffee on Paradise Street.

He was then part of a mob who looted iFix phone repair shop on Church Street, being shown in one clip reaching underneath shutters at the storefront and helping himself to a box before throwing the item back inside the premises after realising that it was empty. Harvey was subsequently arrested November 20 and made no comment to detectives when interviewed.

His criminal record shows a total of 34 convictions for 51 offences – including assaulting a police officer and racially-aggravated threatening behaviour in 2004, shoplifting in 2004, 2005, 2011 and 2013, criminal damage in 2012, a public order offence in 2018 and affray and theft in 2021.

John Weate, defending, told the court: “There are personal circumstances which do not in truth mitigate that which he did, but perhaps give some understanding of how he found himself in this position and got carried away with what was going on.

“Historically, he has had a problem with drink. During the course of the last two years, he has done a lot to try to alleviate that problem from his life with some relative success.

“He received bad family news in the spring regarding an illness that his father has, which is a serious illness. As a consequence of that, he fell back into his old ways and started drinking again.

“On the day in question, while not being involved in the planning of the disorder that took place in the city centre, he was in Liverpool with friends and he was participating in drink. When this disorder struck up, he got himself involved.”

Harvey admitted violent disorder, burglary and assaulting an emergency services worker. Appearing in the dock wearing a prison issue jumper, he was jailed for 34 months.

Sentencing, Judge Denis Watson KC said: “This case stems from events in the summer following the killing of three children in Southport. There was, the following day, mob violence on a significant scale which itself spawned copycat mob violence in other locations across the country.

“This all had a far reaching impact on the people of Merseyside. Those who choose to participate in such disorder – including causing damage and fear to communities, taking part in looting of shops and causing injury to police officers – will inevitably be punished with sentences designed to deter others from similar activity.”

Harvey replied “thank you judge” before turning to the public gallery and smiling to his supporters. He then gave a thumbs up as he was led to the cells and added: “Love yas.”

Liverpool Echo