Paul Smith admits violent disorder

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August 8, 2024
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Paul Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Newton Heath, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

The court heard that he was one of a large group of people outside a hotel on Oldham Road in Hewton Heath on July 31 that was believed to be housing asylum seekers. He was identified as being in the area for ‘some time’, Mr Lynch said.

The prosecutor said:

“At 9.45pm he is seen throwing what appears to be a glass bottle from his left hand.

“Shortly afterwards he is then seen carrying a brick in his left hand. He is then seen shortly after that picking up bits of broken brick from the floor and then picks up another brick and throws it against the wall to break it into smaller pieces.

“He then picks up the smaller piece and throws it towards the police.”

The court heard he had previous convictions including for possession of an offensive weapon and assault of an emergency worker.

His solicitor, Suzanne Dooley applied for ‘stringent bail conditions’ on his behalf. She said:

“He resides with his mother and father, they are absolutely beside themselves. They were not aware he was in this location, and when they did find out they told him to come home immediately.”

Ms Dooley said his family were concerned about the impact of custody due to his mental health issues and were concerned about ‘how he would cope’.

However, DJ Hirst remanded him into custody, stating that her sentencing powers were insufficient.

She said:

“You are a grown man. Your mother and father obviously are very concerned about you, but you are a grown man and I believe they are responsible for their own actions.”

As the hearing concluded Smith’s family members, who were sitting in the public gallery, walked up to the glass dock and spoke to him, whilst the judge told them to leave immediately. They could be heard shouting, with one woman saying: “That doesn’t help!”

He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 15.

Manchester Evening News

Tattooed football hooligan in tears as he admits swinging punches during Piccadilly Gardens riot, as more appear in court over unrest

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August 7, 2024
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Liam Ryan wiped tears from his face as he was led to the cells below

A man who caused terror when he live-streamed an asylum seeker hotel has admitting stirring up racial hatred, as more people accused over the unrest in Greater Manchester appeared in court today (August 7).

Aaron Johnson, 32, was among a second tranche of suspects who appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court this morning following the unrest which took place in Bolton and Manchester city centre over the weekend.

A second man, Liam Ryan, 28, wept as he admitted violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens. Disorder hit towns and cities across the country, including in Greater Manchester, followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club in Southport last week.

Incorrect rumours – that the suspect in the stabbings was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a small boat – spread on social media and appears to have fuelled the unrest.

Aaron Johnson, 32, of Criterion Street, North Reddish, Stockport, pleaded guilty to an offence of distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred, contrary to the Public Order Act when he appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The court heard that on August 5 Johnson attended outside a hotel in Stockport where it is believed that asylum seekers were staying. Members of staff became aware of his presence, and it later became clear that he was live streaming on YouTube.

“Members of staff started to become concerned for the welfare of the asylum seekers. They spoke with the defendant and he became aggressive towards them,” prosecutor Laura Peers told the court.

“He started saying that people staying in the hotels had been throwing bricks at white people, for which there was no evidence.” Johnson became more aggressive towards staff and threatened to ‘smash their face in’.

The police were called and he was arrested. His livestream was obtained by police, in which he was heard to call the people inside the hotel derogatory and racist names, and further racist language towards them, according to the prosecution.

The stream was viewed by millions of people. Ms Peers said this posed a significant danger to those inside the hotel, as the stream was uploaded to Johnson’s YouTube Channel and was viewed millions of times. He has one previous conviction for a public order offence at a football match, the court heard.

David Philpott, mitigating, said: “He knows full well he has done wrong.” The case was adjourned to August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.

District Judge Jane Hamilton said Johnson had ‘no reason’ to attend the hotel.

He said: “You were taking pictures through the window of people who were trying to sleep and also made reference to the children who were murdered in Southport. That had nothing to do with asylum seekers or anybody else.

“The male who did that was born in this country. There was no reason whatsoever for this offence to occur.” Johnson was remanded into custody.

Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following an incident on August 3 in Manchester city centre. He swung punches at rivals during the trouble in Piccadilly Gardens and wept throughout his appearance in court.

Ms Peers said Ryan had previous convictions for involving himself in large scale disturbances, particularly at football matches, and was subject to a football banning order. “The defendant lives in Bradford and it is believed he travelled to the city centre with the purpose of taking part in the events,” she said.

