A man who launched a “violent and unprovoked attack” on a bus driver during a riot in Manchester has been jailed.
Jack Cregan, 32, told police he had been committing crime in Derbyshire when violent disorder broke out in Oldham Road in Newton Heath on 31 July so they had got the wrong man.
But videos on his mobile phone, which he had hidden but left on vibrate, showed he had been there.
He was sentenced to two and a half years.
‘Shouted and goaded’
Analysis of the mobile phone showed Cregan, of Argyll Close, Failsworth, was on Oldham Road during the riot.
GMP said they found his phone taped under a kitchen cabinet at his home after he left it on vibrate, saying “all it took was one phone call to unravel his lies”.
So far 20 people have been sentenced for disorder at Newton Heath, it added.
Another man, Colin Brown, 37, was jailed for two years and four months for his role in a riot in Piccadilly Gardens in the city on 3 August.
Brown pleaded guilty to violent disorder and robbery.
GMP said he was in the group that breached the metal barriers and shouted and goaded other protests groups and stole a scarf after pulling it from someone’s face.
He was also part of a group that attacked a man, the force said.
Det Ch Insp Jill Billington said officers were committed to protecting communities, and was continuing to investigate those involved in “deplorable and unnecessary violence”.
A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in Manchester city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today.
Two more thugs have admitted their involvement in a sickening mob attack on a black man during violent scenes in Piccadilly Gardens after ‘protesters’ flooded into Manchester city centre. A teenager has also pleaded guilty to violent disorder having being accused of confronting cops trying to control crowds, breaking through a barrier and snatching beer from someone leaving a Sainsbury’s store.
There was large-scale disruption in the city centre last Saturday (August 3) following a demonstration dubbed ‘Enough is Enough’. Counter-protesters also gathered as tensions flared.
A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in the city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today (Saturday, August 10).
Two men – Kane Kelly, 23, of Woodford Road, Failsworth, Oldham; and Daniel Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire – will be behind bars tonight having been remanded into custody after admitting their guilt in relation to the attack on a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens by dozens of thugs.
Earlier this week, other men admitted their role in the sickening assault – including Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford; Joseph Ley, 30, of Hollywood Towers, Stockport; Colin Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight, Manchester; and Anthony Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton, Tameside.
As Kelly and Hanslip appeared in court, prosecutor Karen Saffman said members of the mob shouted ‘kill him’ and ‘stamp on his f*****g face’. District Judge Hogarth described the incident as a ‘racially aggravated assault’.
Ms Saffman described the violent scenes, which were caught on camera, saying: “It’s a group assault on a lone, black male. The group is heard saying, ‘kill him… stamp on his f*****g face’. The male is then dragged away and then falls to the ground.”
The court heard Hanslip was seen throwing security fencing before joining a ‘melee’ alongside Kelly. Kelly appeared to join the ‘group assault’, the court heard. Ms Saffman said the two men were identified in footage from the incident, some of which has been published on YouTube. She described the clip as ‘disturbing’.
Both men will be sentenced at the Crown court on August 16. Addressing Kelly, District Judge Hogarth said: “This is a racially aggravated group assault in broad daylight in full view of the police and it’s well out of the sentencing powers of this court.”
No application for bail was made for Kelly, who has no previous convictions. His family members were in the courtroom when the judge ruled he would be remanded into custody.
Hanslip was also remanded into custody after his application for bail was rejected. Michelle Man, defending, told the court he has no previous convictions, has a well-paid job and lives with his partner, who was in court and was due to go on holiday with him this week.
Teenager Aaron Davy pleaded guilty for his part in the violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens. The 18-year-old’s birthday was days ater the incident on Saturday (August 3), which he was accused of being ‘heavily involved’ in.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard Davy, of Liney Road, Cheadle, Stockport, was part of a large, chanting group who confronted police. Davy, who was wearing a mask, was pushed back from the police line and later broke through a metal barrier to get closer to counter-protesters.
He was then seen with a man snatching a pack of beer from someone leaving a nearby branch of Sainsbury’s. Karen Saffman, prosecuting, told the court, adding: “He was an active part on this day. He wasn’t just a by-stander – he wasn’t just observing.”
