A man who was part of a rioting mob outside an asylum seeker hotel suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after adding fuel to a fire burning at the disorder.

William Bartholomew was filmed adding branches and twigs to the pyre near the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on 4 August before collapsing on a grass verge.

Bartholomew, of Wilson Avenue, Clowne, later told officers he had started to feel chest pains “due to the stress of everything”.

He admitted violent disorder and was jailed for two years at Sheffield Crown Court earlier.

Prosecutor Neil Coxon said as well as adding branches and wood to the already-lit fire, Bartholomew was filmed gesticulating aggressively at police officers and throwing missiles at them.

The 41-year-old collapsed on a grass verge a short time later, the court heard, and was taken to Barnsley General Hospital.

During a subsequent police interview, Bartholomew admitted his involvement but maintained he had no intention of being violent prior to attending the hotel.

He said he had been “full of anger at the time”, had not been taking his prescribed medication and was hearing voices.

Francis Edusei, mitigating, said a report found his client was vulnerable to making repeated errors and generally failed to learn from mistakes.

Bartholomew had undeveloped social cognition, Mr Edusei said, poor social judgement and suffered from autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

‘Venom of racism’

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, said what took place in Rotherham that day “had nothing to do with legitimate public protest”.

“It has been my misfortune as well as my duty to have sentenced most of the cases arising from the major public disorder in Rotherham,” he said.

“In consequence I am extremely familiar with the events and all the CCTV footage.

“The venom of racism and racially-motivated violence suffused the events from first to last.”

The judge accepted Bartholomew did not start the fire but added: “It is not simply a case of what you did as an individual that matters for the purpose of sentencing you, it is the scenario as a whole which is important.”

In addition to his two-year jail sentence, he was also handed a criminal behaviour order for a period of 10 years.

Bartholomew had previous convictions, including assisting or encouraging self harm in relation to encouraging his partner to take her own life.

Mr Coxon told the court Bartholomew received an 18-month community order for the offence.

BBC News

A thug who threw bottles at police during a far right protest sparked by the murder of three schoolgirls in Southport last year has been jailed by a judge.

Mason O’Toole was said to have been at the forefront of a violent demonstration in Blackpool just days after the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Police bodycam footage played in court showed the 23-year-old throwing missiles, goading officers and shouting slogans like “sink the boats”.

O’Toole, of Beresford Street, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder and was sent to prison for two years nine months.

Judge Ian Unsworth KC told him he had been part of “an angry mob which took to the streets of the resort filled with hate.”

Blackpool was one of several locations around the UK where far right demonstrations were organised following riots in Southport on the day of the murders.

About 1,000 protestors gathered in the resort on the following Saturday and a number of arrests were made by scores of baton-wielding police who spent more than six hours trying to quell the trouble.

Passing sentence on O’Toole, Judge Unsworth said: “This was mindless thuggery which had its origins in the tragic events six days earlier. On the 29th of July three little girls were killed – murdered – in a knife attack at a holiday dance class.

“Others used these events as an opportunity to spread false information. Police (in Southport) had to deal with an outbreak of large-scale mass disorder. And that spread to other parts of the country, like here in Blackpool.

“A violent disorder charge is (designed) to protect the public from mob violence on the streets. Each participant act is capable of stirring up and encouraging others to behave in a similar way.

“Lancashire prides itself in its inclusive and cohesive communities. These (actions) are not a reflection of what the people of Blackpool stand for.”

The court heard that because of the trouble in various locations around Blackpool many businesses had to shut early and shop staff were left frightened to leave.

The demonstrators gathered at the resort’s Cenotaph before marching through the town. Trouble began in St John’s Square with one person reportedly being seriously injured. There were also confrontations in Talbot Square, the Houndshill Shopping Centre and other parts of central Blackpool.

At one point the protestors came across a counter demonstration staged by people attending the Rebellion punk festival nearby.

Judge Unsworth said police came under attack from the mob some of whom wore masks and were using racist language and displaying racist signs.

He said the action was “angry, self-indulgent, lawless behaviour”. And because of the relentless nature of the protest trams and buses were brought to a complete standstill.

He added that at one point demonstrators “outrageously asked taxi drivers to provide documents to prove their nationality”.

Glass bottles, bins and street furniture were thrown at officers. “Inevitably some of the officers and their animals (dogs) were injured.”