“He played an active role in the violent disorder. He was seen swinging a punch towards the male, which did not connect. He then punched him again a number of times making contact whilst the crowd were shouting in the background.”

Mitigating, Mr Philpott said Ryan took full responsibility for his actions.

“He would like to apologise and have the chance to write a letter to the male concerned expressing his regret and remorse,” he said. Mr Philpott added that Ryan, a window fitter, had issues with alcohol.

Remanding Ryan in custody, District Judge Hamilton said: “You are a person who involved themselves in large scale disturbances and this in particular was a large scale disturbance. Not only that, you travelled from Bradford to Manchester, across the Borders, to involve yourself in this offence.

“Bearing in mind this disorder is ongoing, I find you would commit further offences if I granted you bail.”

Ryan wept throughout the hearing, and wiped tears from his face as he was led to the cells below. His case was adjourned until August 14 when he will appear at Manchester Crown Court.

A string of other accused appeared in court and either entered no plea or denied the charges against them.

Shaun Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Cheadle, Stockport, appeared in court charged with violent disorder following an incident on August 3 in the city centre. He did not enter any pleas to the offence.

Prosecutor Laura Peers said that at around 1pm there was a number of large scale disturbances which took place around Piccadilly Gardens. Applying for bail on behalf of Mr Holt, David Philpott, defending, said the delivery driver was also the sole carer for his ill daughter.

District Judge Hamilton remanded Mr Holt into custody. He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

Andrew Phillips, 27, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, appeared in court charged with violent disorder in relation to the trouble in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. He did not enter any plea to the offence.

Applying for bail on behalf of Mr Phillips, Michelle Crossland, said he had a stable job in full time employment as a mechanical engineer. District Judge Hamilton remanded the defendant in custody before his next appearance at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

David Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, appeared in court charged with violent disorder in relation to the incident in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. He did not enter any plea at this stage. DJ Hamilton remanded Mr Green into custody. He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

Matthew Wilson, 31, of Parrock Street, Rossendale, Lancashire, has pleaded not guilty to three offences of racially aggravated assault. It is alleged that he was involved in an incident in the city centre on August 5. He denies involvement.

The court heard he had also allegedly made racist and homophobic comments. He was remanded into custody and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

As he was led to the cells, Mr Wilson punched the glass of the dock a number of times and shouted derogatory terms at the judge.

District Judge Hamilton hauled the defendant back into court after the lunchbreak asked him to apologise for his outburst or spend the next seven days in custody for contempt. At first the defendant remained silent and said: “Yeah, go on then.”

Probed to give a ‘proper apology’ by the judge, he said: “I’m sorry for punching the glass.”

Duty solicitor Mr Philpott said: “I saw him earlier over the lunchtime adjournment. He apologises. He is mentally frustrated by recent events.”

The case was concluded and Mr Wilson will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

Alex Fraser, 20, of Leicester Road, Salford, pleaded not guilty to three racially aggravated public order offences. It is alleged that he was involved in an incident in the city centre on August 5. He denies involvement.

The court heard he had also allegedly made racist and homophobic comments. Applying for bail, his solicitor Richard Birtwistle said he was staying at a hostel in Stockport at the time, and has some mental health challenges.

DJ Hamilton remanded Mr Frazer, who looked visibly upset, into custody and he will next appear before Manchester Crown Court on September 11.
Manchester Evening News

Guilty: Rioters who attacked police told jail time is ‘inevitable’

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August 7, 2024
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One rioter was warned that an immediate prison sentence “seems inevitable”

A pair of louts who attacked police in two separate scenes of “shocking violence” in Southport and Liverpool have admitted their crimes. Philip Prescot, 38, and David Hill, also 38, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, August 7, where they both pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Prescot, of Sefton Street, Southport, was part of a violent mob which descended on the town on Tuesday, July 30, following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar. Residents’ property was damaged, police cars were set on fire and 53 officers were injured in the riot, which is believed to have been organised by the far-right English Defence League.

Prosecutor Michael O’Kane said: “The defendant (Prescot) took part in the violent disorder on July 30 – some shocking violent scenes. “Footage from CCTV and police helicopter showed the defendant kicking a wall down, breaking bricks from the wall and throwing them towards officers. A number of missiles were thrown at officers.

“The officers are attacked by not only the defendant, but also by others present. The police are seen to move back due to the sheer volume of missiles and people offering violence towards them.” Meanwhile Hill, of Bianca Street, Bootle, was involved in scenes of violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, August 3.

