Hotel staff barricaded themselves in kitchen & feared they ‘would die’ during Rotherham riots, court hears

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August 16, 2024
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The ordeal experienced by staff members forced to barricade themselves inside the kitchen of a Rotherham hotel besieged by violent protesters was laid bare, as three more rioters were jailed.

After days of sentencing hearings for some of those who have entered guilty pleas over their roles in the Rotherham riots, today, for the first time, Sheffield Crown Court has heard from one of the Holiday Inn Express staff members who feared they could be killed in the disorder.

In a statement read to The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, a manager at the Holiday Inn revealed that prior to the disorder unfolding on Sunday, August 4, 2024, he had made contingency plans in case the the anti-immigration protest led to ‘difficulties,’ which included a panic room with three doors.

But as windows at the hotel were smashed, the 22 members of staff who were present felt the level of protection in the make-shift panic room would not suffice and that it had become necessary to barricade themselves into a kitchen there, using three freezers.

Summarising the manager’s statement, Judge Richardson said: “Once the hotel was entered by individuals…the staff were very fearful as to what would happen.”

“It became extremely serious for them when the fire alarm went off, after a fire was started in some part of the building. They thought they might die.”

The manager said he subsequently managed to speak to a police officer, who reassured him that those inside the hotel would be protected, and that they should remain there until it was deemed safe for them to leave.

As the disorder began to calm, the manager said he was picked up by his wife, and as soon as he got into her car he ‘broke down’ and was unable to speak.

The manager said that in the days since the riot, he feels as though he is on the edge of a nervous breakdown, and that he cannot get the disorder – and what could have happened to those inside the hotel – out of his mind.

Judge Richardson described the riots as ‘vile’ and ‘racist in character,’ and said they were ‘fostered by ignorant and malevolent individuals’ who posted ‘arrant’ messages and ‘comprehensive lies and nonsense’ online.

750 people are believed to have been present during the disorder, during which more than 60 police officers were reportedly injured.

Sentencing of Michael Whitehead

The statement was read during the sentencing hearing of 27-year-old rioter Michael Whitehead held this afternoon (Thursday, August 15, 2024).

Prosecutor Stephanie Hollis detailed how Whitehead, of no fixed abode, shouted at police, and said to one lone officer who was vastly outnumbered by protesters, ‘You’re not fit to wear the badge’.

Judge Richardson said Whitehead subsequently made attempts to ‘encourage’ disorder, with chants of ‘Yorkshire, Yorkshire,’ ‘we want our country back’ ‘paedophiles,’ and ‘England ’till I die’ as he gesticulated towards the hotel. He then shouted to the crowd: “Let’s go f***ing mental,” the court heard.

“In consequence of those comments, the violence erupted, missiles were thrown, and you were seen punching your fist in the air…you were stood there…shouting racist abuse,” said Judge Richardson.

He added: “It’s fair to say you were not observed throwing missiles, you are not observed having gone into the hotel. But you were there taking a very active part in encouraging the others to do as they did. They did exactly as you wanted.”

Whitehead pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder yesterday.

Defending, Clarkson Baptiste said Whitehead suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and told Judge Richardson that ‘he knows what’s coming, which is why he surrendered himself to the police station two nights ago’.

Judge Richardson sentenced him to two years, eight months in prison, and a 10-year criminal behaviour order.

Resumed sentencing of Billy Pemberton

During other sentencing hearings, the court heard how the custodial sentences passed down to two others involved in the disorder – Billy Pemberton and Dylan White – may have ‘ruinous’ consequences, including the loss of their businesses.

The court has previously heard how painter and decorator Pemberton, aged 31, who employs three people, will lose his business because of his “stupidity” after he was filmed at the disorder.

Pemberton, of Rosehill Road, Rawmarsh, Rotherham, had his case opened yesterday (August 14, 2024)after he admitted violent disorder, and Judge Richardson jailed him for two years, four months when the case resumed today.

Judge Richardson heard how Pemberton was part of a group which was throwing missiles at a small group of ‘cornered’ police outside the hotel, but there was no evidence he threw anything at the officers himself.

