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

By
November 22, 2024
Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metro

Muslim-bashing Marcus jailed after spitting at Hanley riot police

By
November 20, 2024
Uncategorized

Marcus Ramsden will miss his son’s first birthday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stoke Sentinel

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

By
November 20, 2024
Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merseyside Police

Ex-soldier jailed for anti-Islam Facebook posts

By
November 18, 2024
Uncategorized

A former soldier who posted a series of anti-Islamic messages on Facebook has been jailed.

Daffron Williams, 41, of Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, wrote: “Civil war is here. The only thing missing is bullets, that’s the next step.”

Cardiff Crown Court was told the Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, who has PTSD, sent the messages before and after three girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport in July, sparking riots.

Williams, who pleaded guilty to stirring up racial hatred, was sentenced to two years, half of which will be spent in prison, with the other half on licence.

BBC News

Man jailed for TikTok threat to burn down mosques

By
November 18, 2024
Uncategorized

A man has been jailed for making threats to burn down mosques in a TikTok video posted in the wake of rioting over the summer.

James Aspin, of Blyth, in Northumberland, shared the video on 8 August during unrest in the country after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport on 29 July.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, the 34-year-old admitted stirring up religious hatred.

Jailing Aspin for 20 months, Her Honour Judge Scott said the words he had used in the video were “hugely offensive and dangerous” and described asylum seekers in a “despicable way”.

The court heard Aspin, of Briardale Road, had 931 followers on the social media platform and his video, which was just under four minutes long, was shared five times.

In it he said he was going to “burn down every mosque in Newcastle”.

After he was arrested, Aspin told police he was drunk and that the video was “just a rant”.

The court also heard psychological reports had described Aspin as “easily led” and “educationally limited”.

Judge Scott said an aggravating factor in his crime was the timing, when there was widespread violence in the country and a “particularly sensitive social climate”.

BBC News

You can read the sentencing remarks here

Man charged with violent disorder after Bristol riot

By
November 15, 2024
Uncategorized

Leach is the latest person to be charged following the disorder

A 54-year-old man from Bristol is the latest person to be charged with violent disorder and assault by beating following the riots in August. Scott Leach, of Keynsham, appeared at court and admitted to violent disorder after the riots on Saturday, August 3.

Leach appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court earlier today, Friday, November 15. He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was bailed for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, December 5.

For the full list of people, charged, sentenced and wanted for the violent disorder read more here.

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: “A 54-year-old man has appeared in court after he was charged by detectives investigating the disorder in Bristol in August.

“Scott Leach, of Keynsham, was charged with violent disorder and assault by beating following the disorder on Saturday 3 August.

He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court earlier today where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was bailed for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 5 December.

Bristol Post

Man who attacked bus driver in riot jailed

By
November 15, 2024
Uncategorized

A man who launched a “violent and unprovoked attack” on a bus driver during a riot in Manchester has been jailed.

Jack Cregan, 32, told police he had been committing crime in Derbyshire when violent disorder broke out in Oldham Road in Newton Heath on 31 July so they had got the wrong man.

But videos on his mobile phone, which he had hidden but left on vibrate, showed he had been there.

He was sentenced to two and a half years.
‘Shouted and goaded’

Analysis of the mobile phone showed Cregan, of Argyll Close, Failsworth, was on Oldham Road during the riot.

GMP said they found his phone taped under a kitchen cabinet at his home after he left it on vibrate, saying “all it took was one phone call to unravel his lies”.

So far 20 people have been sentenced for disorder at Newton Heath, it added.

Another man, Colin Brown, 37, was jailed for two years and four months for his role in a riot in Piccadilly Gardens in the city on 3 August.

Brown pleaded guilty to violent disorder and robbery.

GMP said he was in the group that breached the metal barriers and shouted and goaded other protests groups and stole a scarf after pulling it from someone’s face.

He was also part of a group that attacked a man, the force said.

Det Ch Insp Jill Billington said officers were committed to protecting communities, and was continuing to investigate those involved in “deplorable and unnecessary violence”.