Mr O’Kane said: “On Saturday, August 3, violent disorder started in the city centre. During the disturbance, unlawful violence ensued, businesses looted and officers were injured. CCTV and social media posts have been considered by police. The defendant has been identified as part of a group that was involved in the disorder. The defendant can be seen kicking the left wing mirror of a police vehicle while others, currently untraced, set the vehicle alight.”

He said Hill, who appeared in court in black trousers and a plain red T-shirt, had 71 previous convictions for 122 offences. Both Prescot and Hill were represented by duty solicitor Sinead Fearon. In the case of Prescot, she said she had been instructed not to apply for bail as “further instances of protest and violence are planned”. Both men were denied bail by district judge Timothy Boswell, who cited the possibility they would continue to engage in far-right violence.

Addressing Hill, he said: “For his part in the violent disorder that took place in the city centre on August 3, the seriousness of the offence means there’s a very real prospect of immediate custody in this case.”

Addressing Prescot, he said: “There’s a prospect of an immediate custodial sentence. That seems almost inevitable.” Both men were remanded in custody awaiting sentence at Liverpool Crown Court on August 13.

Liverpool Echo

This man had a mid-riot pub crawl then got arrested

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August 7, 2024
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Liam Riley recalled his last pint was at Ranelagh’s Tavern

Liam Riley, 41, of Kirkdale, 20 months imprisonment for violent disorder and racially aggravated abusive behaviour in Liverpool City Centre.(Image: Merseyside Police )

Liam Riley, 41, of Kirkdale, 20 months imprisonment for violent disorder and racially aggravated abusive behaviour in Liverpool City Centre.(Image: Merseyside Police )

A drunken thug joined a gang of around 100 people to attack police during violent scenes of disorder in Liverpool city centre. Liam Riley, 41, of Walton Road, Kirkdale, was at the cordon at Whitechapel and Church Road in the city centre on Saturday, August 3.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, August 7 how officers were sent to the scene at around 7pm. Police were subject to a “torrent of missiles” including bricks and rocks. Sergeant David Peate was struck with a bottle.

Mr Taylor added: “A shop window had been smashed. He described about 100 aggressive chanting people moving towards that cordon. The cordon was ordered to move forward. Many of those acting in a disorderly manner moved back. However this defendant moved towards officers. He was moving his arms around and shouting.

“The defendant was arrested. An officer saw the defendant refuse to move back and standing against officers. Due to the ongoing situation it was not possible to caution the defendant. He was taken to his feet and moved away.

“He was clearly drunk. The defendant was abusive towards an officer, calling him a traitor and Muslim lover. Once in a place of safety, he was cautioned and arrested.”

Riley was taken to police custody where he continued to hurl abuse at officers calling them “r******” among other things. He made negative comments towards immigrants and Muslims and made comments they were both to blame for the tragedy in Southport.

Mr Taylor said: “A poster stating this is our city was recovered from him. In his interview, the defendant said he heard about a protest at Pier Head and went to show solidarity and support for the bereaved parents. He was wearing a St George’s flag around his neck. He explained that he and others were frightened.”

The court heard Riley had been moved from the riots at the Pier Head and went drinking in four or five bars. He recalled his last pint was at Ranelagh’s Tavern.

Riley said he then “told officers to put their batons down and go home”, with Mr Taylor adding: “The defendant said he was not part of any particular group, he just followed the evolving situation.

“He could not explain why he stayed and returned having been moved on from the Pier Head. He describes that he was on his own but well aware of the missiles being thrown. He stated he did not like ‘illegals’ coming over and did not provoke violence or threaten anyone.”

Riley has no previous convictions. Brendan Carville, defending, said Riley was a “man of previous good character”, but said he was a “loner”.

He told the court: “He came to the Pier Head in support for the victims of the Southport matter. Stupidly he hung around. He went to a number of pubs. He’s a man who has not had a drink for a long time. He got caught up in the crowd and became involved in these offences.

“He was not masked or a member of any organised political group, not understanding the concept of far right or far left. He had a poster thrust into his hands at the Pier Head. He is a very foolish man for becoming involved. He knows and accepts he’s going to receive an immediate sentence.”

Mr Carville said he was not an “organiser” or a “political activist”. Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said Riley had made “racist comments” and was aggressive towards officers.

