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Hull riot: Man who hurled metal bench at police among latest offenders to be jailed

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August 22, 2024
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More prison sentences have been handed out following disorder in the city centre earlier in August



Three more troublemakers arrested after “mob-handed violence” and looting broke out in Hull city centre have become the latest to be jailed.

They include one man who hurled a metal bench, thought to be about 7ft long, at police and two others who were among those in the rowdy group confronting police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, Hull Crown Court heard.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said that a large-scale public disorder broke out, including “mob-handed violence” in Ferensway, outside the Royal Hotel, which was housing immigrants and asylum seekers. There was also trouble at a garage and looting at shops in Jameson Street.

David Buckle, 39, of Southgate Way, off Saltshouse Road, east Hull, admitted violent disorder. He was jailed for three years and was given a five-year criminal behaviour order.

Buckle was prominent at the front of a group outside the Royal Hotel, in Ferensway, and he was “draped in an England flag and a camouflage balaclava”. He was aggressive and abusive and he was shouting and gesturing towards police and throwing missiles.

He was arrested on the day of the disorder and bailed but he later handed himself in. He made no comment during police interview.

Buckle had convictions for 21 previous offences, including four of assault, two of public disorder and one for drugs. He had been jailed for 16 months for offences including breaching a non-molestation order after an earlier assault.

Michael Forrest, mitigating, said that Buckle felt “utter and complete embarrassment” at what happened during the disturbance and he was “horrified” after hearing about the damage and injuries that were caused by others.

“He has expressed shame for his actions,” said Mr Forrest. Buckle had served two previous prison sentences of one year and of 15 months. He started to abuse crack cocaine, lost his way and began drinking but he later got a job as a security guard at Asda. He had since suffered problems.

Buckle had three children aged 18, 16 and 15 and a stepdaughter aged 24.

Jermaine Glover, 23, of Cranswick Grove, off Marfleet Lane, east Hull, admitted violent disorder and arson. He was jailed for two years and was given a five-year criminal behaviour order

Glover was aggressive towards police outside the Royal Hotel and he was shouting and gesturing and helping others to push bins into a police cordon. He threw missiles, including a bottle, and he was rushing towards and barging police and encouraging others.

Outside a garage in the Milky Way area, a fire had already started but Glover put a pallet onto a pile and he also put tyres on top of a cordon of tyres created by those involved in the disorder.

During police interview, Glover said that he had been “daft and stupid and disgusting”. He claimed that he acted out of character after drinking. Glover had convictions as a youth for assault and criminal damage but he had been out of trouble since 2017.

Nigel Clive, mitigating, said that Glover had shown remorse, he was not disguised and he did not go into any shops. He went into the city to buy some trainers, saw what was happening, bought and drank some alcohol and, after a “rush of adrenaline”, he “saw a release” and joined in.

“It’s thoroughly disgraceful behaviour,” said Mr Clive. “He knows that and he accepts that.” Glover wanted to apologise to the people of Hull and to those who had to deal with him.

Jordan Murray, 26, of Grasby Road, off Holderness Road, east Hull, admitted violent disorder, two offences of burglary at the O2 and Greggs stores, and another offence of possessing cannabis. He was jailed for two years and was given a five-year criminal behaviour order.

Murray was “persistently” in various locations during the trouble and he was prominent at the front of the group in Jameson Street, running at police with a long metal bench, which he threw towards the line of police.

He behaved aggressively to police throughout and he was present when a garage was targeted in the Milky Way area. Those at the garage, including children, barricaded themselves inside and were in fear for their safety.

Murray had convictions for 37 previous offences, including four of assault, four of criminal damage and 11 of theft and dishonesty.

Hannah Turner, mitigating, said that Murray claimed that he that he went into the city to buy a game for an Xbox and saw people congregating. He went over to see what was happening and saw a friend. “That friend encouraged him to stay and become involved,” said Miss Turner.

“He hadn’t planned to become part of this violence. He can be easily led and doesn’t think through the consequences of his actions.”

Murray’s involvement was limited to the violence in the Jameson Street area. “He was the one who was encouraged by others and not the other way round,” said Miss Turner.

“He does hold significant regrets. He is disgusted in himself. He feels that he has let himself and his family down.” He wanted to apologise to the emergency services and the council. Murray had been out of trouble since 2020.

Judge John Thackray KC said that the offences were committed as part of “12 hours of racist hate-fuelled mob violence” that had caused “immeasurable harm” and was “utterly deplorable public disorder”.

Hull Daily Mail

Rioters, looters and ‘keyboard warriors’ – everyone jailed this week over UK protests – Part two

By
August 19, 2024
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Reece Greenwood, Sunderland (two years and six months)

A father-to-be who live-streamed himself shouting racial slurs during riots in Sunderland has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for violent disorder. Reece Greenwood, 31, posted footage on Facebook of himself “actively encouraging” the rioters and “verbally abusing police officers repeatedly”.

He shouted encouragement as others threw missiles at officers and could be heard making racial and religious remarks such as “f****** Muslim bastards” and “whose streets, our streets” – a phrase “synonymous with the English Defence League”, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

A judge was told scenes of people throwing rocks and readying beer kegs to throw seemed to buoy Greenwood, and he was heard laughing on the footage. He also filmed a mob vandalising a police vehicle.

Riley Adey, Sunderland (two years)

A teenager filmed waving from the top of an overturned car was locked up for his role in riots in Sunderland. Riley Adey, 19, was part of a group that attacked police during a “protest that soon turned to widespread violence” in the city on August 2.

He was filmed repeatedly throwing missiles at officers, including a vape, a brick and a scaffolding pole, Newcastle Crown Court heard. He was also seen standing and waving on top of an upturned vehicle after it had been set alight and taking a fire extinguisher from a damaged building.