Lancashire’s Chief Constable said his officers had not only suffered physical injuries but also psychological problems as a result of what happened that day. Morale, he said, had “inevitably been affected”.

Judge Unsworth said that because of the actions of the mob other officers who should have been deployed to police other parts of the area had been caught up in the trouble.

He told O’Toole: “Your behaviour was utterly disgraceful. You were drunk. You were seen walking towards the police. It can be seen (on video footage) that your actions at that time encouraged the mob to behave like they were, seemingly galvanised. You seem encouraged by the attention you had brought upon yourself.”

In addition to chants of “sink the boats” O’Tool was also heard to hurl more abuse at officers, at one point shouting “You’re protecting people who shouldn’t be in our country more than our own people”.

He then screamed at them “you stink – you horrible b******s”. He even continued being abusive after he was arrested. In an interview at the police station he gave “no comment” answers.

The prosecution said prior to this arrest his record showed 15 previous offences including ones for violence, malicious communication and possession of cocaine.

Victim impact statements read to the court included a representative of the NHS who said paramedic staff were left feeling unsafe and unwelcome that day. A senior police officer said people had been forced to flee for their own safety and his officers had faced “four to five hours of violence and threats of violence.”

A spokesperson for the North Pier said: “Blackpool doesn’t represent what had taken place.” Blackpool Tower said it had to close that afternoon to protect staff and customers.

The Winter Gardens venue said it had to take on extra staff that day due to the threat of trouble and, at one point, had decided to go into lockdown when the protestors approached. A staff member described it as “the most unpleasant day” they had ever experienced at work. She added: “They (the demonstrators) were out of control”.

Blackpool Council said: “Here in Blackpool we pride ourselves in being inclusive.” The authority said the behaviour that day “was not a reflection of what we stand for and was completely unacceptable”.

And Houndshill Shopping Centre said its traders had lost a lot of money by having to close down that afternoon. “The impact has been profound,” said the venue.

Barrister Claire Larton, for O’Toole, said her client accepted responsibility for his behaviour that day. He was a young man who lacked maturity.

“There was an element here of being caught up in the incident and getting carried away,” she said. And she added he wanted to distance himself from the far right motives surrounding the protest. “He acknowledges the seriousness of his position.”

Ms Larton asked the judge to consider passing a sentence which did not mean an immediate prison sentence.

But Judge Unsworth said the seriousness of the offence meant it merited a custodial sentence.

He said the angry mob had been “spewing hatred” and he told O’Toole he had played an “active and enthusiastic role that every decent member of the community will have been appalled by what you and others did”.

“The courts will typically impose severe sentences to large scale and violent public disorder.”

He said the protest had cost the resort and its traders thousands of pounds, had brought the entire bus and tram network to a halt, and had injured several police officers.

The fact that O’Toole had tried excuse his behaviour that day as “standing up for the country and what was right” was “utterly deluded.”

“You were an active participant, inciting others. You threw more than one missile. Vulnerable people , mainly children, were present. And you committed it while under the influence of alcohol.

“I accept that you are remorseful and no doubt you regret it. But only a sentence of immediate custody can be appropriate in this case.”

O’Toole shouted “love you” to members of his family sitting in the public gallery and waved as he was taken down to the cells.

Blackpool Gazette

He told a court it was an ‘act of idiocy’ after stealing four boxes of bath bombs and being involved in the violent disorder last summer

One of the troublemakers who joined in scenes “resembling a war zone” during rioting and looting in Hull city centre last summer has told a court: “I lost my head.”

Jordan Briggs had been drinking all morning when he decided to go and have a look at what was happening and – as an “act of idiocy” – join in the serious disturbances. He was one of many who raided the Lush store and he stole four boxes of bath bombs, Hull Crown Court heard.

Briggs, 24, of Hull, admitted offences of violent disorder and burglary of the Lush shop on August 3.

Jane Rapin, prosecuting, said that the offences took place in the days following the murders of three girls in Southport. Briggs was seen in the area of Jameson Street – described by police as “resembling a war zone”.

He was pushing a commercial waste bin, with smoke coming from it, towards police. “Lit waste bins were being used as burning missiles and were being pushed towards officers,” said Miss Rapin.

Briggs was carrying a scaffolding plank when he and another man were later seen. “They took it to the police line and threw it towards officers who were holding a line,” said Miss Rapin. “The men disappeared back into the crowd.”

