Former Northampton childminder jailed for two-and-a-half years for racist tweet

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October 17, 2024
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A former Northampton childminder and wife of a Conservative councillor has been sentenced to 31 months in prison after posting a racist message on X.

Lucy Connolly, the wife of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court this afternoon (Thursday, October 17).

The 41-year-old, of Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, was charged in August with publishing material intending to stir up racial hatred and later pleaded guilty in September.

Her now-deleted tweet called for mass deportation and suggested setting fire to hotels housing immigrants, in response to misinformation shared following the Southport murders. The offence took place on the social media platform X on July 29.

On Monday, September 2, she pleaded guilty to the charge via video link from HMP Peterborough. At that hearing, Judge Adrienne Lucking said that mother-of-three Connolly should expect a “substantial” custodial sentence.

The sentencing took place at Birmingham Crown Court to prevent any potential issues related to local bias given Raymond’s position as a councillor, the Judge Lucking said last month.

Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, previously said: “Using threatening, abusive, or insulting language to incite racism online is unacceptable and against the law.

“During her police interview, Lucy Connolly stated she held strong views on immigration, admitted she did not like immigrants, and claimed that children were not safe from them. While having strong or differing political views is not an offence, inciting racial hatred is – and that is what Connolly has admitted to doing.

“The prosecution presented evidence that showed Mrs Connolly’s racist tweets were sent from her X account both in the weeks and months before the Southport attacks, as well as in the days following.”

Connolly’s post was also shared by 26-year-old father-of-three Tyler Kay, who was sentenced in August to 38 months after admitting to publishing material intended to stir up racial hatred.

The Chronicle

Rioter jailed over asylum seeker hotel attack

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October 17, 2024
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A man has become the first person to be sentenced over West Midlands riots which occurred during unrest across the UK this summer.

Simon Orr, 38, of Grazier Avenue in Tamworth, Staffordshire, was sentenced on Thursday to six years and 17 weeks in prison.

In September, he pleaded guilty to rioting and assaulting an emergency worker during disorder which saw the town’s Holiday Inn Express hotel targeted by petrol bombs and missiles.

Orr’s sentence also included a 10-year criminal behaviour order, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

The Holiday Inn Express, which has been home to asylum seekers, was set on fire during the violence of 4 August.

The events came in the wake of the fatal stabbings of children in Southport, Merseyside. Social media reports had at the time erroneously suggested a suspect in the case was an asylum seeker.

No details of Orr’s involvement in the rioting were given to the court during last month’s hearing, but the CPS said then that he was an active participant who was directly attacking police, especially after officers tried to control the situation.

The CPS added during its September statement that when the disorder escalated, rather than leaving, “Orr continued to play an active role; encouraging others to set fire to the hotel with people trapped inside – recklessly endangering lives”.

On Thursday, Adam Till of the CPS, said: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Simon Orr’s actions and sends a clear message that unlawful violence which endangers public safety will not be tolerated.

“The [CPS] is continuing to work closely with Staffordshire Police to ensure those responsible for the disorder are brought to justice.”

He said those who had taken part in the disorder could expect to be brought to justice to face the full consequences of the law.

In addition to the sentence for rioting, Orr was also sentenced for breaching the conditions of a separate suspended sentence for assault.

BBC News

Man jailed for role in Rotherham hotel riot

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October 17, 2024
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A man who a court was told had “joined the mob” of rioters who descended on a hotel housing asylum seekers in South Yorkshire has been jailed for his part in the violent disorder.

Nathan Annables, 25, threw missiles at police and entered the Manvers Holiday Inn Express on 4 August to arm himself with a chair which he then used to “repeatedly” hit a hotel window before throwing it, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

He also tried to kick a police van when it was driven through the crowd, and he joined in with chanting aimed at asylum seekers in the hotel.

On Wednesday, Annables, of Manor Drive, Goldthorpe, in Barnsley, who had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was jailed for three years.

Sentencing Annables, the judge, Her Honour Sarah Wright, told the court that he had “joined in” what was a “terrifying” ordeal for the asylum seekers and staff in the hotel.

People inside the building were “crying and panicked” by what they could see unfolding outside and on social media, and they could smell fires burning, Judge Wright said.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hollis had earlier said that four police dogs and a horse were physically hurt during the violence at the hotel.

People in the surrounding area were left worried by what they had seen happen in the “protracted attack on police and occupants of the hotel”, with local residents scared the violence would spread and fearing for their lives, she said.

Ms Hollis told the court that tensions had mounted outside the hotel “well before physical violence broke out”.

