A man who threw stones and rocks at police during a violent protest in Middlesbrough has been jailed.
More than 1,000 people were estimated to have taken to the streets in the town on 4 August, days after similar violence erupted in Hartlepool, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Eight officers were injured in Middlesbrough and houses and cars were damaged, prosecutors said.
Jonathan Ambrose, 33, admitted violent disorder and was jailed for two and a half years. Five more men are due to be sentenced later.
Prosecutor Rachel Masters said a “peaceful protest” in Middlesbrough was advertised on social media, with crowds gathering at the Cenotaph in Linthorpe Road at about 13:45 BST.
She said a march set off towards the town centre and was initially peaceful, but as the marchers passed Clarendon Road an object was thrown at them and the atmosphere become “heated”, Ms Masters said.
Police quickly formed a line to stop protestors getting into Clarendon Road which “numerous people attempted to break through”, the court heard.
“From that point onwards it became violent,” Ms Masters said, adding missiles were thrown at officers, bins set on fire and cars and windows smashed.
Drug-addict Ambrose, of Letitia House drug treatment centre in Middlesbrough, was seen at about 19:00 near Parliament Road throwing rocks and stones at police officers, Ms Masters said.
In mitigation, his lawyer Tabitha Buck said he had gone to see what was happening and made the “stupid mistake” of getting involved which he now regretted.
Ambrose, who had multiple previous convictions including for causing racially aggravated harm or distress, was jailed for 30 months having also admitted possessing cannabis.
Paul Smith, 21, could be seen throwing bricks and a bottle towards police officers and vehicles in footage shown to the court.
A man “inspired by the ignorance of racism” who threw bricks at police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for two years and 10 months.
Paul Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Manchester, was sentenced for violent disorder on Thursday morning at Manchester Crown Court.
In footage shown in court, Smith could be seen throwing bricks and a bottle towards police officers and vehicles during the disorder outside the Holiday Inn hotel in Manchester on July 31.
Prosecutor Philip Hall said of Smith’s demeanour on the footage: “He’s smiling and appears to be taking some delight from the event.”
Judge John Potter said “mobs gathered in towns and cities throughout the country intent on retribution” after “lies were deliberately spread” about the background of the alleged Southport stabbing attacker.
He added that these mobs were “inspired by the ignorance of racism” and “deliberately attacked” hotels where asylum seekers were living.
Inspired by the ignorance of racism, mobs gathered in towns and cities throughout the country intent on retribution
Judge John Potter
Mr Hall said a “troubling” Facebook post encouraging people to meet outside the hotel on July 31 was reported to police.
The post included the words: “Let’s get them out. 6pm today. Stand up and take note”, and was followed by three fist emojis and three emojis of the England flag.
A police officer at the scene reported that some of the group were “wearing balaclavas” while others were “drinking (from) bottles of alcohol”.
The officer said the gathering was “initially good-natured” but the “mood changed” when several hotel residents arrived.
Mr Hall said: “Glass bottles, eggs and water were thrown towards police and hotel residents as they were escorted into the hotel grounds.”
A hotel resident who was hospitalised after suffering cuts from a bottle that was thrown said the disorder had a “devastating effect” on them.
In a statement read out to court, they added: “I came to this country to feel safe, but since this incident I do not feel safe any more.”
A bus driver was also hospitalised after he was punched during an attack on his vehicle that passed by the hotel.
In a statement read out to court, the driver said: “I don’t go to work to be attacked.
“These men have left me feeling visibly shaken and frightened to go back to work.”
A housing officer at the Holiday Inn hotel said they had “started taking different routes into work” since the disorder, adding that other colleagues were “afraid to come into work”.
Hotels where asylum seekers were living were deliberately attacked. On occasion individuals were randomly assaulted – mainly it seems because of the colour of their skin
Judge John Potter
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Potter said: “On July 29, an appalling and tragic attack took place in Southport. Three children lost their lives and numerous other children and adults were seriously injured in a knife attack.
“Shortly after that attack, lies were deliberately spread via leaflets, the internet and social media as to who may have been responsible.
“This material emphasised the supposed nationality, ethnicity and religion of the alleged attacker.
“Inspired by the ignorance of racism, mobs gathered in towns and cities throughout the country intent on retribution.
“Groups of individuals were targeted for this retribution by these mobs.
“The targeted groups were often those in the UK who may have come to seek sanctuary.”
The judge added: “Hotels where asylum seekers were living were deliberately attacked. On occasion individuals were randomly assaulted – mainly it seems because of the colour of their skin.”