Prosecutor Omar Ahmad said stolen fire extinguishers were sprayed at officers, obscuring their vision, although there was no evidence Adey had been responsible for that. Adey was sentenced to two years’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Judge Paul Sloan KC said Adey had “brought shame on the city” by taking part in an “orgy of mindless mindless, destructive violence”.

Paul Smith, Manchester (two years and ten months)

A man who threw bricks at police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for two years and 10 months. Paul Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Manchester, was sentenced for violent disorder on Thursday morning at Manchester Crown Court.

In footage shown in court, Smith can be seen throwing bricks and a bottle towards police officers and vehicles during the disorder outside the Holiday Inn hotel in Manchester on July 31. Prosecutor Philip Hall said of Smith’s demeanour on the footage: “He’s smiling and appears to be taking some delight from the event.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge John Potter said: “On July 29, an appalling and tragic attack took place in Southport. Three children lost their lives and numerous other children and adults were seriously injured in a knife attack.

“Shortly after that attack, lies were deliberately spread via leaflets, the internet and social media as to who may have been responsible. This material emphasised the supposed nationality, ethnicity and religion of the alleged attacker. Inspired by the ignorance of racism, mobs gathered in towns and cities throughout the country intent on retribution.”

Oliver Chapman, Manchester (one year and eight months)

A man who carried out a “spinning kick” against a shop window during disorder in Manchester has been jailed for 20 months. Oliver Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced for violent disorder.

Prosecutor Philip Hall said Chapman was “part of a group seen kicking shop fronts” in Manchester city centre on August 3. During a police interview, Chapman admitted kicking a shop front, saying: “I’d done a silly spinning kick to it.”

Judge John Potter told Chapman that he had taken part in an “incident of lawlessness” and “violently kicked a glass door”. The judge added: “You decided to align yourself with a large group of individuals who were intent on causing violence.”

Philip Hoban, Leeds (eight months)

A self-styled paedophile hunter has been jailed for eight months at Leeds Crown Court after admitting racially abusing protesters who gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city. Phil Hoban, 48, was a prominent figure in an anti-immigration demonstration in the centre of Leeds on Saturday August 3, where he could be seen shouting at hundreds of rival protesters and leading the chanting.

The anti-immigration demo in Leeds city centre was part of a series across England but, despite some scuffles with police, it did not turn violent in same way as others in Hull and Liverpool on the same day. Father-of-three Hoban is the founder of Predator Exposure – a group which set-up sting operations against men who made contact with fake profiles of teenage girls they set up online.

In 2019, Hoban was one of group of six from Predator Exposure who went on trial accused offences including false imprisonment following sting operations against two men. But they were all acquitted by a jury after telling the court they were engaged in lawful citizens’ arrests.

Hoban, of Northcote Crescent, Leeds, was jailed on Thursday after previously admitting causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.


Joseph Ley, Manchester (three years and two months)

A man who punched and kicked a black man in the face during disorder in Manchester has been jailed for three years and two months. Joseph Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport, was sentenced for violent disorder.

Ley was also given a sentence of two months, to run concurrently, for possession of an offensive weapon – an extendable baton – that was found at his home.

Prosecutor Philip Hall said footage obtained by police showed “a black male being confronted by a group of white males” in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on August 3. Mr Hall said the attack was “motivated by racial hatred” and Ley was the “first to instigate physical violence” against the man, punching and kicking him in the face.

Ley, a father-of-two, was heard on footage saying: “You got a problem with us English, bro?’” In the footage, members of the crowd can also be heard shouting “kill him” and “stamp on his f****** face”.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge John Potter told Ley: “Your actions in Piccadilly Gardens amounted to nothing more or less than mindless violence inspired by your bigoted and racist views. You took a leading role in the attack – being the first person who instigated any violence. You are a violent racist offender who has access to weapons capable of causing very serious harm.”

Defending, Emily Calman said Ley had “thought he was attending an event to celebrate British culture”.

Kevin Searle, Weymouth (one year and nine months)

A father-of-one who poured a can of cider over a police officer during a protest in Weymouth has been jailed for 21 months. Kevin Searle, of Weymouth, Dorset, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker during the demonstration on August 4.

Matthew Mortimer, prosecuting, told Bournemouth Crown Court that the 40-year-old had been fishing during the day and had drunk six cans of cider before, as he was walking home, he heard the noises of the protest and decided to join in.

He said: “The defendant stated that he met people at the protest that he had not seen for a while and got caught up in the moment. He described the atmosphere as being hyped up, almost like being at a football match.”

He said Searle was part of the anti-immigration group which was faced by a counter-demonstration and police had formed a cordon to keep the groups apart. Mr Mortimer said: “The defendant was an attendee of the protest and was amongst two other males who were aggressively pushing and shoving the police officers present. It appeared that they were intent on breaking through the cordon.”

He described how the officers had to draw their batons and were forced to push the protesters back. He continued: “Whilst the defendant was attempting to push through the cordon, he was heard to hurl verbal abuse. The defendant had a can of cider in his hand and as the crowd surged forwards he was seen to pour the contents over (a police officer).”

Mr Mortimer said the defendant told police in interview that he did not know why he joined the protest and he was not a “violent or racist” person. The court heard that Searle had previously appeared in court 32 times for 52 offences including three offences against the person and six offences of public disorder and the current offences were in breach of a community order.


Ian Vetier, Weymouth (one year and six months)

A house husband was locked up for 18 months for violent disorder for taking part in a “far-right” protest in Weymouth despite the efforts of his wife to coax him away. Father-of-three Ian Vetier, of Weymouth, pleaded guilty to the offence at Bournemouth Crown Court in relation to the demonstration on August 4.