BBC News

Rioter sprayed police with fire extinguisher

By
November 15, 2024
Uncategorized

A man who sprayed four police officers with a fire extinguisher at a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for 20 months.

Steven Tiquin, 41, went to Potters International Hotel in Aldershot, Hampshire, on 3 August, three days after a violent mass protest, Salisbury Crown Court heard.

Finding no demonstrators there, he sprayed the officers, threw a bike, pulled an inspector’s tie and challenged him to a fight, the court was told.

Tiquin previously pleaded guilty to four counts of assaulting emergency workers, a charge of affray and a racially aggravated public order offence.

More than 200 people shouted abuse, banged on windows and set off flares at the previous protest at the hotel on 31 July.

It was part of “rioting that swept England following the murders of three little girls in Southport”, Judge Rufus Taylor told the court.

He said police were at the hotel making inquiries three days later when Tiquin arrived and “decided to make a statement”.

The scaffolder, who had been drinking, shouted “they shouldn’t be here” and “they’re going to rape our children” as well as verbally abusing the officers, the judge said.

The defendant sprayed an inspector in the mouth, hit a constable and repeatedly tried to bite the officers after being pinned to the ground, the court heard.

Two of the officers suffered minor injuries, while children inside the hotel were “petrified”, the judge said.

Barrister Lucy Conroy, defending, said the father of one was “exceptionally remorseful and embarrassed… by his own stupidity”.

Tiquin, of Grosvenor Road, gave the judge a thumbs up when the sentence was read out.

BBC News

TikTok influencer sentenced over anti-Semitic posts

By
November 14, 2024
Uncategorized

A TikTok influencer who posted “nauseating” anti-Semitic videos online has been given two suspended prison sentences.

Fiona Ryan, 40, who has more than 50,000 followers on TikTok, was found guilty of four charges relating to “highly offensive” material between March and April.

She pleaded guilty earlier this month to two other offences which took place in October 2023, when she posted on X “showing support and glorification for the actions of Hamas”.

Ryan, from Salisbury in Wiltshire, was sentenced at the town’s magistrates court on Thursday.

She was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence for four separate offences of sending offensive communications in 2024, and an eight-week suspended sentence for the two offences in 2023, to run consecutively.

District Judge Timothy Pattinson said Ryan’s comments were “disgusting and nauseating” and “motivated by hostility based on race and religion”.

Mr Cooper, for the prosecution, told the court the four 2024 offences covered a number of social media messages.

‘Angry and disgusted’

Victim impact statements were read from former Wilton Town Councillor Alexandra Boyd, who is Jewish, who said she stepped back from her role because the material posted by Ryan “shattered my sense of security” and “left me feeling vulnerable and targeted”.

The court also heard from Ryan’s neighbours who said the constant playing of a song about antisemitism – played to the tune of ‘If you’re happy and you know it’ – made them “feel angry and disgusted”.

They added that Ryan’s behaviour made them “fear for their lives”.

Ryan, of Laverstock Road, told the court she was “remorseful” for posting the content.

She was also sentenced to 20 weeks’ rehabilitation, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 and prosecution costs of £650.

BBC News

Two men jailed over August riot outside hotel

By
November 14, 2024
Uncategorized

Two men have been sentenced for their involvement in rioting outside a Staffordshire hotel.

Danny Hollick, 41, from Tamworth, was sentenced to two years and two months in prison and Ian Green, 55, from Kettlebrook, Tamworth, was jailed for two years.

Both were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Monday after previously admitting violent disorder.

It brings the total number of people charged over this summer’s violence in Staffordshire to 63, with 45 convicted and 29 sentenced, according to Staffordshire Police.

The force said Hollick threw a large rock at an officer in Tamworth on 4 August and repeatedly challenged those on the front line.

Meanwhile, Green told people to target the doors of the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth, and repeatedly obstructed police who were on the front line on 4 August.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said the force was continuing to trawl through evidence to bring action against people responsible for the violent disorder both in Stoke-on-Trent on 3 August and in Tamworth on 4 August.

They appealed to members of the public to contact them with any information which may help their investigations.

BBC News