Davy was granted bail after the court heard he tried to kill himself last year. Claire Parrott, defending, said: “In reality this is a very, very frightened young man.” Ms Parrott told the court Davy’s family, who were watching the hearing from the public gallery, were concerned about an older ‘friend’ who took the teenager out that day, but said that the teenager went there ‘on his own volition’ and realises the ‘enormity of the situation’.
She added: “He states that he would never put himself in this situation again.” DJ Hogarth granted bail with conditions that require him to live and sleep at his home address with an electronic tag, ensuring he remains indoors between 7pm and 7am.
Davy must also not gather in a group of more than two without an adult family member there. The judge warned Davy he may be arrested if he breaches any of these conditions and put in a cell overnight. She also told the teenager that he may receive a custodial sentence.
Explaining her decision to grant bail to Davy, DJ Hogarth said: “What I’m about to say now makes no promises about how the Crown Court deals with you. This is very serious conduct that has made communities feel frightened and has made the police’s job more difficult.”
Davy will be sentenced by the Crown Court on Friday, August 16.
On Saturday, a 13-year-old boy was the latest child to appear before DJ Hogarth. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he was caught throwing missiles at police outside the hotel – thought to be housing asylum seekers – in Newton Heath. His mum watched from the public gallery.
The court heard he was ‘caught up’ in the violent scenes as the ‘hostile’ and ‘aggressive’ crowd gathered on July 31. The crowd threw glass bottles, bricks and eggs at cops.
Prosecuting, Karen Saffman said: “[The boy] was seen throwing missiles at police and the hostel. He was also seen with a group of youths hitting and kicking a bus with the bus driver and members of the public on that bus.”
Ms Saffman read a statement written by a bus driver who was attacked by the mob. He wrote: “The incident has left me very stressed. It’s made me scared to deal with members of the public because I would never have expected to experience this when I started my shift at the beginning of the day.”
DJ Hogarth told the boy she would adjourn the case and request a report from the youth offending service. He was granted bail with conditions that he lives and sleeps at his home address every night; does leave the property between 7pm and 7am; and does not meet in groups of more than two people without an adult family member present.
Addressing the defendant, DJ Hogarth said: “Very serious things have been happening around you and you joined in. We need to look at how serious that was and what we’re going to do about it.”
The case was adjourned until a hearing on September 17. The boy’s mum was heard saying: “Thank you, thank you so much.”
Others to appear in court on Saturday were:
Anthony Whitelegg, 40, of Mulberry Close, Heald Green, Stockport: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Piccadilly Gardens incident on August 3. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 16
Darren Butler, 41, of Cattlin Way, Oldham: Charged with violent disorder following the incident in Newton Heath on July 31. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13
David Whittaker, 36, of Farnborough Road, Miles Platting, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Newton Heath incident on July 31. Not guilty plea. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13
Colin Brown, 37, of Moorcroft Road, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to Piccadilly Gardens disorder; and robbery. He is alleged to have stolen a woman’s scarf. No pleas entered. Remanded into custody head of Crown court hearing on September 13
Large scale disorder broke out across the country after three young children were killed in Southport
They were days that will live in infamy in Greater Manchester’s history. Division and chaos reigned.
The deaths of three young girls in Southport led to a wave of disorder throughout the UK, and Manchester did not avoid such trouble. Wholly inaccurate claims about the identity and ethnicity of the alleged attacker spread online.
Fuelled by anger and inspired by disinformation, thugs took to the streets intent on causing trouble. Disorder erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath, on July 31, after a Facebook post swirled that afternoon.
“Let’s get them out,” it menacingly declared. Missiles were thrown towards the building, a bus was attacked and its driver injured, and asylum seekers, vulnerable individuals seeking help, were terrorised.
The far-right sought to capitalise on the division and called a demonstration for Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3. The incident soon turned violent. Shocking video footage emerged of a lone black man being attacked by a baying mob.
Thugs then advanced down Mosley Street and stormed a Sainsbury’s store as innocent customers tried to shop. A vape store came under heavy attack, as yobs kicked its windows with a road sign being launched at it.
