Dylan Carey says he travelled to Southport as his girlfriend wanted to ‘light a candle’ for stabbing victims

This is the face of a thug who hurled a missile during scenes of violence in Southport after he had apparently attended a vigil in memory of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Dylan Carey claims that he travelled to the seaside town from his Greater Manchester home as his girlfriend wanted to “lay flowers and light a candle” for the girls, who were stabbed to death aged six, seven and nine respectively the previous day.

But he then became embroiled within widespread disorder near to a mosque on St Luke’s Road. The 26-year-old also kicked out at police vans as trouble flared after false information that the killer was connected to Islam was spread online.

Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard today, Tuesday, that a “hostile” crowd of around 200 people formed in the area and began throwing items towards the place of worship. “Angry” participants also chanted “who the f*** is Allah?” and shouted “why are you protecting them?” towards police officers.

Carey – of Castle Hill Road in Hindley, Wigan – was later spotted at Southport Station, where a PC identified him as being involved in the trouble from body worn camera footage and videos which had been shared “on public networks”. A mobile phone clip was played to the court and showed him picking up an object and throwing it before kicking a police van as it was being driven away.

ody worn footage meanwhile showed him kicking out at a stationary carrier vehicle. Under interview following his arrest, Carey – who has no previous convictions – told detectives that he had been present as “his girlfriend attended the vigil to lay flowers and light a candle”.

He also stated that he had seen a Facebook post from a councillor concerning a “peaceful protest” and thereafter “attended in solidarity”. But Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, added: “He said he got more angry at the fact three girls had been murdered and became involved in the disorder. He accepted kicking the vehicle and throwing a water bottle.”

Carey, who wore a black shirt in the dock and sported thinning mousey hair and a beard, pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder. He was remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing before Liverpool Crown Court on August 12, being warned by District Judge Timothy Boswell: “There is a real prospect of an immediate custodial sentence.”

One man in the public gallery was seen clutching at his chest as details of the case were heard. Carey, who was represented by solicitor Bill Pearson, nodded and said “ok” as the hearing was adjourned before blowing a kiss to his supporters – with one woman seen to be in tears – as he was led to the cells.

Liverpool Echo