Richard Tutt, prosecuting, said that the 36-year-old played a “prominent” role among the group he described as the “Enough is enough” group which had gathered to confront a larger Stand Up To Racism group. He described how police officers feared for their safety as they attempted to control the protest group who were shouting and swearing aggressively at them.

He added that the police attempted to stop the “far-right group” as it attempted to march towards the counter-demonstration despite such a march not being “planned or agreed” with the police. He said that an officer “noticed two males pushing and shoving against one of the police sergeants who was then pushing back and the two males were trying to get past the cordon”.

He added: “One of those males was identified as Ian Vetier and he is noticeable as he is one of a few males who was shirtless and was holding a Union Jack flag in his right hand.” He added: “Mr Vetier can be seen and heard shouting ‘It’s a free country mate’, and a little later he was saying words to this effect: ‘You f****** wrong ‘un, back them f****** ragheads, c**** mate, the lot of them.” The protest group then started chanting collectively ‘Who the f*** is Allah?’

Richard Martin, defending, said that Vetier had shown remorse for his actions and had pledged not to attend another demonstration in the future. The court heard that Vetier was a “house husband” who had previously been convicted of three counts covering seven offences of dishonesty between 2013 and 2016.

Judge William Mousley KC told the court that Vetier’s wife could be seen in video footage shown to the court trying to “coax him away from his prominent position”. Mr Martin responded: “She was supportive of him but she is the one left carrying the consequences of what her husband did.”

Michael Whitehead, Rotherham (two years and eight months)

A man who shouted “you’re not fit to wear the badge” at police officers guarding a hotel housing asylum seekers which was being attacked in Rotherham has been jailed for two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed.

Michael Whitehead, 27, shouted and chanted to a mob at the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday August 3. More than 60 officers were injured as they battled hundreds of people outside the hotel in the Manvers area of the town, with some gaining entry to the building and trying to set it alight with a burning bin.

According to the CPS, Whitehead’s chants included “You’re not fit to wear the badge” to the officers and “Let’s go f****** mental, Let’s go f****** mental” to the mob.

Whitehead admitted violent disorder and was jailed on Thursday.

Paul Dixon, Nottingham (four months)

A father-of-one has been jailed for four months after admitting punching an Asian man at a protest where he chanted racial insults. Paul Dixon, 35, was recorded shouting “paedo” and “Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah” while attending a protest in Nottingham on August 3 before he punched an unknown Asian man during an altercation.

The railway safety supervisor, of Broadwood Road in Bestwood, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to the charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. After the defendant was identified by police from a YouTube video, he was arrested on Wednesday and was found in possession of cannabis, which he also pleaded guilty to on Thursday.

Graham Heathcote, defending Dixon, said the defendant had been out drinking with friends on the evening of the protest but he had “no interest” in joining.

Sentencing Dixon, district judge Sunil Khanna said: “You did not want to get involved in the demonstration but you clearly did. This incident escalated in violence. I also have to bear in mind that it did not get any worse but there was a chance it could have.”


Billy Pemberton, Rotherham (two years and four months)

A painter and decorator was caught on video with a mob which was attacking a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. Billy Pemberton has been jailed for two years and four months after a court heard how he was filmed in a group which was throwing missiles at a small group of cornered police guarding the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday August 3, but there was no evidence he threw anything himself.

Pemberton, 31, of Rosehill Road, Rawmarsh, was also spotted in a group which was chanting “who the f*** is Allah?” and admitted picking up a baton dropped by a police officer which he took away from the scene.

Sheffield Crown Court heard earlier this week how Pemberton was “utterly dejected and remorseful” and faced losing his business, which employs three people. He was jailed on Thursday after admitting violent disorder.

Aaron Bradshaw, Ben Judge, and Jonathan Ambrose, North East (up to three years)

Four people, including a 28-year-old man who threw bricks, stones and wood at police, were jailed for taking part in unrest in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Aaron Bradshaw, from Hartlepool, was captured on footage a number of times throwing missiles at officers during disorder on July 31, Cleveland Police said. The force said he “played a significant role” in the rioting and “demonstrated aggressive behaviour”.

At one point, he was in possession of a police-style baton and lashed out at the officers attempting to assault them, the force added. Bradshaw was jailed at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday for two years and eight months.

Ben Judge, 28, also from Hartlepool, was jailed for three years. The force said he threw bricks and a metal object at police during the disorder on July 31 and kicked-in a boarded-up window after pulling off the boarding.

Ben Judge, 28, also from Hartlepool, was jailed for three years. The force said he threw bricks and a metal object at police during the disorder on July 31 and kicked-in a boarded-up window after pulling off the boarding.

Jonathan Ambrose, 33, also from Middlesbrough, was identified as throwing missiles at officers during disorder on August 4. The force said he was also found in possession of class B drugs. Ambrose was jailed for 30 months.

Kerry Gove, Andrew Ball and Grant Braidwood, Plymouth (18 months and 32 months)

Two men and a woman have been jailed for their roles in a protest in Plymouth which created fear and anxiety in the local community. Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 – all from Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court having pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the demonstration in the Devon city on August 5.

Ball and Braidwood were both give prison terms of 32 months, while Gove was jailed for 18 months.

Holly Rust, prosecuting, described how Ball had been “aggressive towards officers, swearing at them, squaring up to them and poured a can of drink over them”. She said that police pushed him to the ground as he was attempting to reach a counter-demonstration.

The court heard that Ball has appeared in court previously on 51 occasions for 93 offences including racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and for public order offences. Chris Cuddihee, defending Ball, said: “He had too much to drink and was swept up in the atmosphere, he doesn’t seek to justify his behaviour and he is genuinely remorseful.”