Sentencing Riley, he said: “You were part of a large marauding group of around 100 people. Missiles were thrown at the police lines. Extensive damage was caused to commercial property.

“It seems you had been out drinking and, you say, had been swept up in the excitement. Whatever the reason, you were wilfully behaving aggressively towards the officers. You made racist comments about them and their apparent bias towards other members of the community of which you were not a part.

“It is very sad indeed you should find yourself in this position. You are a man of previous good character. You have no previous convictions for any offence of violence. In your case, I am perfectly satisfied it would not be proper to suspend any prison term. Only immediate custody is appropriate.”

Riley was sentenced to 20 months in jail. He showed no reaction to his sentence.

Liverpool Echo

Woman sentenced after city centre protest

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August 7, 2024
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A woman has been sentenced after disorder at a protest in Nottingham city centre over the weekend.

Hundreds of people gathered near the Brian Clough Statue on King Street as part of demonstrations organised by rival groups on Saturday.

The demonstrations, which saw chanting from some far-right and anti-fascist protesters, were among a number to take place across the UK.

Victoria Gray – one of eight individuals charged after the Nottingham protest – was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The 42-year-old has also been ordered to pay a £200 fine for religious aggravated harassment, alarm or distress, and told to pay £231 in compensation to a victim for one count of assaulting an emergency worker.

Gray, of High Lane East, West Hallam, Derbyshire, was also served four rehabilitation community orders in relation to the charges.

Nottinghamshire Police said the demonstrations in Nottingham remained “largely peaceful”, and warned any other disorder would see a “robust response”.

The charges and sentence

Gray was sentenced to four and three months respectively, suspended for a year, for two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. The three-month sentence will run concurrently to the four-month term

She was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for a year, for possession of a weapon designed for the discharge of noxious liquid or gas or electrical incapacitation, and handed an order for the deprivation of the defendant’s right to use pepper spray. The sentence will run consecutively to the four-month term

Gray was given three months in prison, suspended for a year, for using threatening or abusive or insulting behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress. This sentence was ordered to run concurrently

Two other charges – using threatening words or behaviour intending to steer religious or sexual orientation hatred, and using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment or alarm – were withdrawn

BBC News

Bradford man Liam Ryan pleads guilty to violent disorder

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August 7, 2024
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A BRADFORD man cried in court as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder following disturbances in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre last weekend.

Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this morning after the prosecution said he played an “active role in the disorder”.

Prosecutor Laura Peers said there had been a number of “large-scale disturbances” in Piccadilly Gardens last Saturday and Ryan had travelled from West Yorkshire to take part in the disorder.

Ms Peers said a “large group of far-right protesters” were seen engaging in an “altercation with one black male”, which was filmed by members of the group and uploaded on social media.

The prosecutor said the footage showed “a black male being confronted by a large group of white males”.

Ms Peers said Ryan had “played an active role in the disorder”, adding: “He was seen on the footage aiming a punch towards the male involved.”

District Judge Jane Hamilton remanded Ryan, who was shaking as he wiped tears away with a tissue after pleading guilty, into custody and ordered him to appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 14.

Earlier, Greater Manchester Police said four men – including Ryan – had been charged over the disorder in Manchester city centre last weekend.

David Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, was also charged with violent disorder, while Andrew Phillips, 27, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, and Shaun Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport, were both charged with violent disorder and assault.

Holt also appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today.

Holt gave no indication of plea.

District Judge Hamilton remanded Holt into custody and he will appear for a plea hearing at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

Disorder erupted in cities across the country last week after the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport – with unrest fuelled by misinformation online that the suspect was an asylum seeker.

The Government has said it will do “whatever it takes” to ensure those engaging in criminal activity are dealt with, including courts sitting overnight.

Minister for policing, Dame Diana Johnson, said: “We’ve already got people arrested and remanded into custody.

“It’s very clear that we want to send that message to people – if you engage in this type of criminal thuggery on our streets, you will be held to account,” she added.

Telegraph and Argus

‘Family man’ unmasked as riot thug stirring up hatred from armchair while he nursed broken heel

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August 7, 2024
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Leeds man pictured after being convicted of posting Facebook messages about attacking a hotel hosting asylum seekers

This is the Leeds thug convicted of posting messages of hate on Facebook about attacking a hotel hosting asylum seekers in the city. He is the first man to be charged over social media posts relating to the week of violent disorder – and now faces up to a year behind bars.

