Archive

Tag Archives: Arson

Hull riot: Inside Courtroom 1 as six are jailed

By
August 16, 2024
Uncategorized

At Hull Crown Court, there was not a spare seat in Courtroom 1 as six men were jailed for their part in disorder described by a judge as “12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence”.

Graphic footage of the city centre disorder on Saturday 3 August was played to the court.

The parts played by David Wilkinson, 46, Steven Love, 41, John Nunan, 36, and Travis Whitelock, 23, John Honey, 25, and Corey Holloway, 20, was laid bare for all to see.

With their families watching from the public gallery, the men were handed prison sentences ranging from 18 months to six years.

Wilkinson, Love, Nunan and Whitelock were first to appear before Judge John Thackray KC.

The judge had wanted all the men to appear in the dock at once but was informed by court officials that there were not enough prison officers available to accommodate this.

Before sentencing got under way, Judge Thackray was told another defendant, also linked to the disorder, might require hospital treatment after hitting a wall in the cells.

Wilkinson, of Lorraine Street, Hull, was dealt with first.

He received the longest sentence – six years in jail – after admitting violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage and attempted arson.

Footage was played showing Wilkinson attacking the windscreen of a BMW carrying three Romanian men.

Judge Thackray said the “terrified” occupants of the vehicle had “feared for their lives”.

Wilkinson also tried to set fire to a wheelie bin outside a garage. Judge Thackray said people, including children, were “cowering with fear” nearby.

He was seen “front and centre” of the disorder on Ferensway, said the judge, adding the defendant was spotted with a “nunchuck-like weapon” in a carrier bag. He also spat at police.

Wilkinson had 30 previous convictions from 72 offences, the court was told.

In mitigation, his barrister Michael Forrest said Wilkinson had struggled with drug addiction, but had not committed any offences for 10 years.

Mr Forrest said Wilkinson was not in town to cause trouble, but had joined the crowds.

Wilkinson appeared upset when his barrister discussed how his children had now “abandoned him” and he feared he would no longer have a relationship with his grandchildren.

He was sentenced to six years for racially aggravated criminal damage, three years for violent disorder, and three years for attempted arson – to be served concurrently. He was also handed a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO).

Described by Judge Thackray as “front and centre of everything”, John Honey, of Park Grove, Hull, was next up.

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder, three counts of burglary after looting three shops, and racially aggravated criminal damage for his part in the attack on the BMW.

Judge Thackray said Honey had left those in the BMW at the “wrath of the baying mob”.

In mitigation, barrister Charlotte Baines said Honey had endured a difficult childhood and had an autism diagnosis, which the judge took into account when sentencing.

Honey showed no emotion throughout the hearing and spent most of the time looking down at his feet.

He was sentenced to 56 months in prison for racially aggravated criminal damage, 28 months for violent disorder, and 12 months for three counts of burglary, to be served concurrently.

He was also handed a five-year CBO.

Next up was Love, of Middleton Street, Hull, who appeared in the dock on crutches, which the court heard was the result of having been bitten by a police dog.

Footage showed him throwing bins and charging at officers.

It also showed his leg bleeding profusely from the bite.

Love had 30 previous convictions from 49 offences, and was on licence from prison after an incident in March 2024, in which he was convicted of two counts of affray and one of dangerous driving.

His barrister Rachel Scott said he was “humiliated and embarrassed” by his conduct and was “genuinely remorseful”. Love was in the city “for other reasons” and “did not hold racist views”, she said.

Ms Scott added her client would be “suffering for some time” as a result of the dog bite.

Judge Thackray told Love he had taken a “very, very central role” in violent disorder, had a a “very, very bad” criminal record, and his crimes were made all the worse for the fact he was on licence from prison.

He was sentenced to 40 months in prison and handed a five-year CBO.
‘Throwing bottles’

Of the six men, John Nunan, of Hermes Close, Hull, appeared the most emotional. He was frequently in tears.

He had one previous conviction for drug offences in 2011, although this was his first appearance before a crown court.

Footage showed him carrying a police shield and throwing bottles at officers. He was also seen shouting and pushing a wheelie bin at police lines on Ferensway.

