Lewis Holdcroft, 19, of Bentilee, handed himself into police

A teenager who became embroiled in the violent disorder as Hanley descended into anarchy has been spared jail.

Lewis Holdcroft turned up at the city centre protest wearing a hoodie and was seen to encourage others taking part in the disturbance.

At one point the 19-year-old picked up a missile but did not throw it. Instead he handed it to someone else who hurled it towards a police cordon separating his group from the counter-protesters.

Now Holdcroft has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, after a judge took an exceptional course at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. Prosecutor David Bennett said the large-scale public disorder took place in Hanley on August 3 last year. He said: “Three hundred people were directly involved at the height of the disorder.”

CCTV showed Holdcroft standing in a group at 4.10pm. Mr Bennett said: “He was approached by a man with a brick in his hand. The man threw the brick towards the police. He was standing next to the man throwing bricks towards the police cordon.

“He jogged with others towards the old church. They jumped over a small wall and returned with items in their hand. The defendant had his hood up and had an item in his hand. Others began throwing items at counter-protesters and the police cordon. The defendant removed his hood shortly after that. He was identified and was arrested on September 20.”

In his police interview he said he was sorry and said he should never have gone. He may have picked up a brick but his dad told him to put it down. He gave it to another man who threw it towards the cordon. He denied throwing anything.

Holdcroft, of Winchester Avenue, Bentilee, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Elizabeth Power, mitigating, said Holdcroft handed himself in to the police. Miss Power said: “He is thoroughly embarrassed and ashamed about what he got involved in. It was a moment of stupidity. It is clear he got caught up in the moment with others.

“Yes, there is a part where he does go off camera and returns with something in his hand. Others do throw missiles. He did not throw missiles but he handed it to another who did.”

She said Holdcroft is a hard-working bricklayer. Miss Power added: “It is unlikely he will be before the courts again.”

As part of the suspended sentence Holdcroft must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days and 200 hours unpaid work.

Judge Richard McConaghy said: “On July 29 last year there was an appalling incident at a dance studio in Southport. In the days that followed there was a proliferation of misinformation online, most of which focussed on the offender’s ethnicity and immigration status. Protests took place in many places across the country including Hanley. On August 3 there was a protest around the Town Road and mosque.

“You can be seen on CCTV to be present with others. It seemed to me you encouraged them. Some people can be seen to throw missiles. You did not throw yours.

“Your father made it quite clear you needed to drop what you had picked up and you complied with that order from him. You have never been in trouble in front of the courts before. You were 18 at the time of the incident.”

The judge said he could take an exceptional course and step back from sending Holdcroft straight to prison. This was because of his age, his personal mitigation, there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in his case and his relatively brief involvement in the incident.

Stoke Sentinel

A MAN who made dozens of indecent images of children has been sentenced.

Kevin Gordon Searle was sentenced at Weymouth Magistrates Court on Monday, June 13, for two counts of making indecent photographs and pseudo-photographs of a child and one count of possessing a Class B drug.

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to making one Category A and 39 Category C indecent photographs of children in Weymouth between September 21, 2014 and August 22, 2021.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a quantity of amphetamine between August 20 and 22 last year.

Searle, previously of Lichfield Road, Weymouth, and now of Library Road, Poole, was sentenced to a two-year community order. He must undertake 40 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

The defendant must also register with the police in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for five years and was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for seven years.

An order for his Huawei phone, Acer laptop and amphetamine to be forfeited and destroyed was also made.

Searle must pay a victim surcharge of £95 as well as £85 towards court costs.

Dorset Echo

Searle was jailed for his part in the English riots. This conviction is from 2022

He told the court it ‘wasn’t right at all how I behaved that day’

A teenager hurled bricks towards police during “disgusting” scenes of serious violence in Hull city centre and it was only by pure luck that nobody was hurt because of what he did during the “large-scale” trouble.

George Walkington was “in the thick of what was going on” throughout the notorious day of disorder on August 3, 2024. Rioting broke out across the country in the wake of the deaths of three young girls in Southport days earlier, Hull Crown Court heard.

Walkington, 19, of Wareham Close, Bransholme, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3.

Ben Hammersley, prosecuting, said that Walkington was present throughout a “large-scale public disorder” in Hull city centre. He was shown in body-worn camera pictures, mobile phone footage and scenes from social media.

Walkington was with others in Ferensway outside the Royal Hotel facing a line of police officers. He was later seen in Jameson Street where he removed his orange top and used it as a “makeshift balaclava” around his head.

He took a brick from another person at about 6.30pm and walked towards the police cordon with the brick in his hand. He threw a brick and it seemingly rebounded from a police riot shield and fell on the ground near the feet of police. He got a second brick and threw it.