The court heard that Braidwood had been in court previously on 27 occasions for 62 offences including assault and assaulting a police officer and public order offences. Mr Cuddihee, who also represented Braidwood, said that he was a “devoted father to four children” and had autistic spectrum disorder which meant he had “tunnel vision and was unable to stop himself”.

In a separate hearing, Ms Rust said that Gove had asked police “Are you British?”, had been seen to climb on railings and had pushed and kicked out at a police officer’s shield. Deni Matthews, defending Gove, said she was of previous good character and added: “She expressed her own disgust at what had been said, there was clear expression of disgust at her own behaviour.”

David Wilkinson, Hull (six years)

A member of a “baying mob” that forced three Romanian men from their car during riots in Hull was jailed for six years. David Wilkinson, 48, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage after playing a “prominent role” in the violence and disorder that gripped the city on August 3.

Hull Crown Court heard the driver of a BMW was left in fear for his life when more than 100 “angry” men descended on him and his two cousins and attempted to drag them from the car, punched him in the head and tried to strike him with a metal bar. In footage of the incident, the three “terrified” 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.

Wilkinson was captured in the video damaging the windscreen of the car, which suffered £1,500 of damage. 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.

During an attack on a garage in which nine cars were damaged, Wilkinson was seen trying to set fire to a bin on top of a pile of tyres which were already alight, sending plumes of black smoke through the shutters of the workshop, where a group of people were sheltering.

Paul Wiliams, Sunderland (two years and two months)

A 45-year-old man threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during rioting in Sunderland. Paul Williams was jailed for two years and two months at Newcastle Crown Court.

A judge was shown video of Williams, 45, of Esdale, Sunderland, acting aggressively towards lines of police during the widespread disorder in the city centre on August 2. The court heard how he shouted “put your shields down and let’s go, let’s f****** go” and took his shirt off as he squared up to police, running at the line of riot shields.

Sophie Allinson, defending, said her client was not aware of any protest and had gone into Sunderland city centre to collect takeaway food after a spot of gardening in the sun. Ms Allinson said it was “utterly bizarre” that he then “changed his behaviour in the most disgraceful fashion”, becoming the “front-runner” of the mob.

The barrister said her client, who admitted violent disorder, has no political opinions around immigration and was “entirely unaware of the basis of what started this”, saying his “moment of madness” was down to having drunk eight cans of lager.

Steven Love, Travis Whitelock and Corey Holloway, Hull (up to three years and four months)

Three men who took part in a barrage of verbal and physical abuse towards police during riots in Hull have been jailed.

Steven Love, 41, who hurled an empty bin at a protective line of officers, was sentenced to 40 months in prison as a judge told him he was “lucky not to be charged with riot” after his central role in the disorder.

Travis Whitelock, 23, was jailed for two years after also playing a “prominent role” that included pushing a street litter bin onto a burning pile of rubbish and shoving a large wheelie bin at police.

Corey Holloway, 20, was detained for 18 months in a young offenders institution after throwing a traffic cone at police and behaving in a “violent and aggressive manner”.

All three pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

John Honey, Hull (four years and eight months)

A man pictured looting a branch of cosmetics chain Lush while wearing a “distinctive” England flag T-shirt during riots in Hull has been jailed for 56 months. John Honey, 25, helped attack a BMW carrying three Romanian men, targeted a garage leaving nine vehicles damaged, and pushed bins at police lines during the disorder on August 3.

Honey pleaded guilty to violent disorder and three charges of burglary at Lush, an O2 store and Shoezone. He also admitted racially aggravated criminal damage over the BMW incident, and damaging nine other cars during an attack on a garage.

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”.

But after hearing that Honey had developmental issues due to his “difficult start in life”, Judge John Thackray KC said his alleged comment “does not have the significance it would otherwise have”.

The judge told Honey: “I’m not going to hear any evidence about comments which you may or may not have made in the prison setting. I’m not going to give them any relevance. If your defence say that there is now genuine remorse, I’ll accept that submission.”

Roger Haywood, Blackpool (two years and six months)

A 41-year-old man was jailed for 30 months for his part in disorder in Blackpool on Saturday August 3. Roger Haywood encouraged a group of men, women and children to follow him to various locations, including the Cenotaph and Blackpool Tower, while the resort was busy with visiting families.

He repeatedly verbally abused police officers and then attempted to pull up the shutters of a store in the Hounds Hill shopping centre before he assaulted a member of its security team, said Lancashire Police. He was later arrested on the same evening and assaulted an officer as they attempted to restrain him.

Haywood, of Yew Tree Road, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault.

Sarah Gallagher, district crown prosecutor for CPS Northwest, said: “When a violent mob descended on Blackpool on August 3, Roger Haywood took a leading role in the disorder, encouraging others and behaving aggressively towards members of the public and police officers. This vile behaviour cannot go unchallenged. Those taking to the streets, taking part in violent conduct and spreading fear in our communities must face the consequences of their actions.”

Manchester Evening News

Two more jailed after ‘mindless violence’ during Hull riot

By
August 19, 2024
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“I’m very sorry for my actions and I’m very sorry for everything.”



Two more troublemakers involved in “mindless violence” and looting in Hull city centre have been jailed for their part in the frightening scenes of large-scale public disorder.

They were the latest offenders to be locked up at Hull Crown Court after serious disturbances broke out, involving hundreds of people.

Stuart Randall , 55, of Jervis Road, off Holderness Road, east Hull, admitted violent disorder, burglary at the O2 and Lush stores, two offences of causing racially aggravated criminal damage and another of causing criminal damage at Specsavers and Holland and Barrett on August 3.

