Tag Archives: jailed

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

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.

Teenager in pink balaclava jailed for his part in shameful disorder in Bolton – and handed massive compo bill

2) Mathew Edge

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.

Balaclava-clad thug who turned up at Bolton protest armed with hammer made ‘very bad stupid mistake’

3) Paul Smith

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.

He thought he’d disguised himself in the chaos – but one smiling photo was all it took to bring him down

4) Joseph Ley

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.

Racist brute launched sickening attack on lone black man during far-right protests

5) Oliver Chapman

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.

‘I’ve done some silly spinning kick’: Man jailed after making ‘terrible mistake’ in front of police

6) Daniel Hanslip

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.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

7) Colin Demulder

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.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

8) Kane Kelly

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.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

9) Anthony Livesey

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.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

10) Lynden Parker

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.

He launched a vape at an asylum seeker hotel during disorder before ‘celebrating’ in the pub

11) Thomas Ward

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.

Rioter exposed his genitals to police before throwing plank of wood at officers

12) Graham Brookes

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.

Rioter exposed his genitals to police before throwing plank of wood at officers

13) Dane Freeman

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

Man launched bottles at police and smashed up bricks during disorder outside asylum seeker hotel

14) Warren Gilchrest

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.

The dark past of thug who filmed brutal Piccadilly Gardens attack – and the disturbing discovery at his home

15) Lee Upton

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.

Topless thug tried to hide his face during Piccadilly riots… it didn’t work

16) Carl Ryan

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.

Rioter who joined mob attack on lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens sobs as he’s spared jail

17) Mark Bridgeford

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.

Jailed, the ‘cowardly’ rioter who kicked and punched a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens

18) Niall Charnock

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.

Rioter draped in England flag barged into ‘neutral zone’ and ‘launched plastic bottle’ at police in Bolton

19) Lewis Whitworth

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.

Laughing rioter who served time for dealing cocaine and heroin joined baying mob outside asylum seeker hotel

20) Nigel Simpson

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.

Thug who went to Bolton town centre carrying St George’s flag claimed he never meant to riot

21) Charlie Mott

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.

He claimed he had gone shopping at Sainsbury’s – CCTV told a very different story

22) Dane Potter

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.

Tree surgeon who claimed he ‘found himself in middle’ of riot holds head in hands as truth comes out

23) Scott Chadwick

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.

He knows what he did was ‘beyond stupid’, now he’s paying the price

24) Kye McGlade

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.

Violent mob screamed ‘they’re taking our jobs’ as they stormed Sainsbury’s during Piccadilly Gardens riot

25) 14-year-old boy

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.

Parents’ horror at son’s actions after going into town for first time by himself

26) 15-year-old boy

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.

Cocky teenager who thought it was all a big joke shamed by his mum with one-word put-down

27) 12-year-old boy

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.

Mum who missed 12-year-old rioter son’s court date slapped with £1,200 fine – the same price as her holiday to Ibiza

28) 16-year-old boy

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.

Boy faces justice after he’s seen pulling terrifying weapon from trousers

29) Andrew Phillips

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.

The cowards left ashamed after watching their ‘unpleasant, deplorable’ actions back

30) David Green

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.

The cowards left ashamed after watching their ‘unpleasant, deplorable’ actions back

31) Kemmy Grange

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.

Barrister claims disorder outside hotel housing asylum seekers was ‘less about racism’ and ‘more about’ anti-government sentiment

32) Tracy Pearson

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.

Partners in crime…the couple separated for first time in 25 years after being locked up for their part in ‘deplorable’ riot

33) Michelle Jibson

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.

Partners in crime…the couple separated for first time in 25 years after being locked up for their part in ‘deplorable’ riot

34) 13-year-old boy

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.

‘You’ll be paying it back’: The mums filled with shame as their arrogant sons are taken down a peg in court

35) 14-year-old boy

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.

‘You’ll be paying it back’: The mums filled with shame as their arrogant sons are taken down a peg in court

36) Ryan Leckey

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.

Business owner went to the pub to celebrate – then took his balaclava off

37) Darren Butler

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.

Business owner went to the pub to celebrate – then took his balaclava off

38) 17-year-old boy

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.

‘I’m not having that, I wasn’t born yesterday…’: Judge’s explosive rant at boy’s pathetic rioting excuse

39) Liam Ryan

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.

Yob who travelled to Manchester to ‘join in’ with riots moaned jail was ‘frightening’

40) Nevey Smith

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.

