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Hull riot: Three more troublemakers jailed after ‘miasma of madness’ in city centre

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August 23, 2024
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Another trio of offenders involved in the violent disorder on August 3 have been locked up

More troublemakers have been jailed after serious disorder broke out in Hull city centre during frightening scenes that have been branded a “miasma of madness”.

They were the latest to be locked up at Hull Crown Court for their part in the hours of violent disorder that day.

Daniel Mennell , 36, of Belmont Street, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3. He was jailed for two years and three months.

Jeremy Evans, prosecuting, said that Mennell played a prominent role in the disturbance outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway and he picked up rocks and stones from shrubbery opposite the hotel before throwing them towards police. He joined a line of other people and took a selfie picture of the hotel.

Mennell had convictions for 54 previous offences, including 34 for dishonesty, two for public disorder and others for arson in 2004 and burglary. He had previously been given an antisocial behaviour order in 2004 when he was 15.

Charlotte Baines, mitigating, said that Mennell was sorry for his actions. “He had been drinking heavily,” said Miss Baines. Mennell had gone into the city to see what was going on.

“He very stupidly involved himself in the disorder,” said Miss Baines. “His behaviour was idiotic. At the time, he was under the influence.” Mennell was involved in trouble in only one place. He had tried to turn his life around since 2022 and he had regularly worked as a labourer.

Jarrod Farrah, 32, of Portobello Street, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3. He was jailed for two years and he was given a six-year criminal behaviour order.

Farrah was outside the Royal Hotel and he lunged towards police in an aggressive way in Queen Victoria Square. He was with others who threw missiles but he did not do so himself and he was at the front of the group. He gestured and shouted and moved towards the police and lunged towards them. He had convictions for 16 previous offences, including two of assault and others of drugs and criminal damage.

Nigel Clive, mitigating, said: “He is thoroughly ashamed of himself and his behaviour. He knows that he has let Hull down.”

Farrah was involved in shouting and finger-pointing towards police and he was at the forefront on a number of occasions. He did not throw or pick up any objects during the “highly emotionally charged” incident.

When he was shown footage a the disorder, he looked at the floor in disgust. He apologised for his actions.

Father-of-three Farrah had let his family down at a time when it was facing having to attend a funeral. He had twin boys aged five and another son aged 14.

He was in an emotional state. “It’s no excuse at all for his behaviour,” said Mr Clive.

Michael Campbell, 56, of Icelandic Close, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3. He was jailed for 20 months.

Campbell was at the front of a group of people confronting police outside the Royal Hotel. He was aggressive towards police and was shouting and gesturing.

He used a bicycle as a “barricade” and to fend off a police dog. He was bitten by the dog on his right lower leg. Campbell had convictions for 11 previous offences.

Michael Forrest, mitigating, said that the bite from the police dog had an impact on Campbell while he was in custody and the pictures of his wound were “graphic”.

Campbell went to Hull Royal Infirmary after being bitten and he was now in a wheelchair because of it as well as using crutches. It was making his time in prison even more difficult.

“He was deeply ashamed when he saw the footage,” said Mr Forrest. “He is utterly disgusted with his actions.” Campbell had six daughters and four grandchildren, who were the “light of his life”. He was in Hull to buy a suit for a funeral at the time of the disorder.

At an earlier hearing, Mr Forrest described the disorder during the day as a “miasma of madness”.

Judge John Thackray KC said that the fact that Campbell was bitten by a police dog did not reduce his culpability but he did suffer a “bad injury”.

The offences of all those involved were part of “12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” that caused “immeasurable harm”. The video footage was “depressing and horrifying to watch” and it was “utterly deplorable public disorder involving huge numbers of people”.

Hull Daily Mail

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

By
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

Three jailed for ‘utterly deplorable’ violence

By
August 21, 2024
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A man who charged at police officers with a long metal bench is among three men who have been jailed for their part in violent unrest in Hull.

The violence in the city centre on 3 August, which erupted after three girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport, was “utterly deplorable”, Judge John Thackray told Hull Crown Court.

Jordan Murray, 26, of Grasby Road, Hull, had admitted violent disorder and looting two shops at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 12 August. He was handed a two-year jail term on Wednesday.

David Buckle, 39, and Jermaine Glover, 23, were sentenced to three years and two years respectively for their roles.

Buckle, of Southgate Way, Hull, admitted violent disorder at Hull Magistrate’s Court on 14 August.

Glover, of Cranswick Grove, Hull, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson at the same court the following day.

The court heard police officers were hit by a “barrage of missiles” as they guarded a hotel housing asylum seekers on Ferensway, while shops in the city were looted and a family including two children locked themselves in a garage as a mob set fire to tyres and smashed cars nearby.

Prosecutor Jeremy Evans said the family, including a 12-year-old girl with autism and a 16-year-old boy, and their friends were “in fear for their lives” having barricaded themselves in after the mob descended at the garage on Milky Way.

He said Murray ran at a line of police officers on Jameson Street with the long metal bench before throwing it towards them.

Judge Thackray was told all three, who were “prominent” at the front of a large group, had previous convictions – with Murray having committed 37 offences, including 12 of criminal damage and 11 of theft.

Footage was played in court of all three defendants participating in the rioting.

Buckle was captured on CCTV wearing a black T-shirt and draped in an England flag, throwing missiles at officers. At times he was seen wearing a camouflage balaclava.

The court heard Glover threw missiles at officers and set alight tyres and pallets at the Milky Way garage.

Judge Thackray told him his violent disorder was racially aggravated and that Buckle’s offending was “motivated by hostility based upon race”.

“I’ve watched all of the video footage. It’s depressing and it’s horrifying to watch,” he said.