Jordan Parlour, 28, of Seacroft, has been convicted of using threatening words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred after the posts were reported to the police. The Britannia Hotel manager was forced to put the Leeds building into lockdown on Saturday, August 3 after disorder which saw one window broken after stones were thrown.

The court heard Parlour was a family man and was at home nursing a broken heel. There is currently no evidence that Parlour attended the hotel.

his marks the first conviction for posting online in relation to the week of rioting across the country. It comes as Yvette Cooper hit out at ‘armchair thugs’ who had been fanning the flames of tension online.

Parlour pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday) and was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, August 9.

Nick Price, Director of Legal Services at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “I want to be absolutely clear, anyone involved in inciting this thuggish behaviour will face severe consequences. Parlour advocated violence through his online posts and risked the safety of those staying at the hotel.

“The CPS will continue to act swiftly and robustly regarding these cases and ensure those responsible for such deplorable criminality are brought to justice.”

Joe MacKenzie, a 28-year-old from Darlington, dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief earlier today as he was told he would be remanded in custody for his alleged part in Sunday’s rioting in Middlesbrough.

Leeds Live

Blackpool rioters plead guilty at court as Lancashire Police warn of further arrests to come

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August 7, 2024
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Three men from Blackpool have pleaded guilty to their part in rioting at the weekend – and police say more can expect a knock on their door in the days to come.

They pleaded guilty at Preston Magistrates’ Court yesterday after being charged with offences including assaulting emergency workers and possession of a metal pole as an offensive weapon.

Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He was granted bail ahead of his sentencing hearing on September 4 at the same court.

Tyla Chalmers-Millington, 18, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence. He was told he must not enter Blackpool Promenade within 500 metres of the Metropole Hotel ahead of his sentencing hearing at the same court on September 3.

Ben Smith, 32, of Dickson Road, Blackpool, was remanded in custody after admitting possession of an offensive weapon – a metal pole – and is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on September 16.

Lancashire Police said CCTV and footage on social media is being reviewed and the force expects to make further arrests in the days to come.

CCTV being reviewed, further arrests expected

Deputy Chief Constable Sam Mackenzie, of Lancashire Police, said: “We have a dedicated team reviewing CCTV, and I expect there to be further arrests.

“These charges reflect just how seriously we are taking these offences. We will not tolerate this behaviour in our county, and we will identify you, find you and bring you to justice if you are committing these crimes.

“The scenes in Blackpool we saw on Saturday, by those intent on causing disorder, has nothing to do with legitimate protest or the tragic events of last Monday.

“The support we have had from local communities for our police officers has been greatly appreciated.

“We will always put the safety of the public first and are incredibly grateful for your support. Be assured we will continue to police in such a way that puts the needs of our communities at the heart of everything that we do.”

Blackpool Gazette

17-year-old ‘threw traffic cone and rock’, court hears

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August 7, 2024
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A 17-year-old boy has admitted a charge of violent disorder relating to a protest in Plymouth on Monday night.

The defendant, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared before Plymouth Youth Court on Wednesday morning and pleaded guilty to the single charge against him.

Gareth Warden, prosecuting, told the court that police officers saw the boy throwing a traffic cone and a rock towards a large group of protesters in the Devon city’s centre.

District Judge Joanna Matson released the boy, from Plymouth, on conditional bail ahead of his sentencing hearing at Plymouth Youth Court on September 5.

Plymouth Live

Michael Williams guilty of violent disorder

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August 7, 2024
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Michael Williams, 51, of Sparkwell, Devon, pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder relating to protests in Plymouth on Monday night.

Plymouth Magistrates’ Court heard there were bottles and rocks being thrown between two groups of protesters before fighting broke out, with Williams seen kicking another man.

He was arrested and police officers discovered a stone “tucked into his jogging bottoms”, prosecutor Gareth Warden said.

District Judge Joanna Matson remanded Williams into custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at Plymouth Crown Court on Thursday.

She told him: “These matters are incredibly serious indeed. You have accepted your role in very serious disorder and violence in the city centre that took place on Monday night.

“That kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in this society. I am satisfied that my sentencing powers are insufficient and I am going to commit you to the crown court for you to be sentenced.”

Plymouth Live