The following day, the trouble moved to Bolton. Another demonstration had been called by the far-right, with counter-protestors also present. Missiles were thrown as police dealt with mass disorder. Ever since, police have been tracking down and charging rioters.
Over the past three months, dozens of yobs have felt the full force of the law as their cases were speedily brought through the courts. The M.E.N. has extensively covered the ensuing court cases, and have now analysed the sentences handed down since August.
Of those in the dock, 39 were men, six were women and seven were children, the youngest being a 12-year-old boy. Jail sentences totalling more than 80 years have been handed down. The longest single jail sentence was imposed on a ‘violent racist’ for his part in a disgraceful attack in Piccadilly Gardens.
In chronological order from August until this month, here are the 52 rioters who faced justice.
1) James Nelson
James Nelson (Image: GMP)
Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two months in prison on August 6 and ordered to pay £4,999 compensation at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Edge, 34, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 12 months in prison on August 13 at Bolton Crown Court.
Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and 10 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years and two months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and two months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and eight months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Kelly, 24, of Woodford Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and five months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and breaching a suspended sentence. Sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence, on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Parker, 26, of Douglas Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and exposure. Sentenced to 32 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Brookes, 42, of Frogmore Avenue, Hyde, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court
Warren Gilchrest (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.
Upton, 54, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison on August 22 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ryan, 55, of Collin Avenue, Gorton, Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Bridgeford, 50, of Canon Street, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Charnock, 31, of Edward Street, Farnworth, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 27 at Bolton Crown Court.
Whitworth, 30, of Costabeck Walk, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on August 28 at Manchester Crown Court.
Simpson, 57, of Deerfold, Chorley, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on August 28 at Bolton Crown Court.
Mott, 28, of Barton Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft from a shop and criminal damage. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on September 1 at Manchester Crown Court.
Potter, 39, of Bolton Road, Aspull, Wigan. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on September 4 at Bolton Crown Court.
Chadwick, 34, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and six months in prison on September 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
McGlade, 24, of Oldham Street, Manchester. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft and criminal damage. Sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on September 10 at Manchester Crown Court.
Footage has emerged appearing to show a group of demonstrators smashing up a vape shop amid protests in Manchester city centre on Saturday (August 3). (Image: Submitted)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and obstructing a police constable. Sentenced to a ten month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and assaulting an emergency worker. Sentenced to a 12 month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to two counts of violent disorder at Newton Heath on July 31 and Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Riot police in Bolton last Sunday (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. Sentenced to an 18 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Andrew Phillips (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Phillips, 28, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.
Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.
Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Grange, 20, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and possession of a class B drug. Sentenced to two and a half years in prison on September 14 at Manchester Crown Court.
Pearson, 53, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Jibson, 45, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Ryan Leckey was jailed for 16 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Leckey, 24, of Lightbowne Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
Darren Butler was jailed for 17 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Butler, 42, of Cattlin Way, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to criminal damage and violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to a 12 month intensive youth rehabilitation order on September 19 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on September 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month community order on September 23 at Manchester Crown Court.
Sadiq, 21, of Bentinck Street, Farnworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on September 25 at Bolton Crown Court.
Richard, 56, of Kingsland Close, Miles Platting. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on September 25 at Manchester Crown Court.
Smith, 42, of Farnborough Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.
Keenan, 50, of Glen Grove, Middleton. Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.
Miller, 38, Kennington Avenue, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 15 months in prison on September 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on October 3 at Manchester Crown Court.
Whitelegg, 40, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Davy, 18, of Liney Road, Cheadle. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Burgess, 20, of Regent Square, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Dunkerley, 37, of Marlborough Drive, Failsworth, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 7 at Manchester Crown Court.
Johnson, 33, of Criterion Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred in Stockport on August 5. Sentenced to two years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court on October 10.
A beauty therapy student turned up to a riot in a yellow dress and bought eggs that were handed out to teenagers and launched ‘as missiles’ towards police during violent disorder in Newton Heath. Destiny Waugh, 19, walked to a Shell garage near to where the scenes of disorder were unfolding, on Oldham Road on July 31 this year, and bought two cartons of six eggs, Manchester Crown Court heard. (Image: GMP)
Waugh, 19, of Risbury Walk, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months at Manchester Crown Court on October 15.