He said he was also spotted in a group which was chanting “who the f*** is Allah?”.

Pemberton has admitted picking up a police baton, dropped by an officer, and taking it away from the scene.

Gordon Stables, defending, said his client is ‘utterly dejected and remorseful’ and facing losing his business thanks to the inevitable prison sentence.

Mr Stables said Pemberton went to the hotel after ‘seeing things on social media that were completely and utterly untrue, complete lies’.

He said: “Others will suffer due to his stupidity.”

As he sentenced Pemberton today, Judge Richardson said that while he was not ‘fully to the fore’ and was more in the second ‘tier’ or ‘rank,’ he was there, as part of the ‘mob’ that threw ‘missiles towards officers’.

He sentenced Pemberton to two years, four months’ immediate custody and made him the subject of a five-year criminal behaviour order.

“This is ruinous for you, but I’m afraid you are the author of your own misfortune,” Judge Richardson said.

Dylan White sentencing

Similarly, 48-year-old White owns a scaffolding business, which employs 14 people. In a statement read to the court, his business partner said it may now fold without White’s ‘direct input,’ without which it would be ‘very difficult to keep it running’

The court heard how White’s participation in the disorder was as part of a group who rocked a police dog van and tried to prevent it from escaping the escalating incident.

Judge Richardson acknowledged that White’s involvement was ‘relatively limited’ – simply extending to seconds of rocking the van – and came towards the end of the incident.

White, of The Farmstead, Bolton Upon Dearne, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder on Tuesday (August 13, 2024).

Defending, Emma Coverley described White’s conduct as ‘four seconds of madness’.

She described how while White had a chequered criminal past, he has since turned his life around, and now earns a good living through his successful business. He also has a wife, with whom he shares twin 16-year-old daughters, the court heard.

Ms Coverley described White’s wife as being heavily reliant upon him, and said he also played an active role in his daughter’s showjumping hobby, as part of which he often takes her to various events across the country.

Noting that White’s wife was ‘sobbing her eyes out’ from the public gallery, Judge Richardson told him he should be ‘comprehensively ashamed’ of himself for the ‘anguish’ he has caused to his family and those involved with his business.

“I’ve no idea why someone such as you decided to participate in this, but you did, and you must be punished,” Judge Richardson.

White, attending via video link from HMP Lincoln, sobbed as Judge Richardson sentenced him to two years’ custody and told him it could not be suspended.

Applications concerning an application for White to receive a criminal behaviour order were adjourned, and will now be heard at the same court on October 18, 2024.

Sheffield Star

Kent man made threatening phone calls to mosques across London

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August 16, 2024
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One mosque said the caller threatened to kill faith leaders and burn down the building



A Kent man made a string of threatening calls to mosques across London. Police launched an investigation after a mosque reported a caller had threatened to kill faith leaders, other people inside and burn it down.

Following the call from a withheld number on August 5, officers from the Met Police established that four other mosques had been targeted in London by the same perpetrator. The calls were then traced to Blake Hindry, from Bearsted.

Hindry, 30, of Rosemary Road, was arrested three days after the first call. He appeared at Maidstone Magistrates Court on August 10, where he pleaded guilty to making a series of threatening calls to mosques.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday (August 15) Hindry was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

Commander Louise Puddefoot, said: “We understand that Muslim communities have felt particularly concerned for their safety following the violent disorder and criminality the country has seen in recent weeks. This sentencing demonstrates our determination to bring offenders to justice for racist and criminal behaviour.

“Our teams continue to investigate all offences committed during this period of disorder as we work hard to build trust and confidence in communities.”

Kent Live

‘Famous’ troublemaker John Honey is jailed for his ‘central’ role in Hull disorder

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August 16, 2024
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The notorious troublemaker and looter who boasted that he was “famous” – and asked a probation officer if she wanted his autograph – has been jailed for four years and eight months.

High-profile troublemaker John Honey was “over confident and jovial” while he was in custody on remand and he shamelessly bragged that he was “all over social media”.

He claimed that he went to Greggs for a drink because the police pepper spray made him thirsty. His antics became widely featured on social media videos.

