Daniel McGuire pleads guilty to volent disorder

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August 7, 2024
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Daniel McGuire, 45, of Crescent Avenue, Plymouth, pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder relating to a protest in Plymouth on Monday night.

Prosecuting, Gareth Warden told Plymouth Magistrates’ Court how McGuire was “clearly intoxicated” and pushed up against police shields, with the defendant “spitting on officers and shields” despite being told to stop.

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

She told him: “You have accepted your role in a very significant disorder and violence that took place in Plymouth city centre on Monday night.

“This was violent thuggery, it will not be tolerated in our society. You will be subjected to the full force of the law.”

Plymouth Live

Faces of first three thugs jailed after joining ‘mobs’ in Southport and Liverpool

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August 7, 2024
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From left; Liam Riley, Declan Geiran and Derek Drummond(Image: Merseyside Police)

From left; Liam Riley, Declan Geiran and Derek Drummond(Image: Merseyside Police)



Three men have been jailed for roles in a series of disturbances across Merseyside. Violence has flared in Southport, Liverpool city centre and Walton over the past week.

Police vans were set alight and officers were attacked during protesting on St Luke’s Road in the seaside town on Tuesday last week, which came following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar. A planned protest at the Pier Head on Saturday afternoon also turned violent, with Merseyside Police forced to use riot gear after bricks and debris were thrown towards PCs.

The disorder then continued on County Road that evening as chaos, violence and destruction ensued as looters targeted businesses in the area. This included a fire being started at Spellow Library and Community Hub.

Three men who pleaded guilty to offences including violent disorder and arson earlier this week in connection with the disturbances in Southport and the city centre appeared before Liverpool Crown Court for sentence this morning, Wednesday. Liam Riley, Derek Drummond and Declan Geiran had previously been due to learn their fates later this month, but their sentencings were subsequently been brought forward.

Drummond, of Pool Street in Southport, admitted violent disorder and assaulting an emergency services worker at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The 58-year-old shouted “s***houses” before punching one police officer, PC Thomas Ball, in the face and was then said to have subsequently thrown bricks at the scene after “breaking down a wall”.

Geiran, who attempted to set a Merseyside Police van on fire on William Brown Street in the city centre on Saturday, pleaded guilty to arson and violent disorder. The 29-year-old, of Kelso Road in Kensington, was seen on CCTV “using an implement to attempt to set fire to the vehicle before making off”, later being arrested in possession of two lighters.

Riley, of Walton Road, admitted violent disorder and racially-aggravated threatening behaviour. The 41-year-old was said to have formed part of a “large crowd” of around 100 people – some of whom were “throwing rocks and bricks towards” police officers on Whitechapel, where a number of shop windows were also smashed.

As many members of the crowd retreated from the police, he “stood his ground, shouting and waving his arms”. After being taken to the ground, a “very drunk” Riley continued to shout at PCs calling them “traitors” and “Muslim lovers”.

He was also found in possession of a banner reading “this is our city” following his arrest, having been wearing a St George’s flag around his neck. Under interview, he “said he’d heard through word of mouth” of a protest at the Pier Head and attended “in sympathy” and had “been to the pub and had three or four pints at Ranelagh’s Tavern”, but “accepted he did get involved.”

Drummond was today jailed for three years by the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC. Geiran received 30 months while Riley was handed 20 months.

Sentencing, Judge Menary said: “Every decent member of the community will have been appalled, horrified and deeply disturbed by what has taken place. On Monday the 29th of July, many families in Southport suffered the most devastating loss when three little girls and numerous other children and adults were brutally killed and seriously injured in a knife attack at a dance class.

“While still shocked and bewildered, many residents in the town came together the following evening. They came together for the purposes of a vigil in support of the bereaved families.

“However, there were others who saw these events as an opportunity to sow division and hatred and published on social media false information about the supposed nationality, ethnicity or religion of the alleged attacker. All of this was complete nonsense, but from that point on it has been used as a pretext for widespread disorder escalating across the country including in this city.