On a warm summer evening in July, a Facebook post began circulating north Manchester. It called for action on Oldham Road.
“Let’s get them out,” it declared. “6pm today. Stand up and take note, because if you don’t, no-one will.”
Soon, a mob of up to 70 people had answered the call, gathering outside a Holiday Inn in Newton Heath. Before long, bottles, bricks and eggs filled the sky.
Police were scrambled to defend the hotel and its residents – the majority of whom were asylum seekers. ‘Protestors’ flung abuse and obscenities as officers hurried them inside during shameful scenes of violence.
In the sky above, a helicopter hovered – tracking the crowd’s every move.
Among them on July 31 were Vanessa Smith and her daughter Nevey. The pair were captured on video throwing liquids at police officers and asylum seekers.
Just metres from where a man was being taken to the floor and detained by three policemen, a bird’s eye view showed Nevey, 21, was pushing a pram.
Sat inside was her 20-month-old son. Her mother was seen recording the incident.
Just days after her daughter was hauled before the same judge, Vanessa Smith, 42, was sentenced for her actions today (September 26).
The Smiths were part of a violent crowd which gathered in front of what was supposed to be a place of safety for defenceless people seeking refuge.
One of Manchester’s most senior judges had strong words for Nevey Smith as she faced the consequences of her actions. “What on earth were you thinking?” he questioned the 21-year-old single mother in Manchester Crown Court earlier this week.
He characterised her decision to get involved while her son was present in a pram as an ‘extraordinary and concerning feature’ of the case. “I doubt very much you had his safety and wellbeing in mind,” he added.
During Nevey Smith’s sentencing hearing, it was revealed that when questioned, she admitted she didn’t understand what an asylum seeker was. “That aspect of the case and indeed other aspects of the case show you have quite a lot to learn and quite a lot of growing up to do,” Judge Patrick Field KC told Smith.
Today, the same judge took to court to sentence her mother. During the shocking disorder, a bus was attacked and an asylum seeker being escorted into the hotel was injured by flying glass. The prosecution told how Vanessa Smith was seen as part of the group and threw liquid towards police officers.
Vanessa Smith, a mum-of-three with two other children aged 16 and 11, handed herself in to police and pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Judge Field told the elder Smith that she had been ‘wholly misguided’ in her involvement in the mob and the court heard how she has suffered the loss of her employment at a Failsworth café because of it. Vanessa Smith, of Farnborough Road in Failsworth, was sentenced to an 18 month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity days, and instructed to make a payment of £150 to the cost of proceedings.
The judge accepted the defence’s submission that it was an ‘isolated incident and out of character’, with the throwing of water being the height of her contribution to the day’s chaos. But the judge called the behaviour ‘mistaken, ill-advised’, and’ completely unacceptable’.
“You should be duly ashamed, particularly as there were children present – your grandson was present. I’m confident that what we’ve just seen and heard about is not the example you would want to hold up for your children and grandchildren,” added the judge.
Vanessa Smith sighed as she was spared jail, as Judge Field said: “You’ve received a merciful sentence, don’t let me down.”
Gavin Pinder, 47, has been jailed for two years and four months.
A “highly-paid” nuclear power industry worker who laughed as he took part in disorder outside a mosque in Southport has been jailed for two years and four months.
More than 50 police officers were injured and a carrier was set alight during riots outside Southport mosque on July 30, the day after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the town.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Gavin Pinder, 47, had a “highly paid, responsible job” at the Hinkley Point power station in Somerset, but had been at his home in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, spending time with family when he said he was contacted by an associate who made him aware of a protest that was to take place in Southport.
Michael Johnson, defending, said Pinder believed the protest was focused on the belief that “something was being held back from the public in relation to the identity or circumstances of the person who had been detained” following the knife attack.
He said Pinder, who admitted violent disorder, had travelled to Southport and congregated with others in a pub.
“He understood the focus of the protest was to be a police station where he believed the detainee to be held. He did not know that a mosque was going to be the focus of the protest and didn’t learn that until he arrived back in Manchester the day after,” Mr Johnson said.
Footage of the disorder showed Pinder shout at officers, throw a traffic cone and throw a smaller object towards them.