But Honey was jailed after he admitted his key role in the frightening large-scale disturbance and looting. He was repeatedly pictured in his England shirt gleefully taking full advantage of the chaotic scenes in Hull city centre. He was also involved in a well-publicised racially motivated incident in which a BMW car was badly damaged, Hull Crown Court heard.

Honey, 25, of Park Grove, off Princes Avenue, west Hull, admitted six offences, including three of burglary that featured a break-in at the Lush shop in Jameson Street, involving stealing bath and cosmetic products, as well as raids on the nearby Shoezone and O2 shops, both with intent to steal, on August 3.

He also admitted offences of violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage to a BMW and causing criminal damage to nine vehicles, including a Ford C-Max, a Renault Clio, a VW Passat, a Jeep, a Seat Leon, a BMW 520d, an Audi A4, a Chevrolet and a Skoda Octavia.

Robbery charges that were originally included in the list of offences to be dealt with have been dropped.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said that “mass public disorder” broke out in the city centre, including several fights and disorder outside the Royal Hotel and near the mosque, off Spring Bank. A garage and tyre business was targeted. Fireworks were thrown, a barrage of threats was hurled at police and rubbish bins were pushed or set on fire. There was racist chanting. The railway station and the shops there had to be closed.

Looting happened at shops in Jameson Street, including Lush, Shoezone and O2. Honey was wearing a white England top with a red cross of St George but he later changed into a grey jacket, said Mr Evans.

The Lush store had to shut at 3pm for the protection of staff after it was “ransacked” – causing “utter devastation”. The damage caused at the nearby Shoezone store was put at £320,000. About £40,000 of stock was stolen from the O2 shop.

Honey was present throughout and he played a prominent role in the violence and public disorder. He was seen on CCTV wearing his distinctive white top with the red cross. He was involved at the front of the group who confronted the police outside the hotel.

Honey damaged street furniture and used them as missiles. A garage and repair shop in the Milky Way area was targeted and nine vehicles were damaged, all but one of them connected with the garage.

Honey was involved in that incident as well as one in which three men in a BMW car were confronted by between 100 and 200 males. Honey kicked out at the car and pulled at the door.

Threats to kill the three European men were made and there were shouts of “get them all out.” Honey made no physical contact with the three men, who managed to flee from the car towards the police and the Royal Hotel. Serious fear was caused to the men.

Honey had convictions for four previous offences, including possessing knives. He handed himself in to the police with the knives, saying that he was going to commit a crime.

Charlotte Baines, mitigating, said that Honey realised that he faced a prison sentence of some length for his “disgraceful” behaviour in “disorderly public conduct”.

The court heard that it had been claimed that Honey boasted while in custody on remand that he was “famous” and “all over social media”. He asked whether a female probation officer in the prison wanted his autograph.

He was “over confident and jovial” and he seemed to show “no remorse”. He claimed that he went to Greggs for a drink because pepper spray made him thirsty.

Miss Baines said that there was a “factual dispute” about what the probation officer had claimed about what Honey supposedly said. Honey still claimed to be genuinely remorseful. The judge decided to accept that he was remorseful without hearing evidence from the probation officer.

Miss Baines said that the offences involved “utterly disgraceful” behaviour from Honey and others. Honey was not associated with any specific group and he was not the “leader of a pack” during the trouble and looting.

“He has not specifically gone out with rioters,” said Miss Baines. “He has joined in.” Honey had suffered problems during his life and he had a very difficult start. He had not committed any offences for six years, since the knife offences.

“He has been able to hold down employment from time to time,” said Miss Baines.

Judge John Thackray KC told Honey: “You were front and central of everything, namely attacking police officers and throwing missiles, attacking a garage repair shop with terrified occupants nearby, attacking a BMW with three terrified occupants and burglary of commercial premises.”

Honey showed hostility based on people’s race and the burglaries had a substantial emotional impact on staff and caused a serious degree of loss. There was a high risk of injury to people because Honey was doing his best to assist others in exposing people affected to the “wrath of a baying mob”. He “yanked” at a car door while the terrified occupants were inside trying to keep it closed.