Randall also admitted possessing cannabis on August 12, the day that he was arrested. He was jailed for three years and he was given a five-year criminal behaviour order.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said that there was “mindless violence” during the disturbances and Randall was “front and central” throughout in the violence and public disorder. He waved a police shield and behaved erratically in Ferensway and he pushed a burning bin towards police in Jameson Street.

At a garage in the Milky Way area, he used a sledgehammer to smash vehicles. The owner and his family barricaded themselves inside the garage until managing to escape to a nearby garden.

In Jameson Street, Randall used a bar stool 10 times to damage a window at Specsavers, causing it to shatter, and he used a fire extinguisher to smash glass at Holland and Barrett. Randall was prominent in the looting of O2 and Lush.

Hannah Turner, mitigating, said that father-of-three Randall had said: “I am ashamed and disgusted in my behaviour on that day.” He admitted that his behaviour was “abhorrent” and that he was “playing the idiot” after drinking alcohol. He drank alcohol most days and he was alcohol-dependent

“He can’t really grasp that it was him in that footage,” said Miss Turner. “This is behaviour that is so out of character for him.”

Randall had convictions for two unrelated non-violent offences from 2012. He had grandchildren that were of Polish and Indian heritage and he “doted” on them. He denied being racist.

Judge John Thackray KC said that Randall showed hostility to others motivated by race and he was involved in inciting others and throwing missiles.

“It’s clear that you were being directed by others,” said Judge Thackray. “However, you were a willing participant.”

William Riley , 64, of St Aidan’s Way, off Preston Road, east Hull, admitted violent disorder and assaulting a police officer as an emergency worker on August 3. He was jailed for 18 months .

Riley was part of a crowd acting aggressively and he threw eggs as well as handing them out to others, who were also being aggressive. He shouted abuse to police.

Riley punched another man in the face area and, when he was detained at a multistorey car park in George Street, he moved towards a police officer, and shouted “What do you want?”

Riley rushed at him “in a fighting stance” before punching him in the jaw, causing no injury. He was “brought under control” shortly afterwards. He later claimed that he was acting in self-defence.

Riley had convictions for 11 previous offences, including being drunk and disorderly, causing criminal damage and public disorder. His most recent conviction was in 1982.

Michael Forrest, mitigating, said that Riley was certainly at the front line of the trouble but there were people around him causing far more aggressive violence than him towards police. Riley was shouting, pointing and gesticulating but there was at least one metre between him and police on the front line. “He was simply shouting,” said Mr Forrest.

“This behaviour is monstrously out of character for him.” Riley was a grandfather, an “honourable individual” and a “valuable member of the community”. He ran a scaffolding company and employed one person. There were references for him.

Riley’s company helped with repairs at a church and he helped with veterans’ charities, including recently raising £2,500 to organise travel for veterans from Hull to go to Armistice Day. He laid a wreath every year.

Riley had said: “I’m very sorry for my actions and I’m very sorry for everything.”

Judge Thackray told Riley: “This is a massive fall from grace for you. You have an excellent work record.” But he added: “Ultimately, only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence.”

Hull Daily Mail

Rioter who took sledgehammer to cars at garage owned by foreign national jailed

By
August 19, 2024
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Stuart Randall, 55, also danced in front of a police line while waving a riot shield and smashed the front windows of two shops

A father-of-three who took a sledgehammer to cars at a garage belonging to a foreign national while the terrified owner cowered inside with his family during riots in Hull has been jailed for three years.

Stuart Randall, 55, danced in front of a police line while waving a riot shield and smashed the front windows of two shops during a day of “racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” in the city on August 3.

Randall also smashed the glass of a BMW that had contained three Romanian men who were forced out of their vehicle by an angry mob, although Hull Crown Court heard he was not directly involved in that incident.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated criminal damage, violent disorder, criminal damage to two shops, burglary of the O2 store and Lush, and possession of cannabis.

The court heard Randall had gone into the city centre to attend a vigil for the three children killed in the attack in Southport.

The defendant, who has an alcohol dependency, “accepted a can of cider” from someone and “that’s when things spiralled out of control,” a judge was told.

As police formed a protective line in front of a hotel known to house asylum seekers, Randall was seen “waving a police shield and behaving in an erratic manner”.

During an attack on a garage owned by a foreign national, Randall was seen smashing cars with a sledgehammer.

The owner, who was barricaded inside his own business with his children and six other people, could smell burning cars and hear threats to harm his family outside as he cowered in fear for his life, the court heard.

At one point he heard someone shout: “You bastard foreigner, come out,” prosecutor Jeremy Evans said.

Footage played in court showed Randall picking up a bar stool and using it to smash the front of a Specsavers shop, before doing the same with a fire extinguisher at Holland & Barrett. He was also seen on CCTV looting the O2 store and Lush.

In mitigation, the court heard Randall was “ashamed and disgusted by his behaviour” and “only knew what happened through watching CCTV at the police station”.

At the same court, a 64-year-old man who punched a police officer in the jaw and handed out eggs for people to throw during the Hull disorder was jailed for 18 months.

William Riley pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard he was prominent at the front of a group who were confronting a police line, acting aggressively and throwing missiles.

He went on to punch an officer to the side of the jaw as he was trying to detain him.

The court heard the conviction was “a massive fall from grace” for Riley, who is involved with veterans’ charities who had attended the city centre that day to lay a wreath for the victims of the Southport stabbing.

Evening Standard

Hull father who looted O2 and Lush stores jailed for three years

By
August 19, 2024
Uncategorized

A father-of-three who was filmed using a bar stool to smash the front of a Specsavers shop in Hull before doing the same with a fire extinguisher at a Holland & Barrett store has been jailed for three years.

Stuart Randall, 55, also looted an O2 store and a Lush shop in Hull city centre on 3 August.

