Scaffolder took knuckle-duster to protest ‘on a whim’, court hears

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August 12, 2024
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A scaffolder who took a knuckle-duster to an anti-immigration protest in Southampton has been handed a 12-month prison sentence.

Southampton Crown Court heard that 42-year-old Lee James had been out for dinner with his two teenage sons on 7 August when he decided to go to the protest to “see what it was like”.

The court heard he had read online about “gangs and violence” at protests and had visions of people with machetes and zombie knives at the demonstration.

But Judge Christopher Parker KC said when he sentenced James that the knuckle-duster’s “only purpose can be to cause injury to other human beings”, adding: “You said you wore it to protect yourself but you wore it openly, you were not under any threat.”

James will serve half of the 12-month sentence before being released on licence, and a further 12 months post-sentence supervision.

BBC News

Man who threw vacuum cleaner through window jailed

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August 12, 2024
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A 22-year-old who threw a vacuum cleaner through a house window and made an offensive statement to a police officer has been sentenced to 26 months in prison.

Thomas Rogers pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon after he was seen throwing bricks at police in Middlesbrough on 4 August.

In mitigation, the court heard Rogers was a “complex and vulnerable young man”.

BBC News

Rotherham riots: Man jailed for threatening police officer with wooden stick & attacking dog van

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August 12, 2024
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A haulage business owner has been jailed for two years and eight months after he was pictured in a national newspaper brandishing a piece of wood during rioting outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.

Ricky Hardman was arrested after a photo of him near the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on Sunday, August 4, 2024 was published by the Daily Telegraph, a judge was told on Monday.

Video was also played to Sheffield Crown Court showing that the 41-year-old defendant was part of a group attacking a police dog van during the violence outside the hotel.

Hardman could be seen kicking out at the police van, which was being prevented from moving by people lying in front of it.

He could then be seen as part of a group of about six men who violently rocked the vehicle before it managed to drive away.

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, told Hardman the “major civil disorder” was “perpetrated by an ignorant mob of which you were a part”.

He went on: “The incident was part of wider national civic unrest fostered by some form of malignancy in society spread by malevolent users of social media.

“There’s no question the disorder was racist in character and extremely frightening for anyone who was there.”

The judge said he could not be sure that Hardman threw the piece of wood he was brandishing at the police but thought he “almost certainly” did.

He said he was at the front of a mob attacking and threatening police, who were “shamefully waving the Union flag”.

The judge said the police officers who protected the hotel against the rioters are “deserving of the highest praise”.

He said: “It must be made clear that those participating in this form of violent disorder will be punished severely by the courts.

“It is the duty of the court to do what it can to protect the public.”

Judge Richardson said the maximum sentence for violent disorder is five years in prison and he had to bear in mind, when setting Hardman’s sentence, that he will be dealing with defendants with even more serious involvement in the Rotherham disorder in coming weeks.

He said it is a matter for Parliament whether this maximum needs to be revisited in light of recent events.

The judge was told about a series of defendants due to appear before him in relation to the Rotherham disorder in coming days and how the efficiency with which these cases is being dealt is leading to knock-on inefficiencies in relation to other prosecutions.

He agreed, but said: “Major civil disorder of this kind has to be prioritised.”

Richard Davies, defending, told the judge his client is “ashamed of himself and the impact that it’s going to have on his family”.

He said Hardman did not go to the hotel to get involved with violence but got “carried away”.

Mr Davies said his client agrees that he has “only got himself to blame”.

Hardman, of Norfolk Road, Barnsley, admitted violent disorder last week.

He sat in the dock with one security guard, wearing a black T-shirt and green trousers, and with his family watching from the public gallery.

Sheffield Star

Teenager who was caught on CCTV throwing bricks at police officers jailed for 18 months

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August 12, 2024
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Cole Stewart threw multiple objects at officers who had been deployed to violent disorder in Darlington on Monday, August 5.

A teenager who was caught on CCTV throwing bricks at police officers has been jailed for 18 months.

Cole Stewart threw multiple objects at officers who had been deployed to violent disorder in Darlington on Monday, August 5. The 18-year-old was then seen “celebrating” after throwing the bricks and other objects near North Lodge Park, with one of them hitting an officer.

He was arrested at the scene and charged with violent disorder, and today, he admitted the offence and was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institute at Teesside Crown Court. Enquiries into the disorder remain ongoing, and officers expect to make further arrests in the coming days and weeks.

Durham Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Rachel Bacon, said: “The level of hatred displayed by those threatening violence to both the local community and my officers was of an unprecedented level. Many of our officers are very young in service and while carrying out their duties of protecting the public, were ferociously attacked with missiles, including bricks, rubble, and glass bottles.

