Gerard Cooch, wearing a grey t-shirt and sporting shaved hair, has been brought into the dock. He will be represented by Tony Murphy. Cooch, who is supported in court by three members of his family, speaks to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The charge of violent disorder is put to him. Cooch, 39 and of Merton Road in Bootle, pleads guilty.

Ms McInerney, prosecuting, tells the court: “On August 3 there was a large-scale disorder. He was present, in drink and directed hostility. The defendant was seen shouting abuse in a vulgar fashion and throwing the contents of a pint glass towards police officers. He kicked their protective shields on two occasions. This riled up onlookers and officers fled. He was PAVA sprayed. The defendant presented himself at Copy Lane police station after images were circulated on national media.”

In mitigation, Mr Murphy said: “The defendant was acting on his own. His actions are of a lone individual. He’s not part of a far-right or political group. He hopes the matter can be dealt with swiftly. He has just finished the second year of a university course and is due to start the third year in September.”

The defendant has seven previous convictions for 11 offences, most recently a drug offence in 2019 when he was on a suspended sentence. District Judge Healey remands the defendant into custody ahead of his sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on August 15.

Members of the defendants’ family blow kisses at him as he is led to the cells.

Liverpool Echo