In mitigation, Michael Forrest said his client was remorseful and had apologised to officers and families caught up in the disorder.

The court heard he had a six-month-old baby, and had reflected in custody that officers must have feared they “would not make it home” to their families on that day.

He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Shoes and shoeboxes are on fire outside the Shoezone shop, which has broken doors and windows.

Whitelock, of Brisbane Street, Hull, was next.

He constantly looked over to his family gathered in the public gallery.

Footage showed him kicking a police van, firing missiles, and pushing a wheelie bin onto a fire.

As a juvenile, Whitelock received two convictions from nine offences.

In mitigation, barrister Harry Crowson said his client had ADHD and other health conditions, but had “turned his life around” after becoming a father.

The behaviour on show that day was “not what he is normally like”, insisted Mr Crowson.

As he was being sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, Whitelock blew kisses to his family and made hand signals.
Crying

Holloway, of Belmont Street, Scunthorpe, was last to be sentenced.

He was told he would be spending his 21st birthday behind bars for his role in the disorder.

Holloway appeared upset, crying and shaking. Sobbing was also heard from the public gallery.

Footage shown to the court showed him taking part in disorder on Ferensway, pushing bins into officers, throwing a traffic cone into police barricades, and abusing officers.

His barrister, Rachel Scott, said Holloway had a troubled childhood, which had resulted in a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder.

He was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders institute.

BBC News

Thug who forced Romanians from car during riot handed heftiest sentence to date

By
August 16, 2024
Uncategorized

David Wilkinson was jailed for six years at Hull Crown Court following violence and disorder in the city on August 3

A thug who forced three terrified Romanian men from their car during a riot has received the heftiest sentence to date in connection with recent widespread disorder after being jailed for six years.

David Wilkinson, 48, previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage after playing a “prominent role” in the violence and disorder that gripped Hull on August 3.

His sentence came as a second riot charge was brought by police – leaving violent disorder suspects across the country awaiting news on whether they will be accused of the more serious offence.

Hull Crown Court heard Wilkinson was a member of a “baying mob” who left the driver of a BMW in fear for his life when more than 100 “angry” men descended on him and his two cousins.

The group tried to drag them from the car, before punching him in the head and attempting to strike him with a metal bar.

In footage of the incident, the three men in the vehicle could be seen getting out with their hands raised in a gesture of surrender before fleeing to a nearby hotel, the court heard.

At other points during the day of disorder, Wilkinson spat, threw missiles and pushed wheelie bins at a police line protecting a hotel known to house asylum seekers.

He appeared to be holding nunchucks – a martial arts weapon – at one point, it was said.

Elsewhere on Friday, Kieran Usher became the second suspect to be charged with riot in connection with disorder in Sunderland city centre on August 2.

The 32-year-old appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court where prosecutors said he had acted in an “aggressive manner” towards police officers and threw missiles at them during the unrest.

The court heard he allegedly gestured towards officers and towards the crowds in the city centre in order to “encourage violence”.

District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded him in custody until his crown court appearance on August 23 after saying a series of video clips played to the court showed he had “a willingness to engage in large-scale disorder”.

It followed Northumbria Police’s announcement that a 15-year-old boy had been charged with the more serious offence after having previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary on Saturday.

The teenager appeared in court on Thursday and his case was adjourned following what a district judge called a “surprise” charging decision.

Liam Doeg, 33, who was due to be sentenced in relation to disorder in Sunderland, had his case adjourned as prosecutors consider whether to further charge him with the more serious charge of riot.

Sophie Allinson, defending, opposed the move saying her client had pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the earliest opportunity and had come to court expecting to learn his fate.

Ms Allinson pointed out that more than 100 defendants had already been sentenced for violent disorder following the disorder across England.

Riot is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – double that of a charge of violent disorder.

Another lengthy jail sentence was handed down on Friday to a man who looted cosmetics chain Lush during riots in Hull.

John Honey, 25, was jailed for 56 months after he also helped attack a BMW carrying three Romanian men, targeted a garage leaving nine vehicles damaged, and pushed bins at police lines during the disorder.

A sentencing hearing earlier in the week was adjourned after a prison probation officer said Honey had asked him “if he wanted his autograph because he was famous”, which the court heard could have undermined Honey’s claim of being “genuinely remorseful”.