Annables was seen on police bodycam footage arriving before midday drinking a bottle of alcohol and he was still there “hours later”, she said.

Ms Hollis said Annables was seen on video footage ripping wooden planks from a nearby perimeter fence to throw at police.

He also picked up a “rock or lump of concrete” and threw it at officers before attempting to kick a police van.

The court was told that Annables then went inside the hotel to arm himself with a chair to smash a window before throwing it, and he joined in with chants of “Yorkshire, Yorkshire”.

Ms Hollis said that in his first police interview, Annables told officers he had not joined in the disorder, however he later pleaded guilty to his role in the violence.

The judge told Annables she was sentencing him to three years because of the part he played in the violent disorder, “perpetrated by a mob of which you were part”.

Meanwhile, at Sheffield Youth Court on Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy was handed a 12-month referral order and ordered to pay £400 in compensation to South Yorkshire Police for his role in the violence at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers.

The judge said he had given that sentence because the boy had had a difficult background, however he added that the teenager had been at the “forefront” of the violence that day.

The 17-year-old had joined in with the crowd, throwing missiles and kicking out at police, the judge said.

The boy told the court he would “just like to say I’m sorry for what I’ve done”, adding that he regretted his actions.

BBC News

Man admits being involved in fight at city protest

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October 16, 2024
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A man has admitted being involved in a fight during disorder in Nottingham.

Dominic Lane, 46, decided to join in when violence broke out during demonstrations in the city centre on 3 August.

He was among several men charged with using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke violence in connection with the incident, with three others pleading guilty at earlier hearings.

Lane previously denied the charge but on Tuesday, when a trial was due to be held at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, he admitted the offence.

The court heard Lane had “thrown a punch” before being arrested immediately after.

Graham Heathcote, defending, claimed Lane had been on the “periphery” of the incident which saw the victim, an Asian man, involved in an altercation.

“I’m suggesting to the court that the incident had already escalated into violence,” Mr Heathcote said.

‘Hurried toward fight’

He added that although Lane was “part of that” incident, it was “not targeted” and he submitted the defendant did not play a “lead role”.

Mark Fielding, prosecuting, said Lane was part of a group that “could be categorised as a far right-wing gathering, protesting, demonstrating against immigration”, and could be seen “shouting and gesticulating” before the offence.

“There’s then an incident where the right wingers were then infiltrated by a member of the other community,” he said.

“When that started, Mr Lane hurried toward that fight clearly with the intention of joining in and indeed he did join in,” Mr Fielding said.

He added “the abuse continued” after Lane’s arrest, claiming he swore at his arresting officer.

The victim, who was not involved in the proceedings, was also described in court as a “troublemaker”.

District judge Gillian Young said the offence was “serious” and happened “at a time of civil disorder and heightened tensions”.

Lane is due to be sentenced at the same court on 31 October.

BBC News

Grandmother who was part of ‘baying mob’ during Hull riot is jailed

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October 16, 2024
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She was ‘at the front of a large group behaving in a threatening way’

A rabble-rousing grandmother who helped stir up trouble during “12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” in Hull city centre has been jailed for two years.

Julieanne Kay was walking around with a piece of wood in her hand while large numbers of police were being confronted outside a hotel that was housing asylum seekers.

She was present when fires were started at a garage and a “baying mob” surrounded a car that had three “terrified” men inside it, Hull Crown Court heard.

Kay, 47, of Lorraine Street, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3.

Judge John Thackray KC said that Kay played a prominent role at the front of a group of people who were confronting police outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, where asylum seekers were living at the time. She made a comment about “banana boats” and she was part of racist insults that were hurled during the disturbance.

She pushed a large blue bin towards police and she was walking around holding a piece of wood. Kay was near her boyfriend, David Wilkinson, 48, of Lorraine Street, who had nunchucks with him. He was jailed for six years at a hearing in August for violent disorder, attempted arson and causing racially aggravated criminal damage.

Judge Thackray told Kay: “You were at the front of a large group behaving in a threatening way, waving and beckoning at the crowd. You tried to damage a litter bin that was screwed to the ground. You were kicking and pulling at it.”

Kay was also present when fires were set at a garage and when a BMW car was surrounded by a “baying mob” while three “terrified” occupants were inside. “You were part of that episode,” said Judge Thackray.

Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that Kay had three children and three grandchildren. “She is incredibly embarrassed to find herself here today and she is appalled by her behaviour,” said Miss Scott.

“She got carried away with all of this.” Kay was involved in some unpleasant behaviour but she claimed that she was carrying the piece of wood not as a weapon but more as a crutch.