“Some missiles made contact with our officers. However, fortunately no long-term injuries were sustained. We are yet to understand the longer-term psychological effects of this traumatic experience upon officers’ health and wellbeing.

“Neighbourhood officers report that the local community is still traumatised by the events of Monday night, with businesses concerned about potential damage to their premises as well as the safety of their families. As we have previously said, we will not tolerate criminality and violent disorder in our communities.

“I reiterate to anybody who commits these types of acts, we will tirelessly look for you and deal with you robustly. Our investigation into Monday’s disorder remains ongoing, and we will strive for justice on behalf of our communities – they do not deserve to be intimidated by this behaviour.”

If anyone has further information that could assist police enquiries, contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or use the live chat function on the website. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.

Chronicle

Dad asks judge ‘can I say two things’ after admitting role in riots

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August 12, 2024
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Harvey Gabbott admitted violent disorder in connection with the rioting in Southport on July 30

A man who admitted his role in the Southport riots told a court: “I have no hatred towards police or any other race.” Harvey Gabbott, 21 and of Hillside in Tarleton, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning, Monday, August 12 charged with violent disorder as part of a widespread police operation into recent riots across Merseyside.

Gabbott, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit and sporting blonde hair, admitted his role in the rioting on St Luke’s Road in Southport on July 30. The rioting, which saw officers pelted with bricks, vehicles set on fire and a mosque damaged, came after a peaceful vigil in Southport in memory of three young girls who died the previous day following a mass stabbing.

After Gabbott, a dad-of-one, admitted his role he asked the sitting judge if he could say two things. After District Judge Healey confirmed he could, Gabbott said: “Can I just say I have no hatred towards police or any other races. I’m nothing like that.”

Jessica Pridding, prosecuting, told the court the defendant was identified as part of Merseyside Police’s Operation Pepper Berry – the force’s probe into the recent acts of disorder in Southport, Liverpool city centre and Walton. She said: “There is a series of footage from the widespread disorder in Southport.

The defendant is seen wearing a long sleeve top and a bodywarmer. He is seen throwing a pint of beer-coloured liquid in the direction of police officers. He handed himself in and accepted he threw a plastic cup towards officers. He said he was nosey and didn’t expect it to get out of hand.”

In mitigation, Ibrahim Nadim, defending, said: “The defendant accepts it was beer in the glass. He had no intention of going but saw what was happening on social media. He said it was a stupid thing to do. He is a roofer who has been in full time employment for five years.

“He has no previous convictions. He has a child of six months. He bitterly regrets doing it, he doesn’t know why he did it. It was a spur of the moment decision.” Judge Healey refused the defendant bail and remanded him into custody to appear for sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, August 16.

Gabbott is among 30 people who have been charged in relation with the disorder across Merseyside. Eight men have been convicted for their roles with a number of others to appear for sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court later this week.

Violent clashes between police and protesters occurred on Tuesday July 30 in Southport and Saturday August 3 in Liverpool following the deaths of Elsie Dot Stancome, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine during a mass stabbing in Southport.

Merseyside Police have so far charged 30 people in connection with the recent disorder in Southport and Liverpool. The latest number of people arrested stands at 52 and eight people have, as of August 12, been jailed.

Previously Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said the violence that had been caused by the riots was “despicable”. He added: “Each and every person who took part can expect to face the consequences of their actions. We are still working through hours of footage and reams of images as it comes in and we’ll continue to arrest, charge and put before the courts anyone identified.

“The courts have acted swiftly to jail those people who being violence, racism and hatred into our communities and that will continue into next week. To anyone intent on bringing violence and disorder to Merseyside in the future: don’t. You will join the ever growing list of people convicted and jailed for bringing violent disorder to our streets. If you recognise any of the people pictured, contact us @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000663787.”

Liverpool Echo

Thomas Ward: Pleads guilty to violent disorder and exposure after exposing himself in front of police

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August 12, 2024
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A thug exposed himself to the police during violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens.

Thomas Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Bradford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and exposure on August 3.

The court heard he was part of a large ‘angry’ crowd in the city centre. He was seen to throw a plank of wood towards police officers, and was seen to kick out at a man during a group assault on him.

He made attempts to cover his face with his t-shirt, but at one point ‘deliberately exposed his penis’ prosecutor Tess Kenyon said.

“This was deemed intentional to cause serious offence,” she said. “One female officer states she felt she was being targeted. He was identified by way of tattoos and a black ankle tag.”

Mitigating, Samantha Smith said Ward ‘completely regretted his actions’.

“He’d had a couple of drinks and came across the protest and got himself involved,” she added.

Remanding him into custody, District Judge Joanne Hirst said the incident was shameful’.