Mum, 21, pushing her baby in a pram slammed for ‘extraordinary’ decision

41) Zakaria Sadiq

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.

‘He says it was a moment of madness on his part’

42) Thomas Richard

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.

Spitting racist thugs ‘violated, degraded and dehumanised’ woman caught in middle of Piccadilly Gardens ‘protest’

43) Vanessa Smith

Vanessa Smith (Image: Manchester Evening News)

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.

A pram, a gran and a shameful family day out in Newton Heath

44) Lindsay Keenan

Lindsay Keenan (Image: Manchester Evening News)

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.

‘What on earth brought on this?’: Mum-of-two loses job following ‘appalling and deplorable’ scenes

45) Steven Miller

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.

‘We’re protecting our kids…’ rioter told he displayed ‘extraordinary level of ignorance’

46) Shaun Holt

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.

The smirking paedophile hunter now in jail

47) Anthony Whitelegg

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.

“They were frightened and terrified”: A trip to Wetherspoons ended in jail

48) Aaron Davy

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.

“They were frightened and terrified”: A trip to Wetherspoons ended in jail

49) Daylan Burgess

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.

Climbing up scaffolding, storming Sainsbury’s and trying to smash a window… all ‘a bit of fun’

50) Laurence Dunkerley

Manchester Crown Court (Image: ABNM Photography)

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.

He drove past a baying mob and parked in front of watching cops before grabbing a bottle of beer and joining in

51) Aaron Johnson

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.

‘Wake up d***heads… it’s a civil war’: YouTuber jailed for stirring up racial hatred outside asylum seeker hotel

52) Destiny Waugh

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.

Read More

She turned up to a riot wearing a yellow dress and holding a box of eggs – then ended up in court

Manchester Evening News

‘We’re protecting our kids…’ rioter told he displayed ‘extraordinary level of ignorance’

By virginiagolden

October 20, 2024

Uncategorized

Steven Miller was one of the latest rioters to face justice

A rioter who launched vile abuse outside a hotel housing asylum seekers was told he displayed an ‘‘extraordinary level of ignorance’.

Steven Miller launched into a tirade aimed at an asylum seeker being escorted into the building, as well as a police officer. He was one of up to 70 people who attended the protest outside the hotel on Oldham Road in Newton Heath, after false information was posted online about the alleged perpetrator of the killing of three girls in Southport.

The disorder in north Manchester came after a Facebook post which read: “Let’s get them out. “6pm today. Stand up and take note, because if you don’t, no-one will.”

Police attended on July 31 as thugs launched missiles towards the building and officers, including bricks and bottles. A bus came under attack and the driver was injured. Others including 38-year-old Miller launched vile verbal abuse.

In footage played to the court, Miller could be heard calling an asylum seeker a ‘nonce’ and asked ‘why are you here?’ In another video, which police discovered on his mobile phone, Miller had filmed officers who were trying to move the mob away from Oldham Road.

Miller, of Devon Street, Farnworth, could be heard saying: “We’re peaceful. We’re protecting our kids, that’s all we’re doing, from these vile people.

“Take your uniform off and stand with us brother. What about your kids bruv?”

Sentencing, Judge Patrick Field KC told Miller that the asylum seekers were ‘vulnerable people’ who ‘probably deserved a bit of empathy from you rather than vile abuse’.

“The words you used not only displayed your own lack of tolerance, but an extraordinary level of ignorance too,” he said. Miller was jailed for 15 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

His barrister claimed Miller had been ‘failed rather spectacularly by the state’ while in care as a child, and said he had suffered mental health issues. Sarah Magill said Miller has a six-month-old baby, and that his partner is without him following his ‘incredibly stupid’ actions.

Two others who attended the protest were sentenced in separate hearings on Friday. The judge said that Conor Grange, 30, behaved ‘aggressively’ and his presence provided ‘encouragement’ to others. His barrister David Toal said Grange, of Church Street, Failsworth has a job and a family, and added that his month-long spell in prison on remand had provided a ‘short, sharp shock’.

He was sentenced to 16 months in prison suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. Regan Goodwin was seen picking up a brick, but he did not launch it and instead threw it to the ground.

The judge said he was an ‘active participant’ and at one stage appeared ‘rather pleased with yourself’. “One suspects you are not in quite such a self congratulatory mood now,” the judge added. His barrister Rob Kearney said Goodwin has a job and a young child with his partner.