Walkington was also outside Greggs while others tried to force their way in but he was not among those who went in. “He was still alongside while others were forcing their way in,” said Mr Hammersley.

“He was in the thick of what was going on and throwing bricks at police,” said Mr Hammersley. “He was in front of the barrier outside the Royal Hotel. The crowd were advancing and targeting that hotel because of it housing foreign nationals.”

Walkington was identified after police searches for his image on a national database. The police went round to his home but he was out. He handed himself in on October 15 and told police: “I haven’t done anything wrong.” He denied throwing anything at police and he said that he had no intention of hurting officers.

Holly Thompson, mitigating, said that Walkington pleaded guilty and he had no previous convictions. There were references for him.

Walkington was 18 at the time and he was encouraged by another male to go into the city centre that day. He joined in with others after seeing what they were doing. He threw bricks and put his T-shirt over his head because others were doing so.

“It doesn’t excuse his behaviour,” said Miss Thompson. “He has shown genuine shame for what he has been involved in. It’s by sheer luck that the brick did not hit anyone but he accepts that it was more by luck than design.

“He accepts that his behaviour was disgusting. He wants to apologise to all the vulnerable people there. He is not someone who engages in racial behaviour.”

Walkington told the court: “It wasn’t right at all how I behaved that day. If I could go back, I would change my actions and I wouldn’t have gone.” He said that he was working as a general operative at a flower warehouse.

Walkington, who had been on bail, was given 150 hours’ unpaid work and 10 days’ rehabilitation.

Hull Daily Mail

A man who called for hotels housing asylum seekers to be burned down during unrest at an anti-immigration demonstration has been jailed.

Sheffield Crown Court heard how Joseph Haythorne wrote on X on 4 August just as a protest outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, began to turn violent.

The post, which was viewed by 1,100 people, said: “Go on Rotherham, burn any hotels [with asylum seekers]”, before it was deleted 17 minutes later.

On Wednesday, Haythorne, 26, an air conditioning engineer from Ashford, Surrey, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment after admitting publishing material intended to stir up racial hatred at a previous hearing.

This was the first case of its kind in relation to the Manvers riot brought before the courts in Sheffield.

Haythorne’s post was sent from an anonymised account and included a link to a post – which was later deleted – by activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.

The court heard the defendant had read inaccurate reports on social media about the Southport murders which then inflamed him to post.

Bianca Brasoveanu, mitigating, said her client accepted he had made a “wrong connection” between the attack and “immigration in general”.

“He realised within that short lapse of time how wrong, damaging and bad those words were,” Ms Brasoveanu told the court.

“His regret and remorse are echoed by the fact that he’s pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Ms Brasoveanu said Haythorne suffered with his mental health, which had affected his reaction to posts about the Southport attacks.

‘Sensitive and volatile time’

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, accepted the defendant’s vulnerabilities had had an impact but told him: “You knew what you were doing and you knew it was wrong.”

He said the facts of the case were so serious, only an immediate custodial sentence was justified.

“What you encouraged is exactly what happened: The hotel was the subject of a fire attack approximately an hour-and-a-half after you placed the post online,” he said.

“It was a particular sensitive and volatile time and you full well knew that a hotel was the subject matter of a protest that afternoon.”

Haythorne’s sentencing hearing had previously been delayed due to the Crown Prosecution Service not seeking the necessary permission from the Attorney General to bring the charge.

His original conviction was quashed and the process started again with the case brought back for sentencing on Wednesday following Haythorne’s renewed guilty plea.

Judge Richardson stated that due to “the conflicting issues in this case”, he would explain the full reasons for the sentence during a hearing next week, but added that he did not believe it was fair to make the defendant wait any longer to learn what it would be.

BBC News

Their incarceration was described as a ‘traumatic event for the family’, with two of the siblings now set to miss the birth of their children

Three brothers have been jailed after throwing wheelie bins and missiles at police officers. Martin Threlfall, Dylan Threlfall and Keelan Westbrook all became embroiled in violent scenes in Southport last summer, having travelled to the scene of the disorder from their homes in the Greater Manchester area.

The latter will now miss the birth of his firstborn child as a result of his involvement, with the middle sibling also being due to become a father again later this year. Their incarceration was today labelled a “traumatic event for the family”, some of whom were seen in tears as their loved ones were led to the cells.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Tuesday that 50 police officers were injured during shocking scenes on the evening of July 30 2024 as vehicles were damaged and properties were “ransacked and looted”, with angry crowds which gathered near to a mosque on Sussex Road having swelled to around 1,000 in number. The trouble flared the day after six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar were stabbed to death during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the seaside town.