Four other men – Steven Love, 41, John Nunan, 36, Travis Whitelock, 23, and Corey Holloway, 20 – were also jailed for their part in the Hull riots.

A judge told Love he was “lucky not to be charged with riot” after his central role in the disorder as he was sent to prison for 40 months.

In Liverpool, Andrew McIntyre pleaded not guilty to charges of encouraging murder, encouraging violent disorder and possession of a bladed article at the city’s crown court.

Chris Taylor, prosecuting, confirmed to Judge Neil Flewitt that “in simple terms” the suggestion was that McIntyre was the administrator on an online group.

At Birmingham Crown Court, a rapper arrested after posting an allegedly “menacing” video mentioning Tommy Robinson will face trial in January next year after pleading not guilty.

Omar Abdirizak, known as Twista Cheese, denied an allegation of sending a grossly offensive or menacing message via a public communications network.

Two men and a woman were jailed for their roles in a protest in Plymouth at the city’s crown court.

Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40, all admitted violent disorder before Ball and Braidwood were both give prison terms of 32 months, and Gove an 18-month term.

The court heard Ball has appeared in court previously on 51 occasions for 93 offences including racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and for public order offences.

Charges of stirring up racial hatred also continue to be brought before the courts across the country, with Wayne O’Rourke due to appear at Lincoln Crown Court.

The Independent

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

By
August 7, 2024
Uncategorized

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

Declan Geiran ‘attempted to set police van on fire’

By
August 5, 2024
Uncategorized

Declan Geiran will now appear before the court.

The 29-year-old, of Kelso Road in Kensington, is charged with violent disorder and arson in relation to a Ford Transit van.

It was previously reported that he attempted to set a police vehicle on fire on William Brown Street in the city centre on Saturday, although Merseyside Police said the “flames were quickly extinguished”.

Geiran enters the dock wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, with short mousey hair and tattoos on his neck.

He speaks to confirm his name, date of birth and address before pleading guilty to both counts.

Mr Sanderson-Kirk, referring to CCTV footage of the incident, says: “He appeared to attend a secure police vehicle which had been abandoned. He’s seen to use an implement to attempt to set fire to the vehicle before making off.”

Geiran was then “found in possession of two lighters and a mobile phone” following his arrest.

He has 13 previous convictions for 18 offences, including breach of a community order and a malicious communications offence.

The defendant is remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing before the crown court on August 30.

Judge Boswell tells him: “Plainly, given what has happened, there is a real prospect of immediate custody.”

Liverpool Echo

Racist jailed for arson attack on mosque

By
June 2, 2020
Uncategorized

RACIST firebomber Mark Bulman has been jailed for five years after trying to torch the Broad Street mosque.

The 22-year-old used a British National Party leaflet as a fuse in a petrol-filled beer bottle which he hurled through a window at the place of worship.

But the Molotov cocktail failed to ignite so the self-confessed bigot handed himself in to the police saying that they would find his fingerprints on it.

And as well as trying to burn the mosque to ash and rubble’ Bulman also daubed racist graffiti on the walls.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court that police received a call shortly before 1am on Thursday, August 17 from the defendant.

After he told them what he had done an officer went to the scene and found him near Fleming Way.

The racist was armed with a chair leg which he said he needed to protect himself from the enemy’.

He referred to the Broad Street area as enemy territory’ because it had businesses owned by people from ethnic minorities.

Bulman also daubed swastikas on the outside of the mosque as well as other racist messages on a wall in Turl Street.

In a rambling interview Bulman told police of his dislike for anyone apart from white British people.

When his house was searched, officers found a variety of racist material and he admitted being a BNP sympathiser and had been on their rallies in the past.

Bulman, of Montrose Close, Moredon, admitted arson, attempted arson and two counts of religiously aggravated criminal damage.

Philip Warren, defending, said “On any view of it, it is a horrible and serious business.

“It is highly offensive, deliberately offensive, and the offence and outrage caused must have been massive.”

He said his client had told the psychiatrist that he wanted to reduce the mosque to “ash and rubble” and “to give the establishment and lefties a wake up call.”