Defending, Laura Broome said Smith had taken “full responsibility for his part in what he accepts was an appalling incident” and had not taken a “leading” role in the disorder.
She cited a witness statement from a neighbour describing Smith as “inclusive, polite and caring”.
Judge Potter said Smith was identified from the footage because he was “wearing distinctive training shoes”.
The judge told Smith: “Your attempt to disguise your identity by wearing a T-shirt on your head was unsuccessful.”
Another man who carried out a “spinning kick” against a shop window during disorder in Manchester city centre on August 3 was jailed for 20 months.
Oliver Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced for violent disorder on Thursday afternoon at Manchester Crown Court.
During a police interview, Chapman admitted kicking a shop front, saying: “I’d done a silly spinning kick to it.”
A plasterer from north Wales, who admitted to stirring up racial hatred on Facebook, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Daniel Kingsley, 33, from Shotton in Flintshire, posted two racist messages on social media on 8 and 10 August, in support of the riots.
During sentencing at Mold Crown Court Judge Rhys Rowlands described Kingsley as a “bigot” who holds “deeply offensive and racist views”.
Judge Rowlands expressed hopes this case would “stand as an example to any others thinking of inciting hatred”.
Defence solicitor Alexandra Carrier told the court Kingsley was “truly sorry for his actions” and “admitted to the offence as soon as the police arrived at his door”.
A self-proclaimed paedophile hunter has stepped down from the group he says has helped convict 440 sex offenders after being convicted for his role in disorder in Leeds.
Phillip Hoban, of Northcote Crescent, Beeston, was captured on footage making racist gestures towards a group Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Leeds city centre on Saturday, August 3.
Hoban, founder of Predator Exposure UK, was seen stood on top of a bollard close to the art gallery and rubbing his lips. Hoban claimed he was insinuating the demonstrators were “cry babies” but went on to admit two counts of racially aggravated intentional harassment, or alarm or distress by using threatening or abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour.
The 48-year-old – who represented himself during the sentencing hearing at Leeds Crown Court – told Leeds Crown Court on Thursday he was a “stupid drunken idiot” and said he had stepped down from his role at Predator Exposure because there “is no room for fools like me”.
Footage of the incident was played to the court by prosecutor Carmel Pearson who also said Hoban’s co-accused, James Gettings, 35, Landseer Walk, Bramley, fell to be sentenced for the same charge. She said following it, Hoban posted to TikTok a video where he “described what had happened and his approach to things, and he hadn’t wanted to be associated with such a violent display”.
Hoban – who had previous offences on his record including arson, affray and drug offences – was interviewed by police and denied being racist. Ms Pearson said: “He was keen to tell police he is of mixed heritage and said he was shouting not ‘who the f*** is Allah’ but ‘Who the f*** is Alan?’ He said the gestures he was making was not racist but more he was making gestures to imply they were cry-babies.”
Gettings was also identified through the clips. Ms Pearson said: “He’s seen to be bowing and mocking the Muslim form of praying… He was arrested at home and told police he was about to hand himself in…He said in interview he was disgusted in himself. He said he didn’t know how bad it was – he watched the footage and said those three seconds of madness ruined his life.
“He said he was sorry and he had family members who had disowned him because of what he did.”
As he addressed the court, Hoban said: “First of all I would like to apologise to the innocent people I offended and am truly sorry for the offence caused. I had no right whatsoever to do what I did…Before I knew I was wanted for police I made a public apology on my page and my TikTok. I did this hoping the person I offended would see it and udnerstand I meant no harm whatsoever.”
Hoban said he is “Not racist” and it “kills him inside” for people to think that. He said last year he donated £200 to the Aram centre in Beeston “like a youth club for young Asian males that may be going down the wrong path.” Hoban said: “The stupid things I did on this day were not intended to hurt anyone whatsoever. This crime is completely unacceptable…I hope everyone can see I’m not racist…I’m mixed race.”
Hoban said his children are also mixed race and he is “ashamed” of what he has put his family through. He added: “Since I have been here I have not worked but my wife has, she is a paramedic.”
He said he is a “stupid drunken idiot” and will “never go to a protest again”.
Hoban has said he has decided to “step down” from his “child protection agency” role. He said: “In a team like that I realise there is no room for fools like me…Over the years I have helped the police convict over 440 online predators. What I’m trying to say is I’m not an evil person or a racist. I know justice has to be served now and I deserve what is coming to me…
“But if there is a different way than a long-term prison sentence then please take a chance on me. Again, I’m so sorry to the lady I offended and anyone else I offended in the chanting I got involved with…It will never happen again.”