Bernice Campbell, prosecuting, described how CCTV footage captured Martin Threlfall hurling bricks and a wheelie bin towards a line of police officers during the incident. The 29-year-old, of Windermere Road in Ince, Wigan, was also seen throwing one missile at the windscreen of a carrier van while a PC was still seated in the driver’s seat, with a curved sword subsequently being seized from his home when he was belatedly arrested on April 3 this year.

Paul Williams, defending, said: “References paint a completely different picture of this defendant. He is a man, having come back to his senses, who invites me to apologise to the court and all of those people who have been affected. It is of deep sense of shame to him that he acted as he did on that day. Those character references, on the face of it, indicate two different characters.

“There is, effectively, another victim, that being his son. He will not be there for his son when his son needs him. He has particular neurodivergent problems.

“Your honour will have seen references to his time in the army. He had a wide range of conduct in a combat facing role. His conduct is described as exemplary. He has all of these positive aspects, yet this man behaved disgracefully.

“I invite the court to consider that he was not in a leadership role. There is no evidence that he has been drawing people together. He has to accept that he was very active. He went on that day, initially, to go and make his voice heard and have a peaceful protest, but he was caught up in the negative energy.

“As matters escalated, he was given a balaclava by another protester, not known to him, and was encouraged to wear that. He accepts doing that. It was not his initial plan to go and protest in a violent way, it was to voice his concerns.”

Of the weapon found in his client’s home, Mr Williams added: “His father was one for displaying items and collecting them, and his father sadly died by suicide in the November before this offending. It was this young man who found his father hanging. One can only imagine the effect that has had on him.

“When the police arrived and found the various weapons on display, they seized a number of them but left this particular sword. It was a keepsake of his father. There is no sinister connection in relation to that sword.

“He has struggled greatly with the death of his father. His only thought is that he had unresolved anger as a result of that. He is someone who is otherwise a model citizen. As part of his training, they would sometimes simulate riot situations. He has an understanding and empathy for these police officers, and he is horrified by what he has done.”

Dylan Threlfall, of Freshfield Avenue in Atherton, was meanwhile captured removing his jumper and wrapping it around his head. The 23-year-old was similarly seen hurling items including a wheelie bin and bricks at police and throwing a concrete slab at the window of a police van.

Keelen Westbrook, also of Freshfield Avenue, was pictured wearing a “distinctive, bright pink top” while “gesticulating towards” PCs. The 21-year-old was then filmed throwing missiles during the disturbance.

Ken Heckle, representing both Dylan Threlfall and Westbrook, told the court: “They are both young men of previous good character. It would appear that Keelan Westbrook was slightly less involved. It is perhaps noteworthy that Keelan was only 20 years of age at the time.

“The passage of time has not done anything to diminish the shock and seriousness of what went on. How they got involved, only they know. They instruct me that they were the victims, as so many young men were that day, of false news that was put over.

“They were there to demonstrate lawfully about the immigration situation. They were able to demonstrate peacefully and lawfully, not as we have seen on the footage. They will, of course, have to pay the price for their conduct. It must be very rare for three brothers to go to prison on the same day. It is going to be quite a traumatic event for the immediate family.

“Unusually, they both have partners expecting children. In respect of Keelan, that will be his first baby. His partner is due to give birth in October. He would have wanted to be present during that very important event. That is something he cannot get back. He cannot give that young lady the support that she would clearly want and need.

“Dylan is a father to a two-year-old daughter. His partner is pregnant, and she is due to give birth in December. To have a young child already multiplies the issues and care needed. Dylan very much regrets the situation that he has caused to himself, to his family and to his partner. His regret, remorse and apology are not only to the police officers and to the people of Southport, and anybody involved, but also to his own family and his partner.

“Keelan perhaps wanted to replicate his older brother and had started to apply for the army, but, obviously, that has taken a step back now, because of what has happened. Dylan has been training as an electrician. He is going to have a good job when he comes out. These are two young men who probably will not come back before the court again.”

All three brothers admitted violent disorder. A suited Martin Threlfall, who also admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, was locked up for two years, with one woman in the public gallery being seen with her head in her hands and another wiping away tears.

Dylan Threlfall, who wore a grey suit in the dock, was handed 18 months, having also admitted possession of cannabis in relation to a quantity of the class B drug which was discovered in several jars around his home at the time of his arrest on April 3 2025, while Westbrook, who sported a white short sleeved shirt and a striped tie, received 16 months behind bars. Their supporters waved and gave them thumbs up as they carried their belongings to the cells in Aldi and TK Maxx bags for life.

Sentencing, Judge Stuart Driver KC said: “The mob assailed the people line in a violent confrontation which lasted for several hours. After these events, there were numerous other serious events across the country. Those who participate in such disorder will receive sentence designed to deter others.”