Hull Crown Court heard Randall danced in front of a police line while waving a riot shield and smashed the front windows of the two shops.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated criminal damage, violent disorder, criminal damage to two shops, burglary of an O2 store and a Lush shop, and possession of cannabis.

The court heard Randall had gone into the city centre to attend a vigil for the three children killed in the attack in Southport.

Randall, who has an alcohol dependency, “accepted a can of cider” from someone and “that’s when things spiralled out of control,” a judge was told.

Separately, during an attack on a garage owned by a foreign national, Randall was seen smashing cars with a sledgehammer.

The owner, who was barricaded inside his own business with his children and six other people, could smell burning cars and hear threats to harm his family outside as he cowered in fear for his life, the court heard.

BBC News

‘Famous’ troublemaker John Honey is jailed for his ‘central’ role in Hull disorder

By
August 16, 2024
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The notorious troublemaker and looter who boasted that he was “famous” – and asked a probation officer if she wanted his autograph – has been jailed for four years and eight months.

High-profile troublemaker John Honey was “over confident and jovial” while he was in custody on remand and he shamelessly bragged that he was “all over social media”.

He claimed that he went to Greggs for a drink because the police pepper spray made him thirsty. His antics became widely featured on social media videos.

But Honey was jailed after he admitted his key role in the frightening large-scale disturbance and looting. He was repeatedly pictured in his England shirt gleefully taking full advantage of the chaotic scenes in Hull city centre. He was also involved in a well-publicised racially motivated incident in which a BMW car was badly damaged, Hull Crown Court heard.

Honey, 25, of Park Grove, off Princes Avenue, west Hull, admitted six offences, including three of burglary that featured a break-in at the Lush shop in Jameson Street, involving stealing bath and cosmetic products, as well as raids on the nearby Shoezone and O2 shops, both with intent to steal, on August 3.

He also admitted offences of violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage to a BMW and causing criminal damage to nine vehicles, including a Ford C-Max, a Renault Clio, a VW Passat, a Jeep, a Seat Leon, a BMW 520d, an Audi A4, a Chevrolet and a Skoda Octavia.

Robbery charges that were originally included in the list of offences to be dealt with have been dropped.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said that “mass public disorder” broke out in the city centre, including several fights and disorder outside the Royal Hotel and near the mosque, off Spring Bank. A garage and tyre business was targeted. Fireworks were thrown, a barrage of threats was hurled at police and rubbish bins were pushed or set on fire. There was racist chanting. The railway station and the shops there had to be closed.

Looting happened at shops in Jameson Street, including Lush, Shoezone and O2. Honey was wearing a white England top with a red cross of St George but he later changed into a grey jacket, said Mr Evans.

The Lush store had to shut at 3pm for the protection of staff after it was “ransacked” – causing “utter devastation”. The damage caused at the nearby Shoezone store was put at £320,000. About £40,000 of stock was stolen from the O2 shop.

Honey was present throughout and he played a prominent role in the violence and public disorder. He was seen on CCTV wearing his distinctive white top with the red cross. He was involved at the front of the group who confronted the police outside the hotel.

Honey damaged street furniture and used them as missiles. A garage and repair shop in the Milky Way area was targeted and nine vehicles were damaged, all but one of them connected with the garage.

Honey was involved in that incident as well as one in which three men in a BMW car were confronted by between 100 and 200 males. Honey kicked out at the car and pulled at the door.

Threats to kill the three European men were made and there were shouts of “get them all out.” Honey made no physical contact with the three men, who managed to flee from the car towards the police and the Royal Hotel. Serious fear was caused to the men.

Honey had convictions for four previous offences, including possessing knives. He handed himself in to the police with the knives, saying that he was going to commit a crime.

Charlotte Baines, mitigating, said that Honey realised that he faced a prison sentence of some length for his “disgraceful” behaviour in “disorderly public conduct”.

The court heard that it had been claimed that Honey boasted while in custody on remand that he was “famous” and “all over social media”. He asked whether a female probation officer in the prison wanted his autograph.

He was “over confident and jovial” and he seemed to show “no remorse”. He claimed that he went to Greggs for a drink because pepper spray made him thirsty.

Miss Baines said that there was a “factual dispute” about what the probation officer had claimed about what Honey supposedly said. Honey still claimed to be genuinely remorseful. The judge decided to accept that he was remorseful without hearing evidence from the probation officer.

Miss Baines said that the offences involved “utterly disgraceful” behaviour from Honey and others. Honey was not associated with any specific group and he was not the “leader of a pack” during the trouble and looting.

“He has not specifically gone out with rioters,” said Miss Baines. “He has joined in.” Honey had suffered problems during his life and he had a very difficult start. He had not committed any offences for six years, since the knife offences.

“He has been able to hold down employment from time to time,” said Miss Baines.

Judge John Thackray KC told Honey: “You were front and central of everything, namely attacking police officers and throwing missiles, attacking a garage repair shop with terrified occupants nearby, attacking a BMW with three terrified occupants and burglary of commercial premises.”

Honey showed hostility based on people’s race and the burglaries had a substantial emotional impact on staff and caused a serious degree of loss. There was a high risk of injury to people because Honey was doing his best to assist others in exposing people affected to the “wrath of a baying mob”. He “yanked” at a car door while the terrified occupants were inside trying to keep it closed.

Honey showed no emotion and looked straight ahead as he was led out of the secure dock to be taken down to the cells.

Hull Daily Mail

Teenager attacked police motorbike rider then helped loot £30,000 of vapes weeks before GCSE results

By
August 13, 2024
Uncategorized

The teenager, who cannot be named, was one of six people to appear before magistrates’ today charged in connection with the riots in Liverpool and Southport

A teenager was part of a “hostile crowd” that assaulted a lone police motorbike rider and stole £30,000 of vapes from Clayton Square.

