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

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August 19, 2024
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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

Hull riot: Inside Courtroom 1 as six are jailed

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August 16, 2024
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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

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

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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

Man who looted Sainsbury’s during city centre disorder tells judge to “swivel on that, you b****”

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August 14, 2024
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Kye McGlade, 24, was part of a group that was ‘kicking shop windows and throwing bottles at police’

A man who looted a Sainsbury’s store during violent scenes in Manchester city centre told a judge to “swivel on that, you b****”.

Kye McGlade, 24, pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder, theft from a shop, and criminal damage, at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday).

The offences were carried out on August 3, the court heard. Prosecutor Aqsa Khan told the court that McGlade was part of a group that was ‘kicking shop windows and throwing bottles at police’.

“The defendant was identified through extensive CCTV and mobile phone footage,” she added.

McGlade, who was said to have previous convictions for assaulting emergency workers, also admitted a breach of a conditional discharge. Remanding him into custody, District Judge Joanne Hirst said the offences were ‘too serious’ to be dealt with by magistrates.

“You have admitted taking part in the shameful disorder that took place in our city recently,” she added. “You were heavily involved in that in terms of looting alcohol and criminally damaging other people’s property.”

As he was led to the cells, McGlade, of no fixed abode, told the judge to “f*** off”. He then added: “Swivel on that, you bitch.”

He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court for sentence on August 20.

MEN

Man jailed for racially abusing bus driver

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August 13, 2024
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A man has been jailed for 10 months after he racially abused a bus driver in London and violently attacked a betting shop.

Michael Mongan, 39, of Castle Road, Ealing, west London, attacked a Ladbrokes branch in Northolt on 27 July.

While released on bail, he racially abused a bus driver on 7 August – an incident that was widely shared on social media.

At Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, Judge Ian Comfort described the bus incident as an “appalling racial and religious abuse over a sustained period of time”.

He added: “Your behaviour (occurred) when there was violent disorder in other parts of the country against Muslims and other groups.”
Islamophobic abuse

On 27 July, Mongan repeatedly hit windows with a large stick and racially abused staff while under the influence of alcohol, the court heard.

A member of the public had to restrain him before he was arrested by police.

While in custody, Mongan racially abused a police officer who was driving a van.

In relation to this incident, Mongan pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated behaviour, one charge of criminal damage and one count of causing damage to a police vehicle.

The second incident occurred on 7 August, while he was on bail for the previous offences, after a bus driver refused to let him board as he did not have the money to pay for his journey.

Mongan spat at the bus driver’s cab a number of times while shouting Islamophobic abuse and other threats, the court was told.

His lawyer, Giovanna Fiorentino, said Mongan had claimed a member of the public had offered to pay for his fare but the bus driver refused to let him board.

After the video was posted on social media, Mongan was identified and arrested on Friday.

He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage.
‘Won’t see a pound’

Mongan was sentenced to:

Six months in custody for racially abusing the bus driver

Four months in custody for each of the two charges of racially aggravated behaviour

Two months for criminal damage to Ladbrokes

One month for criminal damage to a police vehicle and

One month for damaging the cab door of the bus

All charges will run concurrently.

He was also told to pay £500 to the bus driver, £200 to the police officer he racially abused and £200 to a staff member at Ladbrokes.

Mongan bowed his head as the sentence was read out in court and told the judge afterwards: “They won’t see a pound of it from me.”

BBC News

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

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August 13, 2024
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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

Boy, 16, admits role in Bolton disorder

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August 9, 2024
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A 16-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to violent disorder, criminal damage and possession of a metal bar.

The court heard that on August 4 in Bolton town centre, a large-scale demonstration took place, alongside counter-protestors. A large number of police attended to keep the groups apart, it was said.

At around 4pm, around 20-30 youths were causing disruption, many of them wearing coverings over their faces, Ms Nicholls said.

Police were able to identify the boy from CCTV, as he became involved in the disorder. He was seen walking down Exchange Street before pulling a metal bar out of his trouser leg. He was then seen as part of a group of youths kicking cars on Trinity Way.

“He was also seen chasing some vehicles whilst wearing a balaclava,” the prosecutor added.

At one stage he approached a shop with others as other members of the public left. He was seen to brandish a knife before entering the shop, it was said.

Whilst in the shop he was heard shouting: “You’re going back”. The owner of the shop was in fear of being robbed due to recent targeting of shops due to racism, the court heard.