Honey showed no emotion and looked straight ahead as he was led out of the secure dock to be taken down to the cells.

Hull Daily Mail

Roger Haywood, who ‘led’ Blackpool disorder, sentenced – a recap

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August 16, 2024
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We’ve just heard – and seen – Judge Robert Altham sentence Roger Haywood to two years and six months for his involvement in recent disorder in Blackpool. Here’s a quick recap of what was said:

Judge Altham said Haywood led an “angry” mob through the seaside town in Lancashire – throwing missiles at police officers and injuring a security guard at a shopping centre

Later he “beckoned” a group of people to break through a police barrier near the town’s cenotaph, trying to use a loudhailer to encourage the crowd but – in the judge’s words – was “too intoxicated” to do so

The judge described how Haywood assaulted two police officers – kicking one in the hand and another in the arm – and reminded the court that officers “should be able to go to work without being pelted by missiles”

Haywood was sentenced to 30 months (or two years and six months) after pleading guilty to violent disorder during the riot, as well as three weeks for each of two counts of assaulting an emergency worker

These will be served concurrently – so at the same time – and up to half of the sentence will be served in prison, before Haywood is released on licence

BBC News

Leeds keyboard criminal who posted ‘grossly offensive’ message handed 10 weeks behind bars

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August 15, 2024
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A Leeds man who made a “grossly offensive” comment on social media about the protests taking place across the country has been jailed.

Simon Scott, of Kentmere Approach, Seacroft was sentenced to 10 weeks during a hearing at Leeds Magistrates Court.

The 49-year-old was convicted of an offence of publishing a social media post which was grossly offensive. The offending took place between July 29 and August 9.

He is the second Leeds man to be jailed for posting on social media, after a 28-year-old made comments on Facebook encouraging attacks on a hotel in Leeds where asylum seekers were known to be staying.

So far 34 arrests have been made by the force in relation to the troubles of recent weeks. Several have been jailed already for their parts in a protest in Leeds city centre on August 3 when far-right protestors clashed with anti-fascist groups.

Assistant Chief Constable Osman Khan of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our investigations into those involved in disorder continue and we remain absolutely determined to identify and take firm action against all those who have offended.

There is absolutely no place for disorder offences or racially aggravated offending in our county and I can promise that those who seem to think that it is acceptable to behave in this way will be hunted down and locked up.

“As we have seen, the government and courts are taking a firm stance against this thuggery, as are we.

“We continue to use all the investigative tools available to us to bring those involved in the recent disorder to justice.”

Yorkshire Post

Criminology student chucked pint of beer over police officer and kicked riot shields

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August 15, 2024
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A teenager who was in the city centre visiting Gravity Max with his friends meanwhile ended up hurling a brick at PCs

A criminology student chucked a pint of beer over a police officer during widespread disorder in Liverpool city centre.

Gerard Cooch also kicked out at riot shields as ugly scenes unfolded following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar in Southport.

Also present in central Liverpool that day was Curtis Faure, who hurled a brick towards officers. The teenager claims to have been visiting Gravity Max in Liverpool ONE with his friends when he became caught up in the trouble.

Liverpool Crown Court heard this afternoon, Thursday, that a series of incidents flared up on the Strand, Paradise Street, Whitechapel, William Brown Street, Clayton Square and Church Street on the afternoon of August 3. Nardeen Nemat, prosecuting, described how “hundreds of people were present” during the shocking disturbances, with businesses being “damaged and looted” and police officers injured.

Cooch, of Merton Road in Bootle, was seen on CCTV and mobile phone footage, which was subsequently posted to YouTube and TikTok, on Whitechapel shortly before 6.30pm. He was captured in a cap and sunglasses making “accusatory and hostile” remarks and “swearing and gesticulating” in the area, where a line of police had formed a cordon near to Queen Square Bus Station.

The “intoxicated and angry” 39-year-old then threw the contents of a pint glass he was holding over an officer and twice kicked out at shields being held by PCs. Cooch was arrested nearby around an hour later and told detectives under interview that he had been in the city centre in order to attend a “peaceful protest” but that the “atmosphere became more hostile”.