Briggs was shown on CCTV pictures going into the Lush store in Jameson Street at about 6.50pm. “Once inside, he approached a stand and took four boxes containing bath bombs,” said Miss Rapin. “He put those into a shopping basket and then left the store.” The items were valued at £120.

“In one of the stills, he is masked and is seen with a scarf around his face. He was identified following a media appeal by the police and he was arrested on October 16,” said Miss Rapin. Briggs was found at the scene of a completely unrelated incident.

A Lush employee later said on August 7 that the targeting of the store had taken a “physical, mental and emotional toll” on staff. “This incident has massively impacted all of us, some of whom can’t bring themselves to come into the store,” she said.

“When I first saw the footage, I was horrified. We are very upset about what has happened and feel very anxious and feel that this will have a massive impact on us.” Many hours had been spent cleaning up. The overall loss to Lush had been put at £31,862, including repairs of £22,000.

Briggs told the court: “It was an act of idiocy. I had been drinking all morning. I went in the Spring Bank Tavern and they told me they were closing because of what was happening in town. I went to look. I saw one of my friends getting pushed by a police officer. I lost my head.”

Briggs said that he had moved down to Stevenage with his 20-year-old fiancee. “I went down to stay with her for a weekend and haven’t been back,” he said. “I play football for a church team and sometimes go fishing. I want to go to college and do a course or something.”

During police interview, Briggs made no comment to questions. He had convictions for four previous offences between 2017 and last year, including possessing a knife, bring drunk and disorderly and theft. He was in breach of a one-year suspended prison sentence imposed on January 29 last year for theft.

Billy Torbett, mitigating, said: “His behaviour on August 3 was quite simply unacceptable and he knows that custody is, unfortunately, inevitable in this case.”

Briggs, who had been on bail and was recently living in Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was jailed for two years.

Hull Daily Mail

Dad-of-five Ricardo Ferranti had been ‘buying clothes for a party’ when the Hanley riots erupted

Ex-squaddie Ricardo Ferranti has been jailed after he chanted, shouted abuse, obstructed police vehicles and pushed an officer during the Hanley riots. The 41-year-old also shadow-boxed in front of an officer who was trying to keep the peace in Town Road on August 3.

The defendant broke through the police line but was detained by a police dog which bit him twice. Now Ferranti has been jailed for 25 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese said Ferranti was captured on video during the disturbance. At 10.50am he was seen joining in chanting in Cannon Place. In Broad Street he stood in front of a police vehicle on two occasions and shouted, ‘We want our country back’.

Miss Cortese said: “In Broad Street he shouted and raised his finger in the air and shouted, ‘Allah, Allah, who the **** is Allah’? He raised both hands in the air and shouted towards counter-protesters.

“On Potteries Way he could be seen walking along the police line. He got very close to one of the officers. He reached over the officer to point a finger at the counter-protesters. The officer used a shield to push him back.

“He pushed the officer and shadow-boxed in front of him. He moved towards the officer and began to argue with him. He was struck by the shield. He pushed the officer back.

“He was further seen on body worn footage to say, ‘You are all a bunch of rapists and f****** scum’. He walked past the police and ran between the gap and was detained by a police dog. When detained he said he had done nothing wrong and was just going home.”

The defendant told police he had no idea the protest was taking place and had gone to Hanley to buy clothes for a party. He said he went to go home and ran. But the police dog bit him twice and he had an injury which was treated with staples and a stitch.

Ferranti, of Victoria Avenue, Kidsgrove, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Scott Ashdown, mitigating, said: “He said they were herded around like cattle. Rather than distance himself from the herd he contributed to that herd mentality. He demonstrates a significant degree of insight into the damage or harm that comes from such large-scale disorder. He is disgusted, with hindsight, when looking at how he behaved and what he contributed to on this day. He has no relevant previous convictions. He has been a valuable member of the community. A reference from his commanding officer described him as a gentleman and an exemplary soldier during his time in the armed forces.”

Mr Ashdown said Ferranti is married and the breadwinner for five children. He added: “There is remorse. It is genuine.”

Judge Graeme Smith said: “Any individual is entitled to protest but that does not include a right to use or threaten violence. But many protests did result in violence.

“The disorder in Hanley started in Cannon Place. You were seen in that location. It moved up and ended up around Town Road where there is a mosque and Islamic centre. It is close to The Potteries Centre with cinemas and restaurants and next to a park. It was a Saturday when many members of the public would have been out eating, shopping and enjoying their leisure time. You had gone to shop.