“His mother and his partner don’t share the defendant’s sentiments, and have a particular view about his behaviour that day,” Mr Kearney said. Goodwin, 24, of Kennington Avenue, Newton Heath, was jailed for 12 months. Goodwin and Grange both pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Manchester Evening News

Business owner went to the pub to celebrate – then took his balaclava off

By virginiagolden

October 20, 2024

Uncategorized

Ryan Leckey, 24, was jailed after pleading guilty to violent disorder

A balaclava-wearing thug who carried a box of beers to a large-scale disturbance outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers has been jailed.

Ryan Leckey, 24, joined a mass demonstration outside the hotel on Oldham Road, in Newton Heath, on July 31 this year. He was seen to throw a missile towards the hotel whilst others hurled abuse at the occupants and the police.

Afterwards, he went to celebrate in a pub nearby before he was caught on CCTV taking his balaclava off, Manchester Crown Court heard.

At the same incident, 42-year-old Darren Butler threatened one officer that he would ‘kick your f***ing head’ in before shouting: “They are protecting nonce’s.”

Both were jailed today, September 18, after admitting violent disorder. Disorder spread across the country last month after misinformation spouted online about the killing of three children in Southport.

Prosecuting, Kate Gaskell said police were deployed to the hotel after reporting of a large crowd forming. Racist abuse was hurled as missiles, including eggs, bottles and bricks, were thrown, she said.

Leckey, of Newton Heath, was caught on bodycam walking down the road carrying a large box of beer over his shoulder.

“He was seen picking something up and throwing it, directing it towards the hotel,” Ms Gaskell said. “He was then seen to move off to a local pub and celebrated his actions before taking off his balaclava.”

Mitigating for Leckey, who had no previous convictions, Rebecca Filletti said her client was ‘extremely sorry’.

“He is sorry to the people there, sorry to the victims of this, sorry to the police and sorry to his family,” she said. “He has asked me to tell the court he is ashamed of his behaviour that day and said his family have worked too hard to see him in this situation.”

The court heard that Leckey’s parents were on holiday at the time but had previously expressed concern about his peers. The business owner, who runs his own shoe cobbling company, said he joined a group of friends during the incident.

Butler, of Oldham, was captured on the footage approaching officers who were trying to move the crowd away, with a number of others.

“He could be heard to shout: “I will kick your f***ing head in”. He also shouted: “They are protecting nonce’s”, the prosecutor added.

After the footage of the incident was played to the court, Butler, who appeared over videolink from HMP Dovegate, said: “I am disgusted with myself.” When he was arrested he told officers that he was an ‘idiot’ for going to the riot.

Joshua Bowker, representing Butler, said his client was there for a short period of time and did not take any weapons or throw any missiles. “His involvement is the words said and his demeanour,” the barrister added.

“He suggests he attended out of intrigue and is very regretful.” He said that Butler, who has 25 previous convictions for 52 offences, was last before the courts in 2018.

Sentencing them, Judge Alan Conrad KC said that following the disorder against innocent people: “The courts must make clear, and will keep making clear, that for this sort of behaviour in a civil society, only serious punishment will follow. Deterrent sentences are necessary.”

Leckey, of Lightbowne Road, Newton Heath, was jailed for 16 months. Butler, of Cattlin Way, Oldham, was jailed for 17 months. Both will serve half of their terms in prison before being released on licence.

Manchester Evening News

Barrister claims disorder outside hotel housing asylum seekers was ‘less about racism’ and ‘more about’ anti-government sentiment

By virginiagolden

October 20, 2024

Uncategorized

Violence that erupted in Newton Heath after Southport stabbings was ‘less about racism’ and ‘more about a general feeling about the government’, a defence barrister has claimed

A barrister claimed violent disorder that erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in north Manchester was ‘less about racism’ and was ‘more about’ anti-government feeling.

The comments were made during the sentencing of a balaclava-wearing thug who was part of a ‘mob’ who attacked a bus in Newton Heath. Kemmy Grange, 20, was part of the disorder that took place outside a Holiday Inn on Oldham Road on July 31 during a wave of violence that swept the country following the deaths of three young girls in Southport.

Manchester Crown Court heard the Newton Heath protest on July 31 was organised via Facebook in a post that read ‘Let’s get them out. 6pm today,’ followed by three clenched fist emojis and a St George’s flag.