He was arrested at a pub in Manchester on August 17 and in interview told police he had been struck by an officer with a baton after asking why they were not releasing information about the suspect.
The court heard Pinder, father to a four-year-old, had 10 previous convictions, including for breaching an international football banning order.
Sentencing him, Judge Simon Medland KC said: “You threw two objects at police, were clearly seen to be laughing and taking the view, perhaps, this had a recreational element to you.
“How this sits with the character references in your case and your highly responsible, very well-paid job is difficult to reconcile.”
He was jailed along with Jonathan Duerden, 31, and Joseph Buckley, 44, who also admitted violent disorder.
Chris Taylor, prosecuting, said Duerden, a handyman from Colne, Lancashire, threw a brick that bounced off the top of a police carrier and encouraged the crowd to advance towards police.
He told police he travelled to Southport to lay flowers at a vigil, but said he had taken a cocktail of drugs including cannabis, ketamine and cocaine along with alcohol.
Andrew McInnes, defending, told the court the defendant had ADHD, was barely literate or numerate and his family believed he had been addicted to cannabis since the age of 13.
He said: “It certainly seems this defendant is more of a follower than a leader.”
Duerden was jailed for two years.
The court heard Buckley, of Litherland, Merseyside, was the joint owner of a civil engineering business and was seen on footage throwing a brick around a corner towards police.
In interview, he said he had thrown the brick because he was angry after an officer “assaulted him with a shield”.
Des Lennon, defending, said Buckley had believed he was going to a peaceful vigil but had stayed for about two hours after violence broke out because of “morbid curiosity”.
Jailing him for 16 months, Judge Medland said: “You are an intelligent and capable person and you could readily have left. You didn’t, you involved yourself in this.”
A mechanical engineer who threw bricks at police when unrest broke out outside a hotel for asylum seekers has been jailed.
Dane Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, admitted violent disorder during the incident in Newton Heath, Manchester, on 31 July.
Freeman was captured on video, among a mob, throwing and smashing bricks against a wall, then launching broken shards at police lines surrounding the hotel.
Despite wearing a face mask, Freeman was later identified by a distinctive “sleeve” tattoo on his arm, Manchester Crown Court heard.
He was sentenced to 26 months in jail.
The clash was part of a nationwide outbreak of unrest sparked by misinformation spread online following a knife attack in Southport on 29 July, which left three children dead.
Dan Gaskell, defending Freeman, said his only previous conviction was for a motoring matter. He added that Freeman had subsequently lost his job, but remained responsible for providing “significant” healthcare to his mother.
On the day of the incident, Mr Gaskell continued, Freeman had finished work and gone to the gym. He was not motivated by racial hatred or social media, his lawyer stated, and only went to the hotel after receiving a text from a friend who was already there.
Sentencing him, Judge Patrick Field KC, said: “This is, sadly, yet another example of a young man that has very little acquaintance with the criminal courts becoming involved in unacceptable public violence without any explanation at all.
“This sort of behaviour will not, and cannot, be tolerated.
“Severe sentences are likely not just to punish you, but also to deter others who might think they want to launch bricks at police officers because they are angry about something.”
A former soldier in the British Army is among the latest thugs to be jailed over a ‘sickening’ attack on a lone black man during large scale disorder in Manchester city centre.
Daniel Hanslip, 33, served for eight years, completing tours of Afghanistan as well as spells in Canada, Germany, and Cyprus.
He sat in the dock alongside Colin Demulder, 36; Kane Kelly, 24, and Anthony Livesey, 31, after the four men all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the shocking attack in Piccadilly Gardens.
Judge John Potter told Hanslip: “You served your country with distinction. Your downfall by your stupid and crass involvement in this violence has been significant.”
Manchester Crown Court heard that a planned far-right demonstration was held in Piccadilly Gardens on the afternoon of August 3, with a significant police presence.
The judge said that following the tragic killing of three children in Southport, ‘lies were deliberately spread’ which ‘emphasised the supposed nationality, ethnicity and religion of the alleged attacker’.
Judge Potter told the four defendants: “Each of you had voluntarily attended at that gathering, no doubt knowing full well its purpose.”
The shocking attack on a lone black man was caught on camera and posted online.