“The police thought they would be joining with a community in mourning. The same night, those officers – some of whom had been present the previous day – found themselves attempting to defend a part of the town and themselves in what was a pitched battle with a large and utterly lawless mob. Quite what they were protesting about remains a complete mystery to me. This mob were using the most foul and racist abuse.

“Over several hours, windows were smashed, walls were demolished and bricks were hurled at the police who were doing nothing more than seeking to protect the community. Over 50 police officers were injured. This was large scale and very violent criminal activity. The genuine collective grief of Southport was effectively hijacked by this callous behaviour.

“Southport is a town where traditionally families live, grow up and take pride in the closeness of the community. Liverpool is a city full of wonderful people with a reputation for creativity and enterprise. Your actions have damaged and discarded the reputations of that town and that city. Quite simply, those who deliberately participate in such disorder will inevitably be punished with sentences designed to deter others from such activity.”

Jonathan Egan, senior district crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey Cheshire said following the sentencing: “Today, the first prison sentences have been handed down for offenders involved in the widespread and unacceptable disorder we saw in Southport and Liverpool last week. Drummond, Riley and Geiran’s actions would have caused panic, revulsion and chaos in their local communities.

“The three men sentenced today are the tip of the iceberg and just the start of what will be a very painful process for many who foolishly chose to involve themselves in violent unrest. Many of those involved will be sent to prison for a long time.

“The disturbing images we have seen across the country, manipulated by agitators both in-person and online, while local families still grieve the loss of loved ones, is an unforgivable and selfish act that each and every person sentenced today will have to live with. Violence, rioting and aggression will never be tolerated in this country and we stand ready to use the full force of the law against any others who have been, or are considering, joining these intolerable scenes.

“The Crown Prosecution Service’s message is clear. Whatever your motivation for targeting police, inciting hatred, or wreaking havoc on your local community, you will be swiftly punished. Riley, Drummond and Geiran mistakenly thought they would escape justice. They now face an extended period of time behind bars, and their criminal convictions will stay with them forever.

“There are hundreds of prosecutors working flat out across the country, making real-time charging decisions and helping put offenders before the courts. We will continue to work side by side with our police partners to ensure the criminal justice system responds to any and all incidents of disorder as swiftly as possible.

“Let today’s result serve as a warning to all those who carry out criminality on our streets. You will always suffer the consequences.”

Liverpool Echo

David Hill has pleaded guilty

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August 7, 2024
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David Hill has appeared in court in a red shirt and black trousers, charged with violent disorder on William Brown Street, Liverpool, on August 3.

He is represented by Sinead Fearon. The prosecution is Michael O’Kane.

When asked for his plea, he replied: “Guilty sir.”

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.”

Ms Fearon said: “It’s a matter for the crown court.”

District Judge Timothy Boswell 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.”

He added that Hill, who has 71 previous convictions for 122 offences, had shown willingness to take part in further disorder which police had been made aware of, and so remanded him in custody. Hill will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 13.

Liverpool Echo

Philip Prescot pleads guilty

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August 7, 2024
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Philip Prescot of Sefton Street, Southport, has appeared in the docks in a grey The North Face tracksuit and a black coat.

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the junction of Sussex Road and Zetland Street, Southport, on July 30.

Prosecutor Michael O’Kane said: “The defendant 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.”

Sinead O’Kane, defending, said she had been instructed not to apply for bail, as the court heard “further instances of protest and violence are planned”.

Prescot was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown court on August 13.

District judge Timothy Boswell said: “There’s a prospect of an immediate custodial sentence. That seems almost inevitable.”

Liverpool Echo

Teen seen ‘celebrating’

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August 7, 2024
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A teenager seen “celebrating” after throwing an object which hit a police officer during riots in Darlington has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Cole Stewart, 18, of Victoria Road, Darlington, was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Friday.

A district judge heard the defendant, who had bruises on his face when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court, was seen “throwing objects at police” during the disorder on Monday.

Heather Blair, prosecuting, said an officer “felt a sharp blow to his wrist” from an object believed to be thrown by Stewart, who was then seen “celebrating with his arms in the air”.