During the disorder racist chants were heard, bricks and bottles were hurled at police and the hotel and a passing bus was attacked. A resident of the hotel, which was housing families and children among others, was injured after he was hit by flying glass.

During mitigation, defence barrister Richard Dawson said: “This was less about racism and more about a general feeling in the community about how the government was managing this community and immigration into this community.”

Judge John Potter replied: “Are you seriously telling me this was some kind of anti-government protest? I completely disagree. Racist chants were made towards the Holiday Inn and the bus. Nobody stood up and said ‘let’s get this government out’.”

Mr Dawson replied: “This individual was not there because of any underlying racist characteristics.” While the violence was ongoing Grange was captured on CCTV riding a bike on nearby Fletcher Street where he was seen to stop and pocket some ‘debris’ he picked up from the floor.

The court was shown CCTV footage from the number 83 bus, in which Grange could be seen wearing a balaclava, black top and black shorts attempting to ‘impede’ the vehicle. During the CCTV the windscreen was smashed, and shouts of ‘Take the bus’ could be heard.

The driver, who was injured after being assaulted through a side window, can be heard asking if the passengers are alright before telling them to get off the bus and ‘go to the police quickly’.

In a victim impact statement the driver said the attack had left him ‘stressed’ and ‘scared’. He was praised by Judge Potter for his ‘commendable bravery’.

Police footage was also shown to the court showing Grange among a group of males who could be seen hurling bricks and other missiles towards officers, although it was accepted the defendant hadn’t thrown anything. Grange was later identified by police after being caught on camera outside a pub without a face covering.

He was arrested at a house in Moston where police found £200 of cannabis in a kitchen cupboard.

Mr Dawson defending, said Grange had an ‘undiagnosed neurological disorder’ and was a ‘young man who had a somewhat troubled upbringing’. He added: “Plainly this was a disgraceful and highly inappropriate course of conduct. He is deeply ashamed and offers a sincere apology.”

Grange, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, admitted violent disorder and possession of a class B drug. Appearing via video link from Forest Bank prison in Salford he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and given a five year criminal behaviour order.

Judge Potter said the violent disorder in Newton Heath was ‘organised via lies and racist comments spread on Facebook’. The judge told Grange he ‘took part in the attack’ on the bus and was seen to ‘impede’ the vehicle ‘in an attempt by the mob to make it stop, no doubt the intention being those on board should be attacked’.

Judge Potter said while he accepted Grange had not thrown any missiles his presence at the disorder ‘was designed to encourage such lawless behaviour’.
Manchester Evening News

Topless thug tried to hide his face during Piccadilly riots… it didn’t work

By virginiagolden

October 20, 2024

Uncategorized

Lee Upton is the latest to be jailed

A topless thug punched a man before behaving in a ‘loutish’ manner during large-scale disorder in Piccadilly Gardens.

Lee Upton, 54, is the latest to be jailed for his part in the trouble that broke out in the city centre on August 3 when a far-right demonstration was held, with counter-protestors also attending. Upton was caught on camera punching a man while a ‘heated debate’ was ongoing between the two sides.

He was pushed away then began to loiter at the back of the crowds. Manchester Crown Court heard that he then moved down Mosley Street, where thugs were attacking the front of a vape shop, and a Sainsbury’s store was looted.

Upton, who was not involved in either incident, was seen on footage shirtless, having wrapped his T-shirt around the lower part of his face. In the footage he is seen to make a gesture as if he were holding an ‘imaginary rifle’, prosecutor Philip Hall said.

Mr Hall claimed that Upton made a ‘Nazi salute’. Upton’s lawyer said he denied this, and the judge said he was not sure that he had done so.

Upton was later arrested after being spotted by police in Altrincham town centre. “You were part of an unruly, threatening and on occasion violent mob that congregated in Piccadilly Gardens and then moved along Mosley Street,” Judge Patrick Field KC told Upton.

“You were seen to strike a blow with your fist to the face of a man who was arguing with others as two opposing groups came together. It is perhaps in your favour that that blow didn’t lead to widespread violence at that point.

“That perhaps says more about your victim and the people around him, than it says about you. This was on any view nasty, unpleasant and loutish behaviour, but I have to acknowledge that it is significantly less serious than other behaviour that I have seen displayed in respect of that day.”

Prosecutors pointed to the fact that he covered part of his face with his T-shirt. “It was an incompetent attempt to avoid detection,” the judge said.

Upton, who has 62 previous offences on his record, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Defending, Laura Broome said Upton takes ‘full responsibility’ for his behaviour and is ‘ashamed’ of his actions.