Mitigating for Gettings, Becky Jane said: “The offence clearly crosses the custody threshold and he knows the sentence passed today can only be one of immediate custody.”
The court heard dad-of-three Gettings has “reflected” on this incident and he is “deeply ashamed of his actions and says he is deeply remorseful.” She said: “He didn’t appreciate at the time the impact of his actions and has no intention of repeating it.”
Recorder of Leeds Judge Guy Kearl KC jailed both Hoban and Gettings for eight months and told them: “The law applies to everyone: No matter what colour, race, religion or political persuasion they are. There is no distinction. The law is colourblind. The law is there to protect everyone in our society, both in terms of their safety and businesses.
“Both of you involved yourselves in a protest outside Leeds Art Gallery. You were both members of or joined with a pro-English defence group…Your demonstration was against refugees and those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
“Philip Hoban you climbed onto a barrier and started rubbing your lips to a person of colour and were standing alongside or in the same group as people making similar gestures…You then started to imitate the manner in which Muslim people pray in order to mock or mimic their religion and you were chanting, ‘Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah?’ You were one of the leaders of your group of protesters.
“James Gettings you were part of the same group and you too decided to make offensive gestures by mimicking or mocking those of the Muslim community and the way they pray.”
The judge said the offences “must be viewed against the background of unrest across the country.” He said: “That conduct and that of your group was designed to stir up hatred. By the 3rd August there had been disorder in Southport, Manchester, Hartlepool, Aldershott, London, Liverpool and Sunderland.”
Addressing Hoban, the judge told him: “You have told me you are mixed race. Then you should know better…”
Following the sentence, 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.”
Nevey Smith will be sentenced next week as judge blasts her for ‘putting child at risk’
A young mother who brought her child to a riot in a pushchair has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Nevey Smith, 21, of West Street, Oldham, admitted throwing water over police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on July 31.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon told Manchester Magistrates’ Court: “Footage shows her throwing liquid from a bottle towards police officers who were trying to maintain order.
“She had a child with her in a stroller.”
Defending, Robert Moussalli said Smith had “lost her temper” during the disorder and “threw some water”.
District Judge Joanne Hirst told Smith: “You put your own child at risk.”
The judge added Smith was “not as heavily involved as others in the demonstration” and was “not heard to utter any direct racist abuse”.
She was released on bail and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 19.
Smith is one of hundreds of people arrested and charged after the disorder which broke out after the murder of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said in its latest update that 1,024 people had been arrested and 575 charged across the UK in relation to the unrest. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, as of Monday, 273 people have been charged in relation to the disorder.
The NPCC figure is higher to reflect charges which are solely issued by police and do not involve the CPS.
Two 12-year-old boys are believed to have become the youngest people to be convicted of a criminal offence in connection with the nationwide public disorder.
A teenager has admitted kicking a man in an attack during disorder that broke out in Liverpool city centre.
George Clements, from Egerton Street in New Brighton, pleaded guilty to committing affray in Church Street on 3 August after the court was shown footage of him assaulting a man.
The prosecution told the court Clements’ actions were racially motivated and caused serious fear or distress.
The 18-year-old was sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders institution but the punishment rose to two years, as he had breached the terms of a suspended sentence from May for motoring offences.
‘No excuse’
Mobile phone footage showed him hitting a man’s hand before kicking him and making an offensive gesture, while other members of the public tried to protect the victim and shouted “Stop it, get back” at Clements.
His defence said he did not have a leading role in the violence but was “a young fool acting in an aggressive way”.
Riots erupted nationwide following the Southport knife attacks, in which three young girls were killed.
The teenager’s defence said he was ashamed of his actions and that he had come from a hard-working family.
The defence said the 18-year-old was suffering from “mental torment” after a relative had been diagnosed with a serious illness, however Judge Cummings KC did not accept that it played a part, adding: “Nothing excuses your behaviour.”
Two women have pleaded guilty in connection with a far-right riot in Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said 15 people have now been charged following the violent disorder in the city centre on Saturday, August 3.
Lisa Bishop, aged 38 and of Lawrence Weston, and Elly-Jane Cox, aged 33 and of Bishopsworth, are the latest to be charged with violent disorder. They appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, August 15, pleaded guilty and were remanded into custody by District Judge Joanna Dickens.