The 16-year-old boy from Knowsley appeared at Liverpool Youth Court this afternoon, Tuesday, August 13 where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder, criminal damage and three counts of burglary.

The charges come in relation to the riots in Liverpool city centre on August 3. The city centre was subjected to large scale disorder when hundreds of people gathered on the Strand and by the Pier Head. The riot, which was originally billed as a peaceful protest under the name “Save our Kids”, turned violent with police officers attacked, vehicles destroyed and shops looted.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted his role in the disorder. Prosecutor Matthew Dixon told the court, which excludes members of the public due to the defendant’s age: “The matters refer to the events of August 3 when the defendant engaged in the serious violent disorder in Liverpool city centre.

“He joined the hostile crowd. He was part of the crowd that assaulted a lone police motorcycle rider.” The court heard the teenager also attended the Ifix Phone Repair Centre, where he “lifted the shutters to enable others to enter”. The court also heard the teenager helped tip over a marked police vehicle worth £15,000.

Mr Dixon then said the teenager assisted in forcing open S&S News which was also looted, before he gained entry to Clayton Square “by kicking open the doors” where he stole vapes. The court hears £30,000 worth of vapes were stolen during the raid.

Prosecutor Mr Dixon added the matters “are taken very seriously” and said the courts will have a “very stark choice” between a referral order and detention in youth accommodation when it comes to sentencing. Clare Roche, defending, said the boy had a supportive family and stable home and is due to pick up his GCSE results next week.

District Judge Paul Healey said the teenager, who has no previous convictions, was bailed on the conditions he sleeps at his home address and that he doesn’t enter the L1, L2 or L3 postcodes. The judge confirmed the teenager would appear back before the youth court for sentence on September 17.

Following the teenager’s appearance, two men appeared before District Judge Healey charged with violent disorder in Southport. The riots in the north Sefton seaside town followed a peaceful vigil in memory of three young girls killed in a mass stabbing the previous day.

However, rioters gathered half a mile from the dance studio where the stabbings happened, fuelled by misinformation regarding the ethnicity, race and religion of the alleged attacker. Jake Lowther, 20 and of Abrams Fold in Banks, admitted throwing “concrete missiles” at police, hitting the shield of one officer, at the junction of Sussex Road and St Luke’s Road close to a mosque.

Lowther, who has no previous convictions, was supported in court by his mum and dad. The pair waved and mouthed “love you” at their son as he was led down to the cells after he was remanded in custody.

Luke Summerfield, 33 and of Mansfield Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester, also appeared charged with the same offence. The court heard the Manchester man had travelled to Southport where he threw objects towards the police line.

A Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor said: “He chose to enter the area to involve himself. He has chosen to engage in those proceedings. He is not local and someone who has got caught up in the emotions of the very tragic incident in Southport.”

The court heard the defendant, who was on bail from the crown court at the time of the incidents in Southport, had attempted to evade the police when they arrested him over the weekend. He appeared in the dock with blood stains on his shirt and a cut and bruising around his eye. He too was remanded into custody.

Earlier in the morning three other men appeared before the same judge in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. David Engleby, 29 and of Scarisbrick New Road in Southport, appeared in court sporting a shaved head and tattoos, including a rose on his face. The court heard he was involved in the riots in Southport on July 30.

Engleby was described as an “active participant who played a leading role by throwing objects at the police” and pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder. Paul Dryhurst, 33 and of Gale Road in Litherland, was part of the same crowd and was identified by footage provided to the police by a member of the public.

Footage showed he was part of a large crowd chanting “Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah”. He then threw an object at the police and filmed the disorder on his phone. His defence said he accepted his wrongdoing and he pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Connor Prescott, 25 and of no fixed abode, was also described to have played an active role in the rioting in Southport. He was seen “throwing bricks, masonry and wheelie bins towards the police”. Prescott, who admitted violent disorder, was remanded and will appear before Liverpool Crown Court with the other adult defendants on August 19 for sentencing.

A total of 35 people have now been charged in connection with the disorder across Merseyside. Several have already been imprisoned at Liverpool Crown Court. Police have repeatedly condemned the “despicable” violence which also happened on County Road in Walton on the same day as the city centre disorder.

Following the riots in Merseyside, disorder spread to towns and cities around the country. Police had made 927 arrests and 466 people had been charged across the country by Sunday afternoon, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Liverpool Echo

Five men who appeared in the dock after Middlesbrough and Hartlepool riots

By
August 13, 2024
Uncategorized

The men faced a range of charges including burglary and possession of a controlled drug

Five men have appeared in court in connection with the recent disorder in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

The men attended Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 12, after being charged by Cleveland Police with a range of offences following the violence which erupted in Hartlepool on Wednesday, July 31, and in Middlesbrough last Sunday, August 4.

The court appearances follow violence across the country in protests organised by far right and anti-immigration groups. See details of the cases below:

Evan James Wilkins-Doyle, 19, of The Spinney, Hartlepool appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with violent disorder. It is alleged that on July 31, on Murray Street, Hartlepool, he used or threatened unlawful violence when present together with others being three or more persons. Wilkins-Doyle did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 29.

Bradley Playford, 24, of Shelley Road, Middlesbrough, indicated a guilty plea to burglary at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He is accused of entering the Red Lantern takeaway on Parliament Road and stealing the till. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday, August 4, as far-right protesters stormed the streets. He was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, August 16.

Middlesbrough’s Noman Ahmed appeared in the dock at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with violent disorder in Middlesbrough. Ahmed, 24, indicated a guilty plea following an alleged incident on Sunday, August 4. The Harrow Road defendant was granted conditional bail to appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 15.