Gazette live

‘Main instigator’ pleads guilty

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August 7, 2024
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A 21-year-old described as “the main instigator” of a large group pushing against a police line during riots in Middlesbrough has admitted throwing stones and rocks at officers.

Charlie Bullock pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, which heard he was part of the “disorder which descended into violence”. Heather Blair, prosecuting, said Bullock was wearing a black balaclava as he threw stones at police who were trying to control the group on Linthorpe Road.

The court heard an officer took hold of him and he resisted, “kicking out and struggling”. The officer took Bullock to the floor and was then surrounded by other members of the group who “repeatedly assaulted him” until other officers came to his aid.

The defendant was remanded in custody until Friday, when he will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.

Gazette Live

Company director sobs as he appears in court over alleged role in Middlesbrough riots

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August 6, 2024
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Joe MacKenzie is one of 28 people in the dock at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in connection with the disorder on Sunday

Joe MacKenzie Joe MacKenzie was 'arrested on suspicion of throwing items, attacking police throughout the day and shouting expletives'

Joe MacKenzie
Joe MacKenzie was ‘arrested on suspicion of throwing items, attacking police throughout the day and shouting expletives’

A company director sobbed in court on Tuesday, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief, as he was told he would be remanded in custody for his alleged part in rioting in Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Joe MacKenzie, 28, is accused of being among a main body of around 20 men wearing balaclavas and face coverings who clashed with the police during violent disorder in the city.

He is one of 28 people to have appeared at Teesside magistrates’ court on Tuesday in connection with the disorder.

Those who appeared in court are aged between 16 and 56.

Twenty-six are charged with violent disorder, one adult aged 18 is charged with possession of an offensive weapon and another, aged 32, was charged after being wanted on warrant.

A total of 40 arrests have now been made in connection with the disorder in Middlesbrough.

Four adults have been released on bail pending further enquiries, one remains in hospital because of a pre-existing medical condition and seven juveniles were released on bail while enquiries continue.

Mr MacKenzie, from Darlington, began to weep while sitting alongside a dock officer as Chris Tame, prosecuting, briefly outlined the case against him.

Mr Tame said: “The defendant was arrested on suspicion of throwing items, attacking police throughout the day and shouting expletives. He was seen drinking from a can of lager.”
Defendant denies using or threatening unlawful violence

Mr MacKenzie, a director in his father’s kitchen and bathroom business, denies using or threatening unlawful violence and will face trial before Teesside Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Nick Woodhouse applied for bail on Mr MacKenzie’s behalf, claiming that he had gone into the centre of Middlesbrough “out of curiosity.”

Mr Woodhouse told the court: “Mr MacKenzie was attempting to leave the centre of town and go back to his car but found his way blocked by a police cordon.

“He was told he would have to walk around two miles back to his vehicle, which would have been made difficult as he suffers from a club foot.”

Mr Woodhouse added that Mr MacKenzie was concerned his family business would fold if he spent further time in jail awaiting trial, but he was remanded in custody.

Also appearing at court was Thomas Rogers, 22, of no fixed address, who hurled rocks at police and yelled: “I hope your kids get raped.”

Mr Rogers was remanded in custody awaiting sentence after he admitted being in possession of an offensive weapon – the rocks – and using or threatening unlawful violence.

The court heard he was in a group of 30 people pelting police during the rioting on Sunday.

He later told officers: “I’m glad I threw the rocks.”
Teen accused of carrying axe

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of carrying an axe during the mayhem. He is charged with unlawful violence and carrying an offensive weapon.

He spoke in court to confirm his date of birth and address. He was accompanied by a dock officer.

He pleaded not guilty to the weapon offence but did not enter a plea to the other charge.

Andrew Livingston, 53, from Clifton Street, Middlesbrough, denied violent disorder and made no plea to a further charge of possessing a 46cm bladed article.

Shaven-headed Mr Livingston, heavily tattooed and wearing a white vest, looked to the ceiling as he was told he would be remanded in custody until Aug 27 when he will appear again before Teesside Crown Court.

District Judge Marie Mallon remanded him in custody while warning people talking in the public gallery they would be removed if they continued to cause disruption.