“There was a substantial police presence. The violence ranged from pushing and shoving to the throwing of missiles. You were injured when you were taken to the ground by a police dog when you ran through a police line.

“Verbal abuse was exchanged with protesters and the police, who were simply keeping the peace. You were involved in the verbal elements of what happened.

“The protest moved to Town Road with the intention of getting to the mosque.

“You had gone into Hanley. You were joining in very enthusiastically with the protest shouting and pushing people at the police line. There is no suggestion you threw any missiles. You moved to Broad Street where you obstructed police vehicles and continued shouting and chanting. You continued for a number of hours to enthusiastically participate in what happened.

“In Town Road you were challenging officers. There was pushing and shoving. You were pushed back. You shadow-boxed in the direction of an officer and you continued with the chants.”

Stoke Sentinel

The 21-year-old has now been sent to prison

A young man who picked up a piece of wood as a riot gripped Hanley has been jailed. Kenneth Fern, aged 21, held the wood as he walked towards counter-protesters near a mosque in Town Road on August 3 last year.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he did not throw anything towards the rival group or the police and there was no evidence of him making any racial comments. But the judge said there was religious hostility during the disturbance which was an aggravating feature.

Now Fern has been jailed for 27 months. Prosecutor Fiona Cortese said Fern was captured on CCTV getting close to the police line. Miss Cortese said: “He took issue with not being able to go on his way and argued with the police officer.

“He is seen rummaging around in a derelict garden and he picked up a large piece of wood. He held it as he walked towards counter-protesters. Anything he said cannot be heard. As he moved around the area he was seen to pick up something on the ground.”

Fern, of Meadow Road, Chell Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Anis Ali, mitigating, said Fern’s involvement was relatively minor. He said: “He was not involved for the full duration of the incident. He was not involved in conveying racist comments. He was not involved in the throwing of projectiles or missiles.

“There is some concern that he came into possession of a piece of wood. That piece of wood was not used as a weapon. He should not have been there. He realises that this was something he should not have got involved in.

“He was of hitherto good character. The indications are that he has matured since. He is in settled accommodation and in a supportive relationship with his partner. He is in full-time employment. The prospects of rehabilitation are good and there is a low risk of further offending.”

Judge Richard McConaghy said Fern’s offending was so serious only immediate prison was appropriate. Judge McConaghy said: “On August 3 last year the main protest took place in and around Town Road and the area of the mosque and that protest descended into violence.

“Police in riot gear attended to try to keep the peace. The violence continued. Threats were made with weapons. Some had been brought to the scene. Others were picked up there. Missiles such as bricks were thrown. Pieces of wood were picked up and brandished. Police were abused and argued with by people intent on not protesting but threatening and using unlawful violence.

“This all took place on a Saturday afternoon when the town centre was busy. Public safety and public order were put under severe threat.

“You were present. You armed yourself with a piece of wood at the scene. You delved into a disused and overgrown garden to find it. You were seen to pick up a stone at one stage. You tried to get towards police and the counter-protesters by using false excuses that you were just walking down the road.

“There is no evidence that you threw any item. You did not use the weapon, you picked it up. I do find that the protest that descended into violence did have a degree of religious hostility to it. I find the religious hostility was an aggravating feature.

“You had been a cocaine and alcohol user in the run up to the summer of last year. But that use has been significantly curtailed.”

Stoke Sentinel

He’s the latest defendant to be dealt with following the Hanley riot

A man who threw missiles towards counter-protesters and police during a violent disorder in Hanley has been jailed. Colin Miller, aged 35, picked up rocks and hurled them towards the rival group and police officers who were trying to maintain order.

He admitted to a probation officer that he used racist language during the disturbance. Now Miller has been jailed for 27 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese said the defendant’s involvement in the violence in Hanley on August 3 last year was captured on CCTV. Miss Cortese said: “He was in and around Hanley town centre. He was seen walking down towards the counter-protesters. He was stopped by police who told him to go or pushed him back on two occasions.

“No comments could be heard due to the noise from other protesters. He was caught several times picking up an item from the ground and throwing it in the direction of counter-protesters.

“He picked up a third item and threw it towards counter-protesters and bent down to pick up a fourth. He walked down Town Road with a rock in his hand. He was seen to throw the rock towards counter-protesters and the police.