Matthew Putson, 27, indicated guilty pleas to violent disorder and assault by beating after far-right riots in Middlesbrough. According to the charge, on August 4, in Middlesbrough, he used or threatened unlawful violence when present together with others being three or more persons. The Palmer Street, Middlesbrough, was remanded in court to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, August 16.

Declan Dixon, 22, of Salisbury Avenue, Hindley, Wigan, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Monday accused of possession of cocaine and violent disorder in Hartlepool. The alleged offences took place on July 31, as protesters stormed the streets of Hartlepool. The defendant indicated guilty pleas and was remanded in custody until Thursday August 15, where he will appear at Teesside Crown Court.
Gazette Live

Shameless Hull rioter ‘offered to sign his autograph in prison after boasting that he was famous’

By
August 13, 2024
Uncategorized

John Honey was one of the most notorious looters seen on social media during the violence

One of the most notorious looters seen on social media during the serious outbreak of rioting in Hull is said to have boasted while in prison that he was “famous” – and to have offered to sign his autograph.

High-profile troublemaker John Honey was “over confident and jovial” while he was in custody on remand and he is said to have asked a probation officer in the prison if they wanted his autograph. It was claimed that he showed “no remorse” and that he went to Greggs for a drink because the police pepper spray made him thirsty. His antics became widely featured on social media videos.

But Honey now faces being jailed after he admitted his key role in the frightening large-scale disturbance and looting. He was repeatedly pictured in his England shirt gleefully taking full advantage of the chaotic scenes in Hull city centre. He was also involved in a well-publicised racially motivated incident in which a BMW car was badly damaged, Hull Crown Court heard.

Honey, 25, of Park Grove, off Princes Avenue, west Hull, admitted six offences, including three of burglary that featured a break-in at the Lush shop in Jameson Street, involving stealing bath and cosmetic products, as well as raids on the nearby Shoezone and O2 shops, both with intent to steal, on August 3.

He also admitted offences of violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage to a BMW and causing criminal damage to nine vehicles, including a Ford C-Max, a Renault Clio, a VW Passat, a Jeep, a Seat Leon, a BMW 520d, an Audi A4, a Chevrolet and a Skoda Octavia.

Robbery charges that were originally included in the list of offences to be dealt with have been dropped.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said that “mass public disorder” broke out in the city centre, including several fights and disorder outside the Royal Hotel and near the mosque, off Spring Bank. A garage and tyre business was targeted. Fireworks were thrown, a barrage of threats was hurled at police and rubbish bins were pushed or set on fire. There was racist chanting. The railway station and the shops there had to be closed.

Looting happened at shops in Jameson Street, including Lush, Shoezone and O2. Honey was wearing a white England top with a red cross of St George but he later changed into a grey jacket, said Mr Evans.

The Lush store had to shut at 3pm for the protection of staff after it was “ransacked” – causing “utter devastation”. The damage caused at the nearby Shoezone store was put at £320,000. About £40,000 of stock was stolen from the O2 shop.

Honey was present throughout and he played a prominent role in the violence and public disorder. He was seen on CCTV wearing his distinctive white top with the red cross. He was involved at the front of the group who confronted the police outside the hotel.

Honey damaged street furniture and used them as missiles. A garage and repair shop in the Milky Way area was targeted and nine vehicles were damaged, all but one of them connected with the garage.

Honey was involved in that incident as well as one in which three men in a BMW car were confronted by between 100 and 200 males. Honey kicked out at the car and pulled at the door.

Threats to kill the three European men were made and there were shouts of “Get them all out.” Honey made no physical contact with the three men, who managed to flee from the car towards the police and the Royal Hotel. Serious fear was caused to the men.

Honey had previous convictions, including possessing knives.

Charlotte Baines, mitigating, said that Honey – wearing a grey sweatshirt for his court appearance – realised that he faced a prison sentence of some length for his “disgraceful” behaviour in “disorderly public conduct”.

The court heard that it had been claimed that Honey boasted while in custody on remand that he was “famous” and asked whether a probation officer in the prison wanted his autograph.

He was “over confident and jovial” and he seemed to show “no remorse”. He claimed that he went to Greggs for a drink because pepper spray made him thirsty.

Miss Baines said that there was a “factual dispute” about what the probation officer had claimed about what Honey supposedly said. Honey still claimed to be genuinely remorseful. A statement will be obtained from the probation officer.

Sentence was adjourned for that information to be given to the court and Honey was further remanded in custody.

Hull Daily Mail

Boy, 15, guilty of violent disorder and burglary of vape shop in Sunderland

By
August 11, 2024
Uncategorized

A 15-year-old boy has become the first child in the North East to be convicted over the recent eruptions of disorder after his shameful actions in Sunderland

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on Friday, August 9, as part of another round of early morning raids across Sunderland by Northumbria Police.

The 15-year-old appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Saturday, August 10, where he admitted one charge of violent disorder and the burglary of a business – after stealing from a vape shop.

He will next appear at South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday, August 15.

Another male also admitted guilt in court on Saturday morning.

Philip Cawthorne, 38, of Southend Road, Sunderland, was arrested by the Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT), which the force says has been persistently investigating since the disorder occurred last week.

Cawthorne was charged with one count of violent disorder and appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Saturday morning, where he pleaded guilty to his role in the disorder.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on August 20 to be sentenced.

It brings the total number of those convicted in the first week to 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT), said: “Now, just over a week on, we know all too well the effects those appalling scenes have had on our communities across the North East.

“A thorough investigation has been well underway as we look to identify those responsible and ensure they are met with the full strength of the law.

“We will not tolerate the behaviour we saw in Sunderland city centre on Friday, August 2.”

Sunderland Echo