Connor Stokes, 26, of Thornaby, Teesside, denied unlawful violence and was remanded in custody after the court heard he was a “main participant” in the disorder.

Mr Tame told the court Mr Stokes, who had been wearing a grey tracksuit and black face covering, had been identified by police as one of a group of protestors hurling rocks.

Mr Stokes called “see you in a bit” to his family as he was remanded in custody by District Judge Helen Cousins.
Possession of offensive weapons

Ethan Bowes, 18, blew a kiss to his mother and father as he faced charges of violent disorder and possession of offensive weapons.

The defendant, from Guisborough, North Yorkshire, pleaded not guilty to possessing a sharp rock, possession of a sock “containing a heavy object” and violent disorder.

The teen, dressed in a black Nike T-shirt, was told he would be remanded in custody. Judge Mallon said: “These offences are too serious to be held in this court and must be heard at the crown court.”

She told the defendant he must appear on Aug 27 for a preliminary hearing.

Ashley Ferguson, 33, of Somerset Street, Middlesbrough, is alleged to have waved a pole towards police “in a threatening manner”.

Mr Ferguson pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon and was remanded in custody until Aug 27 when he will appear at a crown court.

Jamie Bullock, 20, appeared before the court accused of having a hand in an incident in which a burning wheelie bin was pushed at police.

He was said to have been involved in the incident, with prosecutor John Garside telling the court the accused had “visited the location wearing gloves and a balaclava”.

Mr Bullock, of Berwick Hills Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.

The court heard he “maintains he did nothing wrong at all – he was offered a lift in a van home”.

He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at crown court on Aug 27.
Police ‘resorted to using leg restraints’

Jamie Govan, 26, who allegedly shouted profanities and kicked out at police during the disorder in Middlesbrough, was also remanded in custody. He denied a charge of violent disorder.

Mr Garside said Mr Govan is accused of shouting: “‘You’re protecting them while they rape and kill kids”, at officers before making “come-on gestures with his hands”.

The court heard he allegedly swung his arms and kicked his legs out at police who “resorted to using leg restraints”.

Mr Govan “maintains he did nothing wrong”, a district judge was told.

The defendant was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Aug 27.

Lewis Loughlin, 23, of Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody after denying using or threatening unlawful violence in the town’s rioting.

Mr Tame said Mr Loughlin was stopped in a green car which appeared to be involved in the disorder.

Inside they found an empty petrol can, a baseball bat, knives and tools.

Mr Loughlin claimed he was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and had nothing to do with the violence.

He was remanded in custody by Judge Cousins until his next appearance on Aug 27.

Daily Telegraph

Middlesbrough riot accused in court including woman who pushed burning wheelie bin into police

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August 6, 2024
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Defendants appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court and South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court



A woman who pushed a burning wheelie bin into a row of cops was among the defendants to appear in court following violent riots in Middlesbrough.

Missiles were thrown at police officers, windows were smashed and several vehicles were set alight as protesters made their way through the town centre on Sunday.

Disorder had previously broken out in towns and cities across the UK, including Sunderland and Hartlepool, following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday, July 29.

On Tuesday, 28 people, aged between 16 and 56, were due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court in Middlesbrough. Some of the defendants had to be moved to South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in South Shields due to backlogs in dealing with them.

Among those to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court was Stacy Vint, who pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

The 34-year-old, Normanby Road, Middlesbrough, pushed a burning wheelie bin into a row of police officers before falling to the ground and being arrested.

The court heard how Vint and a man were seen pushing the bin, the contents of which were on fire, on Linthorpe Road. Prosecutor John Garside said the pair then shoved the bin at a police line before Vint fell over and was arrested.

Vint, who initially gave officers a false name, was remanded in custody until her sentencing hearing on August 28.

James Ambrose, who appeared before a District Judge at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, admitted two offences.

Paige Sparks, prosecuting, told the court that the 33-year-old was throwing bricks and stones during the riot. When arrested, a small amount of cannabis was found in his jeans pocket.

Ambrose, of Letitia House, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of cannabis.

District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded Ambrose into custody. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on a date yet to be set.

A number of other people pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.