She “mirrored” the behaviour of her boyfriend, David Wilkinson, and she became “carried away in an entirely unpleasant way” during the trouble.

“She is incredibly remorseful and incredibly embarrassed,” said Miss Scott. “She has already served three months of a prison sentence.

“A Class A drugs addiction has blighted most of her life. Her Class A drugs addiction started when she was injected with drugs by a partner. She has managed her mental health by turning to Class A drugs.”

Kay had been clean of drugs for five or six years and her most recent previous conviction was from 2009. At the time of the offence, she had split up with her boyfriend of 26 years for about four weeks. “She was struggling to come to terms with the break-up,” said Miss Scott.

Judge Thackray said that Kay’s actions were “part of 12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” that had caused “immeasurable harm” and left a huge financial cost.

“I am not satisfied that your risk can be managed in the community or that you can be rehabilitated in the community,” said Judge Thackray. “Ultimately, only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence.”

Hull Daily Mail

Man, 20, caught on CCTV made no attempt to conceal what he was doing

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October 16, 2024
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Harry Conway appeared not to care who saw him as he made no efforts to conceal his identity

A man who made no attempt to hide his identity when he hurled missiles at police officers has been sentenced.

Harry Conway, aged 20, of Vivian Drive, in Birkdale, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 15 October, to one year and eight months in a Youth Offender Institution.

He was sentenced for his role in violent disorder in Southport after he was identified on CCTV footage throwing missiles at officers.

Footage shows Conway involved in the appalling scenes on Tuesday 30 July and at various points he throws missiles in the direction of officers and police carriers.

He made no attempt to conceal his identity as he stood at the forefront of the group, acting aggressively towards officers and throwing various objects.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “The despicable actions of those involved that day left more than 50 officers injured and Conway was heavily involved in the disorder.

“Thanks to a team of officers who trawled many hours of CCTV and social media footage, Conway was identified as part of a large group who were throwing various missiles towards officers.

“We continue to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”We would encourage anyone with information to contact us via Public Portal Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Liverpool Echo

She turned up to a riot wearing a yellow dress and holding a box of eggs – then ended up in court

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October 15, 2024
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Destiny Waugh walked to a petrol station to buy eggs before handing them out to youths who ‘used them as missiles’

A beauty therapy student turned up to a riot in a yellow dress and bought eggs that were handed out to teenagers and launched ‘as missiles’ towards police during violent disorder in Newton Heath.

Destiny Waugh, 19, walked to a Shell garage near to where the scenes of disorder were unfolding, on Oldham Road on July 31 this year, and bought two cartons of six eggs, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Crowds had begun gathering outside the Holiday Inn earlier that evening, which reportedly housed asylum seekers, before the situation ‘escalated’, with bottles, bricks and eggs launched at hotel grounds and police as racist slurs were also shouted, the court was told.

During the incident, a bus was also attacked, with innocent passengers forced to ‘flee to safety to behind the police lines’ Mr Gavin Howie, prosecuting, said. He said that there was ‘no evidence’ that Ms Waugh took part in those incidents specifically.

However, the court was shown CCTV images of Ms Waugh walking along Oldham Road towards a nearby Shell Garage at around 7.18pm. It is there that she was captured buying two cartons of eggs and paying with cash, before walking back to the scene holding a white carrier bag, the court heard.

“The best course of action here would have been for her to keep walking and not to return,” Mr Howie said. “She [is seen] helping herself to two cartons of six eggs. She purchases those with cash and then returns to the scene where a number of youths were gathering.

“She approaches a group of boys and hands them the eggs, which were used as missiles and launched towards police officers stood at the entrance gate. This is a classic case of aiding and abetting – delivering the ammunition into their hands.”

The court heard that Ms Waugh, ‘kept herself out of the way’ and ‘didn’t actively engage in the throwing of the eggs’. She left the scene a short time later.

The court was told how Destiny, who works part time as a cleaner and is a student in beauty therapy, told police that she had stumbled across the large group of protesters as she walked along Oldham Road that evening.

“She claimed she had no idea why the crowd were there and was not fully clued up on the Southport attacks,” Mr Howie added.

“Ms Waugh’s involvement was relatively short however her actions encouraged teenage boys to take part, in turn, providing encouragement to others for this to escalate.”

Ms Waugh handed herself in to police on September 7 after her picture was shared as part of a public appeal to identify suspects involved. She later plead guilty to the charge of violent disorder.

Defending, Ms Verity Quaite said Destiny had no previous convictions and said she had been left ‘disgusted with herself’ over her actions.