But Mr Warren said: “This was by any standards an amateur and inept act not a concerted attempt to burn the building.”

Having spent 140 days in prison on remand he said that his client, who had no previous convictions, had time to reflect on his “skewed views” of society and wanted to change.

From now on he said that he sought to use the pen rather than the sword to get his opinions across and Mr Warren said Bulman wished to address the court.

But Judge Douglas Field refused to allow it saying: “I am not going to allow a political speech.”

“There has to be a deterrent element to my sentence to deter stupid people like you.

“You are a racial bigot. It was your wish and intention to burn that building to the ground. We have mixed races in Swindon and it is extremely important that we all get on together.”

Swindon Advertiser

From 2007

Jail for Fife racist who claimed kebabs funded terrorism after firebombing takeaway

By
November 23, 2019
Uncategorized

A racist firebombed an Asian-owned takeaway shop in Rosyth and then bragged about it online.

Charles Johnston wore a mask and waved a machete as he ranted online about Muslims a fortnight later and claimed he had burned down a kebab shop.

However, his identity was revealed after he blurted out his home address.

Johnston was also wearing the same hoodie as when he tried to torch the takeaway in Rosyth, an incident captured on CCTV.

He believed money being taken for kebabs was going towards terrorism.

Johnston, 20, of Tovey Road, Rosyth, admitted the offences in March but evaded justice until his arrest in October and has now finally been sentenced at Dunfermline Sheriff Court. He was jailed for four years.

Depute fiscal Alex Kirk previously told the court Johnston had gone on his bike to the takeaway after midnight, when it was closed and shuttered.

He was carrying a bottle full of petrol and had just bought a lighter from a local garage.

He said the CCTV showed him set fire to the bottle and throw it at the takeaway, filming his actions on his mobile phone.

He said: “The accused is observed holding out his mobile phone as though recording this. He then runs away, retrieving his bike and cycling away.”

Around a fortnight later, Johnston was bragging on the internet.

He said he set the kebab shop on fire and spat on a mosque.

He ranted: “I’m gonna take ISIS in my stride. I set a kebab shop on fire because halal food contributes a 2% tax. Every kebab bought contributes to terrorist organisations.”

Defence solicitor Elaine Buist said in March: “He says he doesn’t have anything against individual Muslims.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair responded: “That is what is said by just about every racist. He clearly is a racist.”

However, when he was brought back to court for sentencing, Ms Buist said, “He now admits that at the time he was holding extreme views.”

Johnston admitted that on May 18 last year at Shalimar Kebab, Queensferry Road, he wilfully set fire to the premises by setting light to a bottle containing petrol and throwing it at the premises.

The fire took effect, damaging the shutters, and the offence was aggravated by religious prejudice.

He also admitted that on June 2 last year, at his home, he uploaded a live video to an online broadcasting service, Periscope, in which he repeatedly uttered racist, offensive and abusive remarks, all whilst holding a machete with his face masked.

He further admitted that on the same day, at Sherbrooke Road, he was in possession of a lock-knife.

The Courier

Terrorist folk singer who set fire to synagogue locked up in hospital indefinitely

By
July 6, 2019
Uncategorized

A far-right extremist who was engulfed in a ball of flames when he set fire to an historic synagogue on a day commemorating the Holocaust has been locked up in hospital indefinitely.

Hospital X-Ray technician and self-styled folk singer Tristan Morgan, 52, was spotted walking away carrying a petrol can and laughing as smoke spewed from the 18th Century synagogue in Exeter on July 21 last year.

Afterwards, CCTV was recovered showing Morgan being burned as he set light to the synagogue through a smashed window.

The defendant, from Exeter in Devon, admitted arson with intent to endanger life, encouraging terrorism by publishing a song entitled “White Man” to live-streaming website Soundcloud, and having a copy of the White Resistance Manual.

The court heard he was psychotic at the time of the arson attack but had no previous history of violence.

Judge Anthony Leonard QC handed Morgan a hospital order without limit of time, saying most people would feel “anger and revulsion” for what he did.