He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court for sentence on August 19.

MEN

Man pleads guilty after throwing pint at police

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August 12, 2024
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A man who launched a pint pot full of cider at the police whilst shouting ‘f***ing ISIS’ during a large-scale disturbance in Piccadilly Gardens has admitted violent disorder. Graham Brookes, 42, of no fixed abode, was said to have attended Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and was captured on various pieces of footage.

“In one of the videos, a lone black male was approached by numerous white males and was assaulted,” prosecutor Tess Kenyon said. “He managed to break free with the help of police officers, but the crowd continued to go towards him. The defendant was at the front of that group.”

Brookes was heard to shout: “f***ing ISIS.” He then proceeded to throw a plastic pot containing liquid towards asian males – this was later found to be fruit cider. He was also heard shouting: “Come on, come on.”

Brookes was remanded into custody and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 19. District Judge Joanne Hirst said to him: “You have admitted this provocative, shameful and racist actions towards others.”

MEN

Woman pleads guilty after throwing ‘liquid’ at police

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August 12, 2024
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A woman has pleaded guilty to throwing ‘liquid’ at police officers during a disturbance outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Nevey Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder on July 31. Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said that there was a large-scale disturbance outside a hotel on Oldham Road, during which Smith was seen to throw a liquid from a bottle towards the police officers.

“This was after two people who were seeking asylum had gone into the hotel,” she said. “She had a child in a stroller with her at the time.”

Mitigating, Robert Moussalli said his client, who wept throughout, was ‘deeply sorry’. “She was taking her child to her grandmother’s when she saw her auntie standing with some people near to the hotel and went to talk to her,” he said.

“Then people started shouting and she moved to the front of the group and her auntie went to the back with her child. She wasn’t planning to do anything.”

He said Smith had thrown water, but it had not made contact with the officers. He added that she ‘lost her temper’ when someone from behind the police ‘shouted at her’.

“I accept she brought it entirely on herself,” Mr Moussalli added.

Granting her bail with stringent conditions, District Judge Joanne Hirst said: “I am prepared to give you one opportunity. You put your own child at risk.”

She will next appear at Manchester Crown Court for sentence on August 19.

MEN

Two women plead guilty

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August 12, 2024
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Two women have pleaded guilty to violent disorder during a disturbance outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Michelle Jibson, 45, of Kingsbridge Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. She is alleged to have attended outside the hotel on Oldham Road on July 31.

Both her and Tracy Pearson, 53, were described as ‘agitators’. Jibson was said to be wearing a yellow shirt with an England flag wrapped around her waist.

“She is seen to strike out at a police officer during a verbal provocation,” prosecutor Tess Kenyon said. “She doesn’t remove herself despite requests by the police to move on.”

Jibson was said to have ‘genuine remorse’. Pearson, also of Kingsbridge Road, was said to have attended outside the hotel, and was also wearing an England flag wrapped around her waist.

She was said to be verbally provocative to the police, shouting: “F*** off – I can’t believe you lot at sticking up for that s**t in there. They can get away with everything in this country, they stabbed a soldier last week.

“Mental health – we ain’t f***ing stupid. They rape our kids and murder them.” Ms Shaw, representing both, said of Pearson: “She is very sorry. She wished she didn’t attend at the time.”

Both women were remanded into custody and will be sentenced on August 19.

MEN

Boy, 16, pleads guilty to role in Bolton disorder

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August 12, 2024
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A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4.

During a ‘flare up’ at around 2pm, the boy was caught on CCTV throwing an object towards mounted officers, who were trying to disperse the protesters, the court heard.

“CCTV also caught him walking with the protesters whilst carrying a weapon,” prosecutor Tess Kenyon said.

He was also caught on CCTV pulling up the shutters of a store whilst others were going inside to loot it. Damage was also caused to the front of the store.

In a statement, the shop owner said he believed the shop was targeted ‘due to racism’.

Mitigating, Ms Dyson said he had been ‘easily led’ and he had ‘simply joined in’.

“He is extremely frightened at the prospect of remand,” she said.

The boy’s mum, who was wiping tears from her cheek throughout, was asked by the judge: “What has gone wrong?”

She explained that there had been some difficulties at home and with her health.

“He is a lovely boy,” she wept. District Judge Joanne Hirst replied: “They all are until they hurt somebody or loot something.”

Addressing the 16-year-old, who looked visibly upset, she said: “This is a very serious situation – there is a high risk you will serve a period of custody.

“You should be thoroughly ashamed. A lot of you people go through a lot more and don’t go out committing offences.”

The boy was remanded into local authority accommodation and will be sentenced on September 2 at Manchester Youth Court.

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