“She essentially provided the eggs, didn’t throw them herself and was there for a relatively short amount of time,” Ms Quaite said. “The court can be confident she will not appear before the courts again.

“She has shown a considerable amount of immaturity here; she has been incredibly foolish and she said she feels disgusted with herself.”

Sentencing, Judge Alan Conrad QC described Ms Waugh’s actions as ‘extremely stupid’. He said: “In July of this year, there were terrible and tragic events in Southport following which there was an outpouring on social media, including a large amount of false and inflammatory postings, leading to widespread and hate-filled incidents of violent disorder

“It is that context which makes cases such as this so serious. You purchased eggs which you passed on to youths for them to be used as missiles. There is no evidence you did anything further. After you handed them over, you left the scene. You were extremely stupid in acting as you did.

“You are 19 years of age, with no previous convictions and indeed the information I have shows you to be of positive character in terms of your studies and work ethic. You are well regarded by others and surrendered to the police when you became aware you were wanted.”

Ms Waugh, of Risbury Walk, Manchester, was sentenced to 16 months in young offenders institute, suspended for 18 months. She must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £150 in costs.

Manchester Evening News

Man jailed for threatening to riot at asylum hotel

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October 15, 2024
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A plumber who threatened to take rioters to a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for five months.

Robert Shortman, 49, called a hotel in Cambridge and said: “I hear you’ve got immigrants… You can see what’s happening with the riots, we’re going to come.”

It came during widespread disorder across the country in August after the deaths of three girls in Southport.

Shortman, of Stephenson Road, Longstanton, was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court after being convicted of sending a communication threatening death or serious harm.

‘Grossly irresponsible’

The defendant pleaded guilty to sending an electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety at an earlier hearing.

Judge Mark Bishop said Shortman had watched “highly filtered” videos on YouTube about the national disorder.

He stressed the call Shortman made to the hotel on 4 August was “grossly irresponsible”.

“In future, don’t listen to narrowly filtered opinions so you can understand where the truth lies,” the judge said.

Stood in the dock, Shortman nodded his head in agreement.

The defendant was “remorseful” for his actions, the court heard.

Judge Bishop imposed a criminal behaviour order, preventing Shortman from contacting or attending the hotel for five years.

BBC News

Man jailed for throwing beer keg during disorder

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October 15, 2024
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A man has been jailed for 28 months after hurling objects at officers and throwing a metal beer keg at a police vehicle during a city’s disorder.

Jack Nichols, 22, of Wells, Somerset, pleaded guilty to violent disorder for his actions on 3 August, and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.

The unrest occurred when protesters and counter protesters gathered near Castle Park in Bristol city centre.

Det Ch Insp Tom Herbert said: “Like too many people on that day, Nichols chose to behave in a way that was completely unacceptable.”

“And as many others already have, he has now received a prison sentence,” he added.

CCTV and body-worn video footage showed Nichols as part of the group in Castle Park, on Bristol Bridge and at Redcliffe Roundabout.

He is seen throwing objects towards police officers, with one hitting a police dog handler, before later throwing a metal beer keg at a police vehicle.

He is the 33rd person to be sentenced following the disorder.

BBC News

Man who groomed fake 13-year-old online for sex is jailed

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October 15, 2024
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A man has been jailed after a court heard how he drove from his home in London to north Wales to have sex with a girl aged 13.

But it turned out the girl did not exist – and teenager he was grooming was in fact a police officer.

The sting by North Wales Police was described as “very professional and well organised” at Mold Crown Court, where James Shand was jailed for 21 months.

Shand – who had no previous convictions – was placed on the sex register for ten years and a ten year sexual harm prevention order was made to curb his future activities.

The court heard the defendant had booked a room at a hotel in Warrington and was on his way to pick up the girl at Rhyl when he was stopped and arrested by police on the A55.

The 30-year old of Southbrook Road, London, admitted a charge of attempting to meet up with a girl under 16 in order to commit a sexual offence.

When arrested he said “I’ve f…. up big time.”

Interviewed, he claimed he planned a day out and that while he had booked a double bed he said he did not intend any sexual contact.

When it was revealed the girl did not exist but that he had been messaging a police officer, he clapped his hands and said “well done.”

James Shand believed he was undetectable and embarked on online grooming of an individual who he believed was a thirteen year old child. Not content with his online behaviour, he then travelled from London to North Wales with the sole intention of meeting the child for sex. Those who seek to exploit the internet for such vile acts are monitored and will be prosecuted.

ITV News

From 2016, A member of Patriotic Alternative.