Tristan Morgan, 52, was engulfed in a ball of flames when he set fire to an historic synagogue. Credit: PA/Devon and Cornwall Police

Outlining the facts, prosecutor Alistair Richardson said Morgan has “deep-rooted anti-Semitic belief, embodied in a desire to do harm to the Jewish community and an obsession with abhorrent anti-Semitic material”.

Morgan made songs “exhorting others to violence” against the Jewish community and had an array of material which “revelled in the degenerate views of Nazi Germany and white supremacists”, Mr Richardson said.

On the evening of Saturday July 21 last year, he tried to burn down the synagogue “with no thought for any lives he might put at risk”, he said.

Mr Richardson told how Zoe Baker and her partner Samual O’Brien were walking through Exeter City Centre when they heard a “loud bang” and saw an “orange glow and smoke” coming from the grade two listed building.

Concerned that someone might be hurt, they stopped and Ms Baker saw the defendant walking from away carrying a green petrol can.

Mr Richardson said: “He appeared to be laughing, while trying to flatten his hair which she described as looking like it had been ‘whooshed up’.

Morgan appeared “cocky” as he drove off in a Mercedes Vito van, according to the eyewitness account.

Mr O’Brien and an employee of a nearby Mecca bingo tackled the blaze with fire extinguishers before the fire brigade arrived.

Firefighters found a “severe” fire in a room containing a gas boiler, which could have exploded.

Morgan’s van was identified on CCTV as well as footage of the defendant using a small axe to break a window of the synagogue.

The court was shown video of Morgan pouring liquid from his green petrol can through the window before he is engulfed in a ball of flames.

Police arrested him at his home in Alexander Terrace in Exeter.

As he opened the door to officers, the defendant, who smelt of petrol and burning, exclaimed: “That didn’t take long”.

He had burns to his hands, forehead and hair, the court heard.

In his pockets, he was carrying two lock knives and two lighters.

As he was put in a police van, Morgan said: “Please tell me that synagogue is burning to the ground, if not, it’s poor preparation.”

Later, as his burns were being treated in hospital, he told staff “it was like a bomb going off”.

The attack on the synagogue was described as “devastating” for the whole Jewish community.

The court heard the attack coincided with a Jewish feast day commemorating disasters, including the Holocaust.

The Exeter Synagogue, built in 1763, is the third oldest in Britain and remains a focal point for the Jewish community in the South West.

It underwent reconstruction in the 1990s and a £100,000 restoration project was completed in 2013.

The cost of repairing the fire damage was said to total more than £23,000.

The court heard how Morgan performed his song “White Man” under the alias of Arland Bran.

His song calling for “White Man” to “kill your enemy” was played 53 times, “liked” twice and shared once.

ITV News

Far-right extremist admits arson against historic Exeter synagogue

By
May 31, 2019
Uncategorized

Hearing at the Old Bailey reveals how Tristan Morgan, 52, broke into the rear of the 18th century shul by smashing a window and poured accelerant in

A homeless white nationalist in Devon has admitted setting fire to an historic Exeter synagogue in an arson attack in July last year.

At a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, Judge Anthony Leonard QC was told that prosecutors have accepted 52-year old Tristan Morgan’s guilty pleas to a series of charges, as he lifted reporting restrictions.

Morgan, of no fixed abode, admitted arson, encouraging terrorism by publishing a song called ‘White Man’ to a live-streaming website, and collecting information for terrorist purposes in relation to a book called ‘White Resistance Manual.’ He will be sentenced on 1 July.

He was arrested after breaking a window at the rear of the 18th century building – Britain’s third oldest synagogue – before pouring fuel inside and using a match to ignite it. He admitted to recklessly endangering life.

The Community Security Trust (CST) said it had worked closely with Exeter Synagogue and with Devon & Cornwall Police since it happened.

In a statement, the CST said it had been “an appalling attack by somebody who had engaged with far right extremism” which made it “a very disturbing incident”.

It added: “The damage to the synagogue would have been much worse had it not been for the quick thinking and actions of local residents, and we are grateful to the wider community for the support they offered to Exeter Synagogue in the days following this attack.”

Speaking to Jewish News, Brian Nathan, the security officer at the shul, said: “We had a phenomenal and heart-warming response from the Exeter authorities – civil, police, fire. From what could have been a disaster, a lot of good came out.”