The judge told Martin Threlfall: “You were part of that mob. You can be seen placing yourself at the front of the crowd, close to the police, throwing bricks and a bin, including throwing a brick directly into a windscreen and smashing it, inches in front of the face of the police driver, kicking vehicles repeatedly and deliberately placing bricks under the tyres of vehicles to prevent their movement. You participated in a widespread incident involving serious acts of violence and persistent and sustained unlawful activity.

“You were an active participant. You are of previous good character, not merely lacking in previous convictions but also with exemplary military service and a good employment record since, and family and friends speak highly of you. You have had serious family problems, including a bereavement and the health of your son.”
Liverpool Echo

James Fernandes branded Staffordshire Police officers ‘scum’

A former police officer is in prison – for his role in the Hanley riots. James Fernandes could be seen on the front-line during the August 3 unrest.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how Fernandes tried to bowl over police with heavy-footed kicks while encouraging violence in others. At the height of the disorder, he branded the responding officers as ‘scum’.

Bodycam footage played to the court showed Fernandes – who has one previous conviction of assault – attacking police.

Prosecutor Emma Swindell asserted that ‘this was a racially-aggravated offence’, adding: “The defendant played an active role on the front-lines, encouraging disorder. He was spotted at Upper Hillchurch Street shouting ‘come on’ to other protesters while threatening police officers. He remarked: ‘It’s our country’, in one piece of footage.”

After reviewing the footage, officers quickly identified Fernandes and arrested him on August 22. When quizzed by police, he admitted kicking the officers’ shields but denied being threatening or encouraging violence. He also denied being racist.

Fernandes, of Compton Street, Hanley, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder – despite previously pleading not guilty.

Martin Bloor, mitigating, said: “It took some time for him to come to terms with what he’d done. He shows deep remorse for his actions. He was there with a friend but when he saw there was a protest in the area, he decided to attend. He had assumed it was a peaceful demonstration. Unfortunately, he chose to stay when things became violent.

“He had a very difficult start in life. His parents did not get on and there was often violence at home. He spent some time in the care of his grandparents and some in that of the authorities.

“He has always worked hard in full-time employment. He joined the Army but left due to health issues. He then joined the Royal Gibraltar Police. His time on the force has made him especially regretful of his actions.”

The 30-year-old was handed a 28-month prison sentence. He must serve at least 40 per cent before becoming eligible for release on licence.

Judge Richard McConaghy said: “Police who tried to maintain order as part of their lawful duty were abused and threatened by people keen to start violence. You were an active participant in that disorder. Throughout the footage, you can be heard making comments about ‘our country’ and paying tax. At one point, you made a remark about a ‘civil war’. Your motivations and intentions were quite clear. At your worst, you were involved in direct action against police officers. As a former police officer, albeit in a different jurisdiction, you should have been keenly aware of their position.”

Stoke Sentinel

Joshua Sigley, 25, appeared at Chester Crown Court

A man has been imprisoned for setting alight a school bus during the far-right disturbances that swept across the UK in 2024. Joshua Sigley, 25, of St Chads Fields, Winsford, was brought before Chester Crown Court on Friday 20 June 2025, facing charges related to several instances of arson in the town.

Sigley received a three-year sentence after admitting guilt to three counts of arson. Peter Towers, 31, of Rosemary Crescent, Winsford, is set to receive his sentence for this case at a later date, on Friday 15 August 2025. Cheshire Police were alerted to three intentional fires in Winsford on Sunday 4 August 2024, all ignited between 3pm and 11pm. The fires were reported on High Street, Queensway, and Ford Court.

Eyewitnesses who reported the fires described seeing two men, fitting the descriptions of Sigley and Towers.

The fire on High Street was sparked using rubbish piled on the ground and a green jerrycan filled with petrol. CCTV footage from a nearby petrol station showed Towers arriving on a bike, filling a green jerrycan with petrol, and paying for it,

Two men resembling Sigley and Towers were subsequently spotted attempting to ignite trees near Ford Court. Both men were arrested at a Winsford address on Sunday 4 August 2024 and later charged.

Detective Inspector Ross Hamilton said: “Sigley’s actions were incredibly dangerous, fuelled by the national disorder last summer, and could easily have ended up injuring someone, or even worse.”

He added: “I welcome the custodial sentence which has been handed to him; to target a school bus and cause £70,000 worth of damage is shocking.”

DI Hamilton further added: “The sentence handed down to Sigley should serve as a strong reminder of how serious these crimes are regarded and robust action will be taken against anyone who chooses to behave in this manner.”

Liverpool Echo