Judge Potter said it depicted a ‘shocking example of mob violence’.
Another man, Joseph Ley, 30, from Stockport, who has already been jailed, instigated the violence.
Prior to the attack, Hanslip picked up a metal fence and threw it to the floor in a bid to breach a cordon which had been erected. He went on to punch the black man ‘numerous times’ and gripped him in a headlock, before trying to kick him in the head and then punching him again.
Demulder had earlier climbed over a metal fence and joined in the attack. He ran forward and punched the victim to the face.
Kelly punched him and pinned him to the ground as others attacked him. Livesey had earlier antagonised police officers as he swigged from bottles of alcohol. He tried to punch the man before stamping on his head as he fell to the floor.
Hanslip was jailed for two years and two months, Demulder for two years and eight months and Kelly for two years and five months.
Livesey was sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence order imposed a year ago for harassment, stalking, witness intimidation and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.
Judge Potter said: “It is a quite sickening attack, from which your victim appears, in my judgement, to have been fortunate to escape very serious injury.”
Ian McMeekin, mitigating for Hanslip, said the defendant regarded his behaviour as ‘thuggish and inexcusable’. He said Hanslip served in the Army from the age of 16 to 24, and has since worked for a gas distributor.
Mr McMeekin said Hanslip was not a member of any organisation and worked with colleagues regardless of ‘colour, class or creed’.
Richard Flook, mitigating for Kelly, said the defendant had travelled into Manchester to buy a birthday present for his father, but that he had met some friends from football and got ‘caught up’ in the disorder.
Alex Beevers, mitigating for Livesey, described the trouble as ‘inexplicable lunacy’, and ‘offending for which he is deeply ashamed’. Livesey is a ‘trusted employee’ as a tarmacer with ‘managerial oversight,” the barrister said.
Rachel White, mitigating for Demulder, said the defendant had described his behaviour as ‘childish and disgusting’. She said his involvement was ‘thankfully short-lived’.
Hanslip, of Central Avenue, Shipley, Bradford; Demulder, of Birch Lane, Longsight; Kelly, of Woodford Road, Failsworth; and Livesey, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton; all pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Dane Freeman was also seen smashing bricks up in footage of the July 31 disorder.
A man has been convicted of throwing bottles at police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester.
Dane Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Prosecutor Suzanne Ludlow said Freeman was “seen to throw bottles towards police” and “smash bricks up” in footage of the July 31 disorder.
Freeman was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 20.
Also on Tuesday, a woman denied purchasing eggs and water for protesters to throw at police outside the hotel on July 31.
Barbara Barker, 52, of Tyndall Avenue, Manchester, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Ms Ludlow alleged Barker was a “willing participant in the disorder” and “aided and abetted the riots” by buying eggs and water from a nearby shop for protesters.
Defending, John Black told the court Barker went to the area because she was “nosey” and was not present when “violence occurred”.
Mr Black said Barker had “no reason” to believe the eggs she purchased would be “used in any unlawful purpose”.
Barker was remanded into custody and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy was convicted of “participating in riots” in Bolton. Evening Standard
A woman has pleaded guilty to throwing ‘liquid’ at police officers during a disturbance outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers.
Nevey Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder on July 31. Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said that there was a large-scale disturbance outside a hotel on Oldham Road, during which Smith was seen to throw a liquid from a bottle towards the police officers.
“This was after two people who were seeking asylum had gone into the hotel,” she said. “She had a child in a stroller with her at the time.”
Mitigating, Robert Moussalli said his client, who wept throughout, was ‘deeply sorry’. “She was taking her child to her grandmother’s when she saw her auntie standing with some people near to the hotel and went to talk to her,” he said.
“Then people started shouting and she moved to the front of the group and her auntie went to the back with her child. She wasn’t planning to do anything.”
He said Smith had thrown water, but it had not made contact with the officers. He added that she ‘lost her temper’ when someone from behind the police ‘shouted at her’.
“I accept she brought it entirely on herself,” Mr Moussalli added.
Granting her bail with stringent conditions, District Judge Joanne Hirst said: “I am prepared to give you one opportunity. You put your own child at risk.”
She will next appear at Manchester Crown Court for sentence on August 19.
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