The building was saved because two passing bingo workers noticed the flames and put the fire out using nearby fire extinguishers before alerting authorities. They both received awards for their heroism and quick thinking, and were invited to the synagogue’s reopening.

Speaking last year, Superintendent Matthew Lawler said there had been a “really good, positive response from both the public and faith groups in Exeter in support of the Jewish community”.

Jewish News

Four years for man who tried to burn down Leith temple and church

By
November 15, 2018
Uncategorized

A man with “issues” with God and religion who started fires at two places of worship in Edinburgh within minutes of each other has been jailed for four years.

Paul Johnson, 49, told police after he was arrested for the fires at a Methodist church and a Sikh temple that he had wanted to watch them burn down.

Johnson claimed that he was wanting to make “a political statement” but would not elaborate on the details.

Advocate depute Alan Cameron said: “When asked whether this was religiously motivated he stated that he has no issue with any particular religion but his issues are with religion and God in general.”

On Thursday, Johnson – who pleaded guilty to two charges last month, was sent to prison.

Passing sentence, Lord Boyd told Johnson that he had no other option but to impose a custodial term on him..

He added: “Your actions put people at risk. They were reckless and wicked. I take into account that your actions were motivated by a grudge against religion and religious authority and not against one particular religion.

“Indeed, I take into account that you appeared not to know what denominations you targeted.”

Johnson admitted two charges of wilful fire raising aggravated by religious prejudice when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.

He pled guilty to setting fire to the doors of the Leith Methodist Church at Junction Place on August 28 this year by pouring petrol over them and applying a naked flame resulting in charring and burn marks.

He also admitted on the same day setting for to the doors of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple at Sheriff Brae, in Leith, by gathering combustible material, placing it against the doors, pouring petrol on it and applying a flame with the result that the doors caught fire and smoke penetrated the building endangering the life of inhabitants.

The court heard that the temple priest Harbhajan Singh earlier secured the doors of the premises and went to family quarters at the rear of the building where he stayed with his wife and child.

Before 5 am Michal Kazimierczak walked to the temple with the intention of praying at the entrance prior to going to work and tried to clear what appeared to be litter from the a gap at the bottom of the doors only to discover it was alight and had taken hold.

He ran to the side of the building and alerted the sleeping priest and both men then tried to put out the fire using a bucket of water.

The fire brigade was alerted and 11 firefighters were deployed to bring the blaze under control. Significant burning and charring was seen on the doors and smoke had engulfed the building.

A caretaker at the Methodist church arrived at his work and smelled petrol and burning and saw scorch marks at the gate and steps at the front door. After media reports of the fire at the Sikh temple he contacted police.

Unemployed Johnson was caught on security cameras buying a jerry can and petrol at a BP service station in Ferry Road before midnight on August 27.

He was also seen on footage approaching the front door of the church shortly after midnight and a flash of light was captured.

Johnson was also seen on CCTV approaching the temple with the jerry can and lighting paper and throwing it towards the door. He repeatedly returned to light more paper and a burst of flame was later seen before he fled.

Johnson, who was evicted from his accommodation in the city’s Duddingston Crescent the day before the fire attacks, was found with three cigarette lighters when he was arrested on August 30.

He admitted starting the fires to police. Mr Cameron said: “He further stated that around midnight he walked to the Methodist church in Leith and poured fuel on the doors before using a lighter to set fire to pieces of paper which he threw on the fuel.”

“He stated that a small fire started but quickly went out. He stayed in the immediate area for some time but no emergency services attended,” said the prosecutor.

“He further stated that he then walked around Leith for around 40 minutes and on seeing the Sikh temple set fire to the doors using the same method as before,” he told the court.

Mr Cameron said “The accused stated that his intention in buying the petrol was to start the fire at the Methodist church and that the fire-raising at the Sikh temple was not planned and was only carried out when he came across the building.”

The prosecutor said Johnson was asked what his intention was in starting the fires and said “he wanted to watch them burn down”.

Defence counsel David Nicolson said Johnson was seen by a psychiatrist who confirmed that he was fit to plead.

On Thursday, Mr Nicolson told Lord Boyd that his client hadn’t co-operated with a specialist social worker who had been appointed to write a report into his background.

