Guilty: Darlington man caught shouting vile abuse at police

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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

Man who used 3D printer to make gun part locked up

By
November 27, 2024
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A teenager has been locked up for making a gun part using a 3D printer.

Owain Roberts, 19, of St Michael’s Street in Newport, was part of a messaging group called domestic terrorism and shared anti-Semitic messages online, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

Roberts was 17 when the offence took place but messages up to March 2024 suggested he was intending to finish the firearm.

Roberts pleaded guilty to manufacturing a component part for a weapon – a frame for a FGC9 semi automatic pistol – and was sentenced to four years and nine months in a young offenders institution.

Police also found gas masks, body armour and night vision goggles in his bedroom in Newport which had a poster of JStark on the wall, the man who made the first printed firearm.

The frame Roberts printed forms the outside of the gun which hold other parts.

A FGC9 is a 3D printed weapon which the court heard was “deliberately designed to circumvent firearms laws through the use of non-regulated parts.”

Rebecca Griffiths, prosecuting, told the court police searched Roberts’ home in April after he became the focus of an investigation by serious organised crime officers.

At his father’s home in Newport, officers seized a 3D printer, a frame for a FGC9, steel barrels and a magazine for a gun – the part which stores and feeds ammunition.

Roberts exchanged messages on a site called Discord used by gamers with the profile name Strelok which the court was told meant “gun slinger” in Russian.

The court was read some of the messages which included references to Adolf Hitler and indicated he wanted to hurt Jewish people and Muslims.

A second search of Roberts’ bedroom uncovered bullets, knives, target posters and an American revolutionary flag known as the Gadsden flag, with the words ‘Don’t tread on me’,

This type of flag was seen in the US Capitol Riots in 2021.

A firearms expert told the court that the gun was “reliable and lethal”.

The court heard that Roberts had undertaken basic military training in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and marksmanship had been an element of his training before he dropped out after five months.

During police interviews, Roberts described the messages sent as “lads’ banter”, describing the name of the group domestic terrorism as a “dark joke and in bad taste”.

He claimed he only planned to use the gun for display and used the night vision goggle “to look at the stars”.

Defending, Peter Donnison said Roberts was a self-described “nerd” with an interest in puzzles and the mechanical working of objects.

He said Roberts was “genuinely remorseful” and ashamed of his conduct, particularly the comments he made online.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said she took into account Roberts’ age and immaturity but said his views and interest in military activity was relevant.

Roberts will serve half of his sentence in custody before being considered for release.

BBC News

Three people sentenced for violent disorder in Merseyside

By
November 27, 2024
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Three people were sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 26 November, for their role in violent disorder in Merseyside.

The three offenders appeared in court after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that on Saturday 3 August, 25-year-old Keelan Woodhead travelled from Telford to attend the disorder in Liverpool city centre and on County Road, Walton where he received an injury to his hand which required medical treatment. He disclosed to hospital staff that he had thrown bricks at police which resulted in his hand injury. Woodhead was also identified as throwing an item at a police vehicle and he was arrested the next day, Sunday 4 August.

Woodhead, of Tilia Green in Telford, pleaded guilty and was jailed for one year and five months in prison.

Christopher Dean of Byfleet Close in Wigan pleaded guilty for his involvement in violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.

Dean was one of the first to throw items towards the officers, including a wheelie bin directly at them. The court heard that he also participated in racial chanting.

The 35-year-old was jailed for two years at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

A 14-year-old girl from Liverpool, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty for her role in violent disorder and theft on County Road, Walton on Saturday 3 August.

Liverpool Youth Court heard that she threw missiles towards officers and was part of a group who attacked a police vehicle and a lone officer. The group then went into a Go Local store on Delamore Street and she stole a pack of soft drinks. In addition, while a cash register was thrown on the floor by group member, she then stole money from the till before fleeing.

Yesterday the teenage offender received a 12-month referral order and fined £200 compensation.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “This latest sentencing yesterday showed that the three offenders played an active part in the shocking scenes of violent disorder we all witnessed in Southport and Liverpool.

“We continue to remain steadfast in our investigation to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside by reviewing more than 12,000 pieces of footage, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”

An investigation into the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool is ongoing. The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 151, with 110 charged and 84 sentenced to a combined 176 years.

We would encourage anyone with information to contact us via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Merseyside Police