“From beginning to end, it shows utterly deplorable public disorder involving huge numbers of people, repeated racist chanting, and at some points threats to kill innocent members of the public, including children.”

The court heard Murray had “a difficult start in life” and was diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

Defending him, his barrister Hannah Turner said Murray regretted his actions and was “disgusted in himself and he feels he’s let himself and his family down”.

She said the time he spent in custody had been “a huge wake up call for him”.

Buckle’s defence barrister, Michael Forrest, said his client suffered from “PTSD-like symptoms” was “ashamed of his actions”.

Humberside Police said there had been a total of 74 arrests so far, of which 42 people had been charged.

BBC News

Father-of-three jailed for Southport police van attack

By
August 21, 2024
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A father-of-three who left a police officer fearing for their life as he tried to smash a van window has been jailed for three years.

Luke Moran, from Birkdale, was one of five people sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday for their part in violent disorder in Southport.

Describing the 38-year-old’s attack with a lump of concrete, a judge said it was “as bad a case as I have seen so far”.

The latest group of defendants to appear in court over the recent disorder that swept across the country also included men accused or convicted of unrest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, south Yorkshire.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, at least 497 people have so far been charged in relation to the weeks-long unrest that broke out in England and Northern Ireland following a stabbing attack in Southport that left three young girls dead and 10 others injured, including eight children.

Liverpool Crown Court was played police body camera footage showing Moran hitting the vehicle’s window three times with the piece of concrete.

Judge Neil Flewitt said that a police officer in the vehicle “feared for his life, believing he might be pulled from the carrier and attacked”.

A statement from a police officer said the men who attacked his van were “whipped into a frenzy”.

The officer’s body cam footage captured the roofer’s face as he attacked the police van. Its driver is clearly heard saying “we’re going to have to bail” as the footage ends.

The court was told the driver then escaped out of the rear of the van, covered by other officers as he fled.

Nicholas Sinclair, 38, was also sentenced to two years and four months for his involvement in the rioting.

The manager of a scaffolding firm from Birkdale admitted throwing bricks and pleaded guilty to violent disorder as a result.

Two other men were sentenced at the same time.

Daniel Carrigan, 41, of Liverpool, admitted to throwing two items at the window of the police van. He said he was struggling with cocaine addiction and had been on the drug at the time.

He was jailed for two years and eight months.

Thomas Whitehead, 53, of Southport, who worked as a gardener, was given a year and eight months for throwing an object during the violent disorder.

The court was told he “does not know what took hold of him when he threw that one missile from the back of the group”.

All the men were told they would be made to serve at least half of their sentences.

Earlier, a 20-year-old from Banks in Southport, who admitted throwing concrete during the riots, was given a prison sentence of 18 months in a young offenders’ institution.

Jake Lowther was captured on CCTV taking part in the violent disorder and was told by the judge he would spend half of his sentence in prison and half in the community.

It was accepted in sentencing that his actions were out of character and his defence conceded their client “did something extremely foolish”.

Lowther’s parents were in the public gallery and as he was taken away. His mother tried to offer comfort by saying “love you, it’s ok”.

Rotherham

Those in court on Wednesday in relation to the unrest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham included a former soldier.

Peter Beard, 43, of Brampton Bierlow, Rotherham, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after admitting to pushing aggressively on a line of officers.

The father-of-three, who undertook tours of duty in Kosovo, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, was told by Judge Jeremy Richardson KC: “Your conduct was shameful, it was disgraceful and, in many respects, astonishing.”

Passing sentence at Sheffield Crown Court, the judge heard how Beard served in the Royal Green Jackets between 1998 and 2003, and said he was surprised that he had become involved as he had been “on the receiving end” of public order incidents as a peacekeeper.

Hull

A man who charged at police officers with a metal bench is among three men who have been jailed for their part in violent unrest in Hull.

Jordan Murray, 26, of Grasby Road, Hull, admitted violent disorder and looting two shops at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 12 August. He was handed a two-year jail term on Wednesday.

David Buckle, 39, and Jermaine Glover, 23, were sentenced to three years and two years respectively for their roles.

Buckle, of Southgate Way, Hull, admitted violent disorder at Hull Magistrate’s Court on 14 August.

Glover, of Cranswick Grove, Hull, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson at the same court the following day.

BBC News

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

Woman, three men and teen in court over riots

By
August 19, 2024
Uncategorized

Five more people have been charged with offences relating to disorder in Hull city centre.

Violence broke out on 3 August which saw clashes with police, fires being started and shops being looted, as well as attacks on vehicles and a mosque.

Jackie Miller, 57 and of South Garth in Little Weighton, has been charged with racially-aggravated public order.

Jarrod Farrah, 32 and of Portobello Street in Hull, was charged with violent disorder.

Both pleaded guilty and have been remanded to appear at Hull Crown Court on 21 August for sentencing.

Ben Chapman, 20 and of Stockleigh Close in Hull, and Joshua Hobman, 33 and of Wenlock Street in Hull, have both been charged with violent disorder.

A 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with violent disorder, two counts of burglary and three counts of criminal damage.

Mr Chapman and Mr Hobman appeared at Hull Magistrate’s Court earlier.

Both were remanded to appear at the city’s crown court on 22 August.

Officers continue to appeal for information over the Hull disorder and anyone with information should contact Humberside Police.

Riots were sparked in towns and cities across England following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport on 29 July.

BBC News

Two more jailed after ‘mindless violence’ during Hull riot

By
August 19, 2024
Uncategorized

“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
Uncategorized

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

Hull riot: Inside Courtroom 1 as six are jailed

By
August 16, 2024
Uncategorized

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