He was said to have previous convictions including for possession of a knife.

“He did not go out with the intention to be part of this,” his solicitor, Nawal Nadeem said.

“There is an awful lot of people caught up in this, those with a balaclava and with a weapon and he seems to be one of them,” DJ Hogarth said.

“He was aware of what was going on, his had the bat for safety and had a balaclava in his possession anyway,” Ms Nadeem said.

Asking his father, who sat in the well of the court, if he thought his son could be bailed, he said: “He doesn’t seem to keep himself out of trouble.”

When asked if he thought an electronic curfew would assist, he said: “To be honest, I don’t think it will. I think he would cut it off. In my opinion, it needs stopping now before something happens and he gets four to five years.”

Bailing his with stringent conditions, DJ Hogarth said the offences of which he had pleaded guilty were ‘unpleasant’.

“Almost every person saying they didn’t get involved with the intent to cause damage using violence – the culmination of that and the combination of people and their behaviour has caused real disorder to people. You are part of that,” she said.

“I made no promises about what your sentence is going to be.” He will next appear back at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on September 10.

Manchester Evening News

Man jailed for two months

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August 6, 2024
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Liam Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage during the disorder in Bolton on Sunday.

Prosecuting, Mr Potter said that two police cars, a Ford Focus and a Peugeot, were parked in the Morrison car park on Black Horse Street.

“On the first vehicle, there was significant damage to the windscreen, the side windows were smashed and the driver’s side wing mirror was also damaged. On the second vehicle, the back window was smashed and the near side window was smashed, with significant damage to the front window,” he said.

He was said to have no previous convictions.

Mitigating, Gabriella Black said her client suffers from ADHD and issues with anger for which he was prescribed medication though had ‘not been taking’ it.

“This was in the context of being involved in a situation with a group of people,” she said.

Nelson lives with his grandparents and was said to have acted ‘completely out of character’.

The court heard that he was wearing a pink balaclava at the time.

“He was trying to evade identification, should he be involved in violence?” District Judge Hirst said.

“He accepts he was involved in this violence,” Ms Black said. “He brought a pink balaclava, though he was clearly identified by witnesses. He was not thinking properly, he was immature and naive to the gravity of the consequences of the offences he committed.”

Jailing him for two months, DJ Hirst said: “You attended that violence with the intent of causing trouble. You were involved in the appalling and shameful violent disorder that impacted not just the national community, but in particular the Bolton community.

“I accept you may have difficulties but I understand that everyone involved in that violence has difficulties.”

She added that an immediate custodial sentence would ‘deter others from damaging police vehicles’.

Manchester Evening News

Thief spared jail after wrecking spree saw seven vehicles damaged in Sunderland streets

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November 22, 2020
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A thief who launched a wrecking “spree” that left seven vehicles damaged has been allowed to keep his freedom.

Kieron Wright targeted motors that had been parked in the River View area of Sunderland, all within hours of each other, in October last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that all of the vehicles, which included cars and vans, were damaged by the 28-year-old, who smashed windows and lights, and some had personal property taken from inside.

Prosecutor Paul Reid told the court: “It was a spree of breaking into vehicles parked in Sunderland.”

At the time of the car attacks, Wright was on bail after being caught with a balaclava, torch and small hammer near the scene of a burglary and for stealing perfume from Asda.

Wright, who has a long criminal record, pleaded guilty to going equipped for theft, criminal damage and theft charges.

At a previous hearing, earlier this month, Jamie Adams, defending, said Wright, of Rosedale Street, Sunderland, was “wanting to be caught” so he could get help with his drug problem.

Mr Adams said Wright is “trying to sort himself out” and has responded well while in custody on remand.

Mr Recorder John Aitken adjourned the case until today so that Wright can be assessed for his suitability for a drug rehabilitation order.

The judge told him at the time: “It seems to me you have shown some progress and it would be in everyone’s interests if you could get a grip of your drug abuse which might lead to you not offending again.”

Wright was given bail over the last three weeks and was told he would receive a non-custodial sentence if he can convince the drug treatment authorities that he is willing to work with them.

But the judge warned him: “If you are unable to persuade them of that, I will have no choice but to give you a custodial sentence.”