Jamie Govan allegedly shouted profanities and kicked out at police during disorder in Middlesbrough.

Mr Garside said the 26-year-old is accused of shouting: “You’re protecting them while they rape and kill kids” at officers before making ‘come on gestures’ with his hands.

The court heard he allegedly swung his arms and kicked his legs out at police who “resorted to using leg restraints”.

Govan, of Windmill Terrace, Stockton, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder. A district judge was told that the defendant “maintains he did nothing wrong”.

Govan was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 27.

Ashley Ferguson appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court accused of damaging property with a four-foot wooden pole. The 33-year-old is also alleged to have waved the pole towards police “in a threatening manner”.

Ferguson, of Somerset Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon. He was remanded in custody until he appears at crown court on August 27.

Lennon Chisholm, 21, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court accused of being in a Renault car that was used to travel around the town to “cause disorder”.

Chisholm, of Wilshere Road, Middlesbrough, sobbed in the dock as he pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. The court heard how he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.

He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 27. His girlfriend called: “I love you” as he was led away.

James Bullock also pleaded not guilty when he appeared at the court in Middlesbrough.

Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard how a burning wheelie bin was pushed at police during disorder. Bullock is accused of being involved in the incident. Mr Garside alleged that he had “visited the location wearing gloves and a balaclava”.

Bullock, Berwick Hills Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. The court heard he “maintains he did nothing wrong at all – he was offered a lift in a van home”.

He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at crown court on August 27.

Another defendant banged on the dock glass and shouted as he was remanded in custody over claims he “threw missiles” at police and members of the public while wearing a ski mask.

Kaleb Peacock Lightfoot, of Dixon Grove, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder. Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard how the 19-year-old attended “what he believed was going to be a peaceful protest”.

Lightfoot, who appeared at the court via a video link from South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 28.

The teenager became visibly distressed when District Judge Marie Mallon said she would not be granting him bail.

Jonathan Lodge appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court accused of being part of a group that set “multiple” bins on fire.

The 36-year-old of Coatham Road, Redcar, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. Mr Marley, defending, told the court that he denies any involvement in the disorder.

Lodge was remanded into custody. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

David Gove, of Brafferton Walk, Middlesbrough, also denied a charge of violent disorder at the court in South Shields.

Mr Marley, defending, said the 41-year-old sustained “significant injury” from a police dog and was merely trying to make his way home and was getting picked up by his partner. He said he denies any involvement in the disorder.

The court heard how he has no previous convictions and is of good character.

District Judge Zoe Passfield handed Gove conditional bail. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Some of those who appeared before the court did not enter a plea.

Carl Robson, 29, and Lawrence McGlade, 28, also appeared separately before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how their cases were both linked to the case of Jonathan Lodge.

Robson, of Halton Court, Middlesbrough, did not enter a plea to a charge of violent disorder.

He is remanded in custody and will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28. Family members told him: “Keep your chin up” as he was led away by security.

McGlade, of Ellerbeck Way, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, was also charged with violent disorder. He did not enter a plea during the hearing and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Anthony Brown faced three offences when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The 37-year-old was charged with violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and possession of class C drug – pregabalin. The offences are alleged to have been committed on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough.

Brown, of Windsor Road, Middlesbrough, did not enter any pleas. District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded him in custody until his next hearing at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Akheel Khan also appeared before the court in South Shields charged with violent disorder. The 24-year-old, of Wheatley Close, Middlesbrough, is alleged to have been a counter-protester. No plea was entered by Khan during the hearing.

The court heard how the university graduate, who works as a engineer, is of previous good character. He was remanded into custody until his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Chronicle Live

Man admits stirring up racial hatred online

By
August 6, 2024
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A 28-year-old man has admitted stirring up racial hatred on social media in connection with the recent violent disorder across the UK.

Jordan Parlour, 28, of Seacroft, Leeds, made Facebook posts between 1 and 5 August with the intention of sparking tensions while demonstrations were taking place.

Appearing at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words in the posts.

Parlour, who is the first person to face prosecution for posting allegedly criminal messages linked to the violence, was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

BBC News