He stated that he “regretted not removing himself from the area” and was “sorry for his involvement”, having consumed three cans of cider during the course of the day. His criminal record shows seven previous convictions for 11 offences – including threatening behaviour, drunk and disorderly behaviour, production of cannabis, possession of cocaine and MDMA and breaching a suspended sentence order.

Stephen McNally, appearing on behalf of Cooch, said: “His own participation and involvement is limited, but it cannot be taken outside of the context. He is not somebody who has ever displayed any affiliation or sympathy to what might be described as far right tendencies.

“The court knows that there is an undercurrent. The background events in Southport appear to have been the catalyst behind subsequent events. They are particularly emotive. It may well be that, in that context, the court can accept his assertion that his original intention was to attend what he believed would be a peaceful protest.

“He did not take the opportunity to extricate himself from that locality. Instead, to his regret and the regret of his family, he let himself down and he let them down and one might say that he let down the other citizens of this city in how he conducted himself.

“At the very outset, he expressed remorse. References speak of a man who, despite his difficulties, has sought to better himself. This is a gentleman who is partway through a degree course in criminology and psychology. The irony of that will not be lost on the court, I am sure.

“Mr Cooch needed to take a break from his studies due to issues he was having, in the context of a series of untimely bereavements in the family. He lost his father, grandfather and another family member in a short space of time. He has had to work very hard to get back up to speed.

“It is of great regret that the psychology of the crowd appears to have overborne his ordinary character on that day. His ADHD means he is very easily caught up in what goes on around him.”

Faure was meanwhile captured in a single photograph “leaning back with a brick in his hand, about to throw it” on the Strand. The 19-year-old, of Thomas Lane in Broadgreen, handed himself in at Marsh Lane Police Station on the afternoon of August 8 after this image was circulated in the media by Merseyside Police.

He stated under interview that he “intended to go to Gravity Max when he heard about a riot on the Dock Road and wanted to see what was going on”. Faure told detectives that he had been present for up to half an hour and “picked up a single brick and threw it at police officers”, but said that the missile had not connected.

The teen added that he “could not provide an explanation why he behaved in that way” and maintained that his actions were not racially motivated, his parents originally being from South Africa. He has no previous convictions.
People protest in Liverpool, following the stabbing attacks on Monday in Southport, in which three young children were killed.

Damian Nolan, defending Faure, told the court: “His decision to became involved is completely at odds with any otherwise objective analysis of what is known of him. He was seven weeks past his 19th birthday when this incident occurred.

“It appears he had been in the city centre for a wholly legitimate purpose, to visit Gravity Max with his friends. It appears he was involved in a single episode.

“He threw a brick, but there is no evidence that it struck either a police officer or a police vehicle. There is no evidence, and it would be out of keeping with his background, that his attendance at the scene was to support any racial motive that may have lay behind the actions of others who were more central to the organisation of the events and the chaos that then ensued.

“He is a person who is of positive previous good character. He is in work and he is excelling at work. There are laudable references from his employers confirming that.

“There is every reason to assume that he will not offend again. He has been in custody since his voluntary surrender. That has been an extremely salutary lesson for him.”

Both Cooch and Faure admitted violent disorder. One woman was seen in tears in the public gallery as they were jailed for 20 months and 12 months respectively.

Sentencing, Judge Brian Cummings KC said to Cooch: “The incident occurred, plainly, in a busy public area. There is nothing on your record approaching the seriousness of what I am now dealing with.

“I accept that you have demonstrated a level of remorse. I accept that there have been some mental health factors in this case. There is plainly a better side to you.”

To Faure, the judge added: “All that is known of your involvement is represented by a single snapshot photograph showing you in the act of throwing a brick. It plainly could have caused serious injury.

“Youth and immaturity are both present in your case. You handed yourself into the police a few days later. I accept that this does genuinely display remorse on your part, and I accept that you do genuinely feel remorse for what you did.”