Wright has now been back in court today where the judge sentenced him to a community order for nine months with a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Sunderland Echo

The full story behind prolific Cambs criminal who threw poo over a prison guard

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November 19, 2020
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Jacob O’Dell also ran over a 12-year-old girl, smashed up his gran’s house and threatened to rape children

A prolific Cambridgeshire criminal has had his jail sentence extended after he covered a prison officer in poo and urine, which wasn’t the first crime he committed involving human excrement.

But 24-year-old Jacob O’Dell’s most serious crime was when he ran over a 12-year-old girl at the Sainsbury’s petrol station in Coldham’s Lane, Cambridge.

In September last year, O’Dell had just filled up his petrol tank when a police car pulled up at the pump alongside him. O’Dell claimed the two police officers in the car had “panicked” him, knowing he had no valid licence or insurance.

As result, he sped out of the petrol station without paying for his fuel, and in his haste to run he collided with the young girl, leaving her with serious injuries.

She’d been cycling with a friend and was using the zebra crossing towards the McDonald’s nearby.

The girl, who has since made a full recovery, was rushed to Addenbrooke’s where it was found that she had a fractured pelvis, severe bruising, bruising to her ribs, various cuts, and a head injury.

O’Dell didn’t stop the car after he hit the youngster and was eventually caught in a car park near Cottenham Village College, but not before he tried to ram a police car out of his way.

This incident wasn’t O’Dell’s first brush with the law either.

Since the age of 11, O’Dell’s grandmother has tried everything to help him since he first entered the prison system, such as interventions and various programmes, but nothing was right for him, his defence, Robert Pollington, said at his trial in Cambridge Crown Court at the start of this year.

“He is a child in terms of his decision-making,” said Mr Pollington, adding that he was “stupid”.

He also said what happened on September 28 was a “momentary lapse of concentration”, but he has demonstrated a level of “extreme remorse”.

O’Dell’s grandmother was present at the hearing – despite previously being a victim of his crime when he ripped the doors in her house off their hinges – and waved as he was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

The court heard how O’Dell had a “substantial” criminal record, with 26 previous convictions totalling 64 offences, dating back to 2007 – when he was just 11.

His criminal record first began in the youth courts, with “relatively minor” cases of criminal damage and assault.

Throughout the years he was further convicted of possession of cannabis, common assault, aggravated vehicle taking, making off without payment, and more.

He also went to a young offenders’ institute for 13 months.

O’Dell also has eight points on his licence, with Judge Bridge adding that he had an “appalling driving record”.

In 2017, he was sentenced for a raft of crimes, including charges of using threatening and abusive words to cause harassment, racially related harassment, three burglaries, thefts from cars and shops, attempted theft, criminal damage of his grandmother’s home and driving offences for driving without insurance and not in accordance with a licence.

He was jailed for 30 months then.

On previous occasions, O’Dell also threatened to kill a security officer after he was caught attempting to shoplift.

He was also previously sentenced for burglary after he smashed his way into a house and stole priceless family heirlooms, leaving his victims “feeling sick”.

On one occasion, O’Dell hurled abuse at a passing cyclist in St Andrew’s Street.

And after a confrontation, O’Dell shouted: “I’m going to stab you and chop your head off with an axe.”

Then while in custody in May 2017, O’Dell urinated all over the floor of his cell before threatening to rape the supervising officer’s children, saying: “You f***ing p*ki c*** I’ll rape your kids. EDL mate, go back to your own country.”

He also joked he had five Kinder eggs worth of drugs in his rectum.

And then in 2017, he smashed up his grandmother’s home, after demanding to know “where his axe was” and asking for money.

But even when O’Dell was locked up he continued on his path of destruction, leaving for a second time a wake of human excrement.

In December last year, having only been a prisoner at HMP Peterborough for a few months he once again lashed out.

Arming himself with a bucket containing a mixture of urine and poo he hurled its contents over one of the female prison officers.

The attack, known as “potting” within prison circles, left the victim covered in faeces, despite her attempts to shield herself.

When interviewed, O’Dell claimed he was pressured into committing the offence by another inmate, but later admitted charges of administering a noxious substance with intent to injure.

He was jailed for an additional 18 months on Monday, November 2, at Cambridge Crown Court.

DC Zoe Slater said: “This was a disgusting, unprovoked attack that nobody should have to endure.

“Prison staff work hard to ensure the safety of inmates and should be able to do so without fear of being attacked.”

Already serving a three and a half year sentence for running over the 12-year-old girl, O’Dell was given an additional 18 months to his overall sentence.

Cambridge News