“He picked up rocks and threw them to the ground causing them to break into small pieces. Someone else picked them up and made off with them.”

The defendant was arrested on October 31 when he attended the police station. Miller, of Cemetery Road, Knutton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Hamish Noble, mitigating, said Miller had no previous convictions. He has issues with his mental health and has not worked for some time. Mr Noble said: “He was in town and saw a drone. He followed it and became involved. He was disinhibited by alcohol.

“His actions that day are very much regretted. He apologises through me. He is aware of the impact there has been on the city and on Hanley that day. He should not have acted in the way he did.

“He was not a leader in this. Others were more aggressive than he was. There is a feeling of him going along with the crowd, rather than leading it.

“There is no evidence of racist comments on the footage. He has been frank with the pre-sentence report writer and accepts this.

“He became aware of (his picture) being circulated on social media and handed himself in. He does not have any entrenched or pro-criminal attitudes. He allowed himself to take part in the racist comments.”

Judge Graeme Smith said: “You were initially seen on one side of Hanley. You were shouting, waving your arms and moving towards the counter-protester group. It is not known exactly what you were saying.

“The protest moved to the other side of Hanley to Town Road and was heading towards a mosque or Islamic centre. That particular area is in the centre of Hanley, very close to the Potteries Shopping Centre, cinema, restaurant and a park. It was a Saturday. Members of the public would have been out shopping and enjoying their leisure time.

“The disorder lasted for several hours. There was a substantial police presence. Many of those who attended the protest conducted themselves peacefully but many did not. Weapons were brandished. Missiles were thrown, including by you. A number of people, protesters and police, were injured. Verbal abuse was exchanged.

“The protest was moving towards an Islamic building with the intent of trying to get to that building. There was a period of about half an hour when you were caught either throwing missiles towards the mosque or directly towards the police line, on one occasion. You were also caught on video holding rocks and breaking up rocks, which one other person I have already sentenced picked up and threw towards counter-protesters and the police.”

Stoke Sentinel

A man has been jailed for his involvement in the violent riots that erupted at a hotel in Rotherham last summer.

Dion Wragg, aged 26, of Highstone Avenue in Barnsley, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, June 2.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham.

CCTV footage captured Wragg hurling debris at police officers who were stationed to protect the hotel and its occupants during what authorities described as ‘disgraceful scenes of deplorable violence.’

Following a public appeal, Wragg was identified from a released image and arrested in November 2024.

In addition to his prison term, he was issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order lasting nine years and six months.

The case is part of a wider investigation into the large-scale unrest, which has so far resulted in 110 individuals being charged.

Of those, 91 have already been sentenced, receiving a combined total of 223 years in prison.

The Star

Police said he is not due to be released until 2028 after breaching his licence conditions

A rioter who was released early from prison following the Blackpool disorder last summer has already been sent back to custody.

Josh Tickner was jailed for his role in the violent protests in the days after three young girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport. Axel Rudakubana murdered the victims at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in a “meticulously planned rampage” and was jailed for 52 years.

Tickner was among seven people stopped by neighbourhood police officers during patrols around Bonny Street, Blackpool, on May 21. It followed concerns raised by the community of ‘suspicious activity’ in the area.

The 21-year-old was found in possession of a locking knife and a quantity of drugs. He was arrested and remanded to custody where he has now received a 10-month prison sentence.

Officers said Tickner had been released early following his involvement in the disorder in Blackpool last year. He has been recalled for breaching his licence conditions and is not due to be released until 2028.

Another male was interviewed for drug offences and has been dealt with by the youth offending team.

In a statement issued this morning (May 29), Blackpool Police said: “On the 21st of May 2025, Blackpool Task force officers, alongside PCSO’s from Blackpool town centre neighbourhood team, have been conducting patrols around Bonny Street, Blackpool, when they have stopped searched 7 people in relation to suspicious activity, following concerns from the community.

“One male, Josh Tickner 21, was found in possession of a locking knife and a quantity of drugs. He was arrested and remanded to custody where he received a 10 month prison sentence.

“He had been released early following his involvement in the disorder in Blackpool last year. He has been recalled for his licence conditions and is not due to be released until 2028.

“Another male, was interviewed for drug offences, he has been dealt with via the youth offending team.”

Lancs Live

A young father was one of the troublemakers who joined in scenes of rioting in Hull city centre on a day that had cost the police at least £270,000 so far.