Liverpool Echo

Two yobs at ‘forefront’ of Hartlepool riot are jailed at Teesside Crown Court

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August 15, 2024
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Two yobs who were at the forefront of the shocking violent disorder in Hartlepool have been jailed for more than five years.

Ben Judge and Aaron Bradshaw, both 28, were “persistent participants” in scenes of mob violence and attacks on police in Murray Street on the evening of Wednesday, July 31.

Both were filmed hurling missiles at riot officers on police body worn cameras, social media footage and drone images.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, described how Judge, who covered his face, threw bricks several time at police and approached officers aggressively with a brick in each hand.

He was also part of a group that surged at the police line.

Judge, who at the time was on a suspended sentence for possession of a blade, was arrested around a week later after a police appeal.

Bradshaw, who lives on Murray Street, also “got as close as possible” to the police and was captured on footage bare chested and wearing a black Balaclava-like mask.

He also threw objects at police and at one point was armed with a cosh.

Ms Masters said: “The defendant continues kicking out at officers and throwing items at them.”

He continued even after being hit on the leg with a police baton and only retreated after receiving a broken arm.

Both men have numerous previous convictions and pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing in the magistrates’ court.

The court heard how the disorder followed a so-called protest advertised on social media which grew to around 200 people and had started to turn violent by 7.30pm.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating, for Judge, of Farr Walk, Hartlepool, had been out with a friend that night when he came across the disorder and became involved on “impulse”.

He said Judge was “embarrassed and ashamed” and apologised for his actions but was “realistic” about the outcome.

Gary Wood, for Bradshaw, added: “The defendant accepts that his conduct on the footage was shameful.”

Judge was jailed for three years and Bradshaw for two years and eight months.

Judge Francis Laird told them: “This was a widespread incident involving large scale acts of violence towards both people and property.

“The level of aggression towards the police was shocking.”

So far seven people have been jailed for their part in the disorder.

Hartlepool Mail

Nottingham protests: Man jailed after punching Asian man after Old Market Square demonstration

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August 15, 2024
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He was recorded shouting ‘paedo’ and ‘Allah, Allah, who the **** is Allah’

A man has become the first person to be jailed over a protest in Nottingham after admitting to punching an Asian man and chanting racist insults.

Paul Dixon, 35, was recorded shouting “p**do” and “Allah, Allah, who the **** is Allah” while attending a protest in Nottingham on August 3 before he punched an unknown Asian man during an altercation.

The railway safety supervisor, of Broadwood Road in Bestwood, Nottingham, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court to the charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and was jailed for four months. After the defendant was identified by police from a YouTube video, he was arrested on August 14 and was found in possession of cannabis, which he also pleaded guilty to.

Sentencing Dixon, district judge Sunil Khanna said: “This incident escalated in violence. I also have to bear in mind that it did not get any worse but there was a chance it could have.”

On Saturday, August 3, far-right and anti-immigrant protestors gathered in Old Market Square, as part of UK-wide disorder resulting from the killing of three young girls in Southport on July 29. They were opposed by counter-demonstrators who grouped together at the Brian Clough statue, with the two groups having to be separated by a line of Nottinghamshire Police officers.

Police said 15 people were arrested and eight charged following the protests, but more arrests have been made in the days following the incident.

Nottingham Post

Dad poured cider over police officer after going fishing

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August 15, 2024
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A father-of-one who poured a can of cider over a police officer during a protest in Weymouth has been jailed for 21 months.

Kevin Searle, 40, of Weymouth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker during the demonstration on 4 August.

The court heard Searle had been fishing during the day, drank six cans of cider and while walking home he “heard the noises of the protest” and “decided to join in”.

Searle has previously appeared in court 32 times for 52 offences, magistrates were told.

Defence solicitor Richard Martin said Searle “cried” when he saw footage of himself at the protest.

Judge William Mousley KC said there was “no lawful reason” for Searle’s behaviour.

He said: “You were at the front of the group for much of the time, one of those leading the disorder, gesturing in an aggressive manner, you pushed and shoved at police and you threw a can of drink towards them.”