They will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, August 16. Bristol police chiefs previously vowed to take “swift action” against people involved in the riot. They are still working to hunt down and arrest offenders, including so-called keyboard warriors who stirred hatred online.
Avon and Somerset Police said: “Our investigation into the disorder continues and we have released images of people we need the public’s help to identify. Anyone who recognises any of those pictured is asked to complete our online form.
“We would like to remind people of the importance of not publishing any commentary or material, including images or footage, that could impact and prejudice live legal proceedings.”
Bradley McCarthy, aged 34 and of Knowle, was also due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 15.
A woman and two men are the latest people to have pleaded guilty to violent disorder following a far-right anti-immigrant protest in Plymouth.
Devon and Cornwall Police said that Kerry Gove, aged 34, of Maker View; Andrew Ball, aged 49, of Lisson Grove, and Grant Braidwood, aged 40 and of Elliott Road, all admitted violent disorder. They are all in prison on remand to await sentencing.
Gove, Ball and Braidwood appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court this morning, Thursday, August 15. All three pleaded guilty to violent disorder in connection to a far-right protest which took place in the city centre on Monday, August 5.
Devon and Cornwall Police released a statement which said: “Three people have pleaded guilty to violent disorder, in connection with events in Plymouth on Monday 5 August.
“They have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court tomorrow, Friday 16 August.
“Kerry Gove, aged 34, of Maker View, Plymouth, Andrew Ball, aged 49, of Lisson Grove, Plymouth and Grant Braidwood, aged 40, of Elliott Road, Plymouth.”
The National Police Chief’s Council has said 1,127 people have been charged across the UK following a number of riots since July 29. It said there has been 1,127 arrests and 648 charges in relation to the ongoing disorder.
A man who appeared to “take delight” in throwing bricks at police outside a hotel which housed asylum seekers has been jailed for two years and 10 months.
Paul Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Manchester, was sentenced after pleading guilty to violent disorder during the riot outside the Holiday Inn in Newton Heath on 31 July.
Smith was seen throwing bricks and a glass bottle towards police officers and vehicles in footage shown to Manchester Crown Court.
Janet Potter of the Crown Prosecution Service said the sentence “sends another message” that offenders who took part in riots would be “rapidly dealt with”.
‘Ugly events’
Smith was tracked down after Greater Manchester Police reviewed CCTV and body worn camera footage of the riot where a group of men tried to storm the hotel and attack asylum seekers.
Prosecutor Philip Hall said Smith was “smiling, and appears to be taking some delight from the event” in the footage.
Ms Potter said he had been jailed for his part in the “ugly events of that evening”, and added “justice was coming” for others involved in the disorder.
The court also imposed a seven-year criminal behaviour order on Smith.
Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man from Bury, was also jailed at the same court for carrying out a “spinning kick” against a shop window.
Oliver Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for violent disorder.
During a police interview, Chapman admitted kicking a shop front, saying: “I’d done a silly spinning kick to it.”
Judge John Potter told Chapman that he had taken part in an “incident of lawlessness” and “violently kicked a glass door”.
A man has been jailed for 18 months following disorder at a protest on a Dorset seafront.
About 400 anti-immigration protesters gathered on the Esplanade on 4 August, along with about 200 Stand Up to Racism demonstrators.
Ian Vetier, 36, from Weymouth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the gathering.
Passing sentence, Judge William Mousley KC said Vetier had “threatened violence and made racist remarks”.
Prosecution barrister Richard Tett told Bournemouth Crown Court CCTV and mobile phone footage showed Vetier had been part of a large group of protesters near Kings Statue and Jubilee Clock.
A statement from PC Mark Matthews said officers noticed Vetier pushing and shoving against a police sergeant.
He said he was shirtless and holding a union jack flag in his right hand at the time.
He told the court the officer felt “in fear of his safety” and at risk of being violently assaulted.
‘No lawful reason’
Sentencing Vetier, Judge Mousley told him: “You were part of group of 30 or more adult males causing pubic disorder during day time when members of the public would have been there.”
He added that there had been “no lawful reason” for Vetier’s behaviour, and while he did not use violence towards police, his role encouraged others to do so.
Two police officers were injured during the protest, attended by about 400 anti-immigration protesters and 200 Stand Up to Racism demonstrators.
Officers built a physical wall, using themselves and police vans to stop the groups meeting.
The protest was one of a number across England and Northern Ireland, including Plymouth, Sunderland, Belfast, Rotherham, Manchester and London.
They followed the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport – with unrest fuelled by misinformation online.
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