Steven Drinkall was seen outside a hotel where asylum seekers were being housed at the time as well as when fighting later broke out in the Jameson Street area, Hull Crown Court heard.

Drinkall, 23, of St John’s Grove, off Preston Road, east Hull, admitted an offence of violent disorder on August 3.

Cathy Kioko-Gilligan, prosecuting, said that a planned protest was organised in Hull city centre on the day of a “countrywide violent disorder” and it started between 1 and 1.30pm in the area of Queen Victoria Square and the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, where asylum seekers were living at the time.

Drinkall was seen in that area looking towards the hotel and advancing towards police. He was apparently throwing an object and talking to others. He was in Jameson Street at 3.30pm when fights broke out and he threw punches, although it was not known whether any of them landed.

Drinkall was, even though it was August, wearing a coat, with his hood up and a baseball cap underneath, in a “clear attempt” to hide his face, the court heard.

The current figure for the cost to the police of the trouble that day was £270,000 and 28 police officers had been affected and injured from assaults during the whole incident.

Drinkall had a conviction for possessing an offensive weapon, involving a road rage incident 16 days after the violent disorder. He confronted somebody who had been driving closely behind him. That person got out of his vehicle and had a baseball bat, which Drinkall matched. Drinkall had been given 80 hours’ unpaid work and 30 days’ rehabilitation by Hull magistrates in February. He had not, at the time, been charged with the city centre violent disorder.

Benjamin Donnell, mitigating, said that Drinkall seemed to have been a spectator at first in the violent disorder but he became more involved. “It was more of a reaction to what was happening with the police line,” said Mr Donnell. “He did not actually throw anything. He pretended to throw a missile. The officer would have felt threatened but nothing was actually thrown.” During the second incident in Jameson Street, Drinkall was in the second row helping to provide “strength in numbers” there.

“A fight broke out but this defendant didn’t throw the first punch,” said Mr Donnell. “He didn’t play a leading role. He later tried to break it up. He was clearly part of a much larger disorder. This was widespread at the time.

“He is remorseful for the part that he played in this violent disorder.” Unemployed Drinkall had a one-year-old son. There was a reference from his mother.

Drinkall, who was on bail, was jailed for 20 months

MSN

David France attempted to disguise himself, but was traced and arrested

A man who hurled two bricks at police officers during the rioting in Southport after the murders of three girls has been jailed.

A court heard David France put on a white face mask to disguise his appearance and also wore gloves in a bid to thwart fingerprint evidence while on St Lukes Road in the town on July 30 last year.

Jailing him for two years, Judge Simon Medland KC said he ‘lobbed two bricks at the police, who were faced by a crowd of milling thousands while doing no more than their job’. He told France, of Lever Street in Radcliffe, near Bury, he had deliberately involved himself and people were ‘utterly outraged that people behaved like that at a time like that’.

The 52 year-old, who has 43 convictions for 135 offences including affray, possessing a bladed article, theft and threatening behaviour, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Rebecca Smith, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that the day after the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe, the community came together for a vigil.

She said: “At the same time this defendant and others were engaging in behaviour at total odds to that vigil. The focus of the violence and disorder was the town’s mosque. A crowd started to gather outside the mosque from just after 7pm. Officers responded and formed a protective cordon. That cordon was subjected to significant violence as the mood changed. Some 50 officers were injured with police vehicles damaged.”

Ms Smith said video footage showed a police vehicle set alight. The cost to replace it was estimated at £100,000.

The prosecutor said the vehicle was looted and a riot shield and other protective equipment stolen. She added: “There was looting and considerable damage to property and the mosque. The disorder was so violent that residents were told to stay indoors and away from windows. Officers estimated that a group of about 1,000 people were involved.”

She also detailed racist chants.

The court was shown footage which captured France’s behaviour. While initially at the back of a large group surging towards the police, he later began to move forward to the frontline, facing the officers. He was seen putting on the face mask and gloves, and telling another man to follow him. He then threw a brick towards the police lines, followed by a second brick or piece of concrete, the court heard.

He was arrested at his home in March this year and answered ‘no comment’ when interviewed.

Selda Krasniqi, defending, said France had mental health problems and was being treated for ‘mixed anxiety and depressive disorder’.

“He regrets what he did and knows he should not have done it,” said the barrister. “He pleaded guilty at his first appearance.”

Manchester Evening News