BBC News

‘Young fool’ tried to riot but scousers weren’t having it

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August 15, 2024
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The teenager squared up to an old man and kicked another during scenes of violence on Church Street

A teenager went out for a meal in Liverpool city centre but got drunk and squared up to an old man, kicked a shopper and “gestured towards his penis” on a busy street.

George Clements became embroiled in scenes of violence on Church Street only weeks after he had walked free from court for stealing and crashing a van while under the influence of drink and drugs.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Thursday, that a series of incidents flared up on the Strand, Paradise Street, Whitechapel, William Brown Street and Clayton Square on the afternoon of August 3 following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar in Southport. Nardeen Nemat, prosecuting, described how “hundreds of people were present” during the shocking disturbances, with businesses being “damaged and looted” and police officers injured.

Amid this disorder, Clements was captured on mobile phone footage near to a shop on Church Street which had been targeted by louts. The 18-year-old – of Egerton Street in New Brighton, Wirral – was shown with a brown scarf covering his face and “aggressively approaching” an older male with grey hair who was carrying a shopping bag.

He then turned his attention to a “male with an olive skin tone”, hitting out at his hand before being ushered away by another man. The teen however “broke free” and confronted the same victim again, kicking him to the area of his hip in what was said to have been a “racially motivated” attack.

Clements thereafter “gestured towards his penis” and “made a masturbation gesture”. He and another man then ran towards the older complainant, sparking other members of the public to intervene.

The thugs were then seen running away as sirens were heard in the background of the video. Clements was identified after this footage – which showed a child in a wheelchair in the vicinity on the violence – was shared on social media, leading to his arrest at his home address on August 9.

He has one previous conviction, being handed a 12-month imprisonment suspended for two years on May 28 this year for dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop after an accident, drink driving, drug driving and driving without a licence and insurance. This came after he took his step dad’s van while drunk and high on cocaine and cannabis and smashed the vehicle into parked cars, mounted the pavement and narrowly avoided hitting a pedestrian then collided with a fence, a gas main and a telegraph pole.

Julian Nutter, defending Clements, told the court: “He comes from a good, hard working family. The family are here in court today and are deeply distressed that their dear and loved son should commit this sort of offence. He too is ashamed for having brought all of this on the family.”

Clements’ counsel said of his suspended sentence: “All of that arose from a deterioration in his mental health, which occurred as a result of an illness in his little brother which was believed to be terminal. It was around that time that he became destabilised.

“There is no background of civil disorder or racial violence on his part. What we see is certainly not an individual in an organising or leading role, rather a young fool acting as an aggressive yob towards members of the public.

“This being Liverpool, those members of the public are not crying violets who shied away from him. We see them standing up to him. His general movement is one of retreat, because people on that street are driving him off.

“He did not go into town to participate in these unfortunate events. He went for a meal and became drunk. Things kicked off. He got drawn in, being the young fool he is, and acted in the reprehensible manner he did. He is not part of the looting. What we can see is disorderly behaviour.

“In the background, there is a history of mental trauma. He deeply regrets this incident. He is ashamed of himself and what he has brought on his family.

“He had taken alcohol. This was out of character. This was an occasion where mass hysteria had broken out as a result of the tragic issues involving those children.”

But Judge Brian Cummings KC said: “I cannot accept the description of mass hysteria. There was grief on the part of those directly and indirectly affected by the terrible matters in Southport.

“Separate from that, there is the mass disorder of yobs attacking people’s places of work, the police and members of the public. I cannot accept either of them being described as mass hysteria.”

Clements admitted affray and breaching a suspended sentence order. He nodded and smiled after he was jailed for two years, then waved to his supporters in the public gallery as he was led down to the cells.

Sentencing, Judge Cummings added: “It would be wrong for me to view what you did in isolation from its wider context. That is a period of national disorder, to which you contributed.

“The incident occurred in a busy public area. You, by your own admission, were under the influence of alcohol. I am satisfied that you exhibited hostility to one man in particular on the basis of his race.

“You are still only 18. I certainly consider that you are well short of adult maturity. That is certainly how you present to me. I do accept that your involvement was relatively short lived and may have been impulsive.”

Liverpool Echo