He added: “I am limited by what I can say. It is very limited. The primary form of mitigation which I can advance is that he tendered a plea of guilty at the earliest opportunity. I would ask you to take that into account.”

Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Grant Johnston from Gayfield CID said: “Paul Johnson showed absolutely no concern for the safety or wellbeing of those in or around either place of worship when he started these fires.

“As a result of a swift police investigation, Johnson was quickly traced and arrested in connection with the fire and has now been given a custodial sentence.

“We treat all hate crime incidents with the utmost seriousness and whenever such offences occur, we will conduct a thorough inquiry to bring those responsible to justice.”

Lord Boyd said that if Johnson hadn’t pleaded guilty, he would have received a six year sentence.

The Scotsman

Man admits setting fire to doors of Edinburgh Sikh temple because he wanted to ‘watch it burn down’

By
October 21, 2018
Uncategorized
Paul Johnson used petrol to ignite the doors of Guru Nanak Sikh Templein Edinburgh (Image: Daily Record)

Paul Johnson used petrol to ignite the doors of Guru Nanak Sikh Templein Edinburgh (Image: Daily Record)

A man who has “issues” with religion has admitted setting fire to the doors of a Sikh temple and a church.

Paul Johnson used petrol to ignite the doors of Edinburgh’s Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and Leith Methodist Church this summer because he wanted to make a “political statement”.

He told police he wanted to watch the premises burn down and hoped to be arrested.

Johnson, 49, admitted two charges of willful fireraising, aggravated by religious prejudice, on August 28 when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday. He will be sentenced next month.

The court heard the attack on the Sikh temple , to the danger of life of a family inside, was unplanned and was only carried out when unemployed Johnson came across the building.

It also heard how, on the evening of August 27, Johnson bought a container and, later, fuel worth £3.51 from a local petrol station.

Shortly before 5am on August 28, a man heading to the temple to pray spotted that fire had taken hold on one side of one of the doors and immediately raised the alarm with a man sleeping inside in the family quarters.

The fire service was then alerted and used two engines, two high reach vehicles and 11 firefighters to bring the blaze under control.

Around a couple of hours later, the caretaker at Leith Methodist Church noticed a smell of petrol and burning and cleaned up the area around the front door after realising there was no fire damage of note.

The door of the Sikh temple in Edinburgh was set alight

The door of the Sikh temple in Edinburgh was set alight

He later contact police after hearing about the incident at the temple.

CCTV footage from the area around the church between 12.03am and 12.13am showed Johnson approaching the church door, with a flash of light then visible.

Footage from the temple from 12.38am to 1.07am revealed him then approaching the door with a jerry can and lighting a piece of paper.

He returned on two further occasions during that time to light more paper and throw it towards the door before running away.

Police arrested Johnson after spotting him in Leith in the early hours of August 30.

Asked about his involvement in the two fires, he immediately told officers: “I did it.”

Advocate depute Alan Cameron told the court: “He stated that around midnight he walked to the Methodist Church in Leith and poured fuel on the doors before using a lighter to set fire to pieces of paper which he threw on the fuel.

“He stated that a small fire started but quickly went out. He stayed in the immediate area for some time but no emergency services attended.”

Johnson then walked around Leith and, on seeing the Sikh temple, set fire to its front doors using the same method.

Mr Cameron continued: “He stated that a small fire caught and he stayed in the locus as he wanted to be arrested by the police, however no emergency services attended.

“The accused stated that his intention in buying the petrol was to start the fire at the Methodist church and that the fire-raising at the Sikh temple was not planned and was only carried out when he came across the building.

“The accused was asked as to his motivation for the fires and stated that he was looking to make a political statement, but would not provide further details.

“When asked whether this was religiously motivated he stated that he has no issue with any particular religion but his issues are with religion and God in general.

“The accused was asked what his intention was by setting fire to the building and he stated that he wanted to watch them burn down.”

Johnson, listed as a prisoner in Edinburgh, has a previous conviction for culpable and reckless conduct, which earned him a four-month jail sentence in 2017.

Judge Lord Boyd deferred sentencing in the case until November 15.

Daily Record