She said Upton became homeless following the death of his mother, and that he sleeps on the streets or sometimes at a hotel. Upton, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe, was also handed a criminal behaviour order banning him from a certain area of Manchester city centre, which will last for three years.

Manchester Evening News

Disgraced Dundee ‘street angel’ Gareth Norman jailed for raping girl when he was a teenager

By virginiagolden

October 19, 2024

Uncategorized

Gareth Norman “accepted no responsibility and no remorse” after being convicted by a jury of historic sexual offences last month

A “remorseless” disgraced Dundee charity champion has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after being convicted of attacking girls when he was a child.

61-year-old Gareth Norman raped a seven-year-old girl between 1975 and 1977 in a caravan in Dumfries.

He was also found guilty of molesting another young girl, aged 12 when the abuse began, at an address in Dundee between 1975 and 1978.

Norman, of Spence Place in Dundee, acted as the head of the city’s now defunct Night Ministry.

He was well-known for his work as a “street angel” distributing food and vital supplies to the city’s homeless population.

He previously held volunteer positions with the Royal Navy Reserve and as a first aider with the British Red Cross.

After a trial last month, Norman was convicted and remanded ahead of Thursday’s sentencing.

Following the preparation of background reports, father-of-five Norman was jailed and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Child at time of offences

He appeared at the High Court in Dundee via a video link from HMP Perth.

Solicitor advocate Iain Paterson stressed his client was a child at the time of the offending.

He said: “Mr Norman was convicted in relation to charges one, two, five and seven.

“In relation to the charges, charge one is a crime of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour on various occasions.

“There was an amendment to the date.

“The accused therefore would have been between 13 and 17 in relation to that charge.

“Charge two is the most serious of the charges, which was a single occasion.

“The accused would have been between the age of 13 and 15.

“Obviously, he was a child at the time of all of the offences.

“The complainers were between seven and 11 in charge one, eight and nine in charge two, 12 in charge five and 13 to 14 in charge seven.”
Low risk of re-offending

Turning to background reports, Mr Paterson said: “He’s assessed as low risk, effectively.

“In the intervening period, there were no other offences that have been committed.

“These are the only matters that he has ever been convicted of in his life.

“In my submission, the basis of any sentencing is punishment.

“There’s no issue of protection of the public.”

‘No remorse’

During the week-long trial, the High Court In Dundee heard evidence the rape victim’s character changed after her ordeal, becoming shy and withdrawn around her parents and family.

Judge Lady Drummond said: “I’ve read a victim impact statement from one of the girls and it’s clear to me from that your behaviour has had a lifelong and harmful effect on her.

“You are now aged 61, you have no previous convictions, you’ve been in employment most of your life.

“You’re assessed as a low risk of sexual reconviction and reoffending.

“You’ve accepted no responsibility and no remorse.

“For offences of this gravity, the only sentence that is appropriate is imprisonment.”

Reformed character after BNP past

Norman acted as the head of the Night Ministry in Dundee and also helped with the Coastwatch safety scheme.

Described in court as an “active member of the community”, the security guard had built a reputation as a born-again Christian in the city.

He had previously worked as an organiser for the British National Party, before standing as a candidate for Solidarity — the nationalist organisation set-up by convicted perjurer Tommy Sheridan.

The Courier

Former Bury UKIP chairman jailed for grooming children and having 200,000 child porn images

By virginiagolden

October 19, 2024

Uncategorized

A FORMER chairman of Bury’s UK Independence Party has been jailed for grooming children and possessing nearly 200,000 indecent images of children.

Peter Entwistle spoke to children on MSN Messenger and other social network sites in a sexualised manner, asking them to commit sexual acts for his own satisfaction, Bolton Crown Court heard today.

The 52-year-old named himself the ‘Naughty Doctor’, using an explicit picture of two women as his profile picture, and spoke to a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, who he believed was a girl.

In addition, when police officers raided his house in January 25 last year, they found thousands of indecent images of children stored on a number of computers, USB sticks and some which had been printed out.

Entwistle was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to 21 counts at an earlier hearing, including possessing and distributing indecent images of children as well as inciting and the attempted inciting of children to commit sexual acts.

He will be placed on the sexual offenders register for life, and would be subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

The court was told that Entwistle, of Broad Oak Lane, Bury, had one previous conviction of indecently exposing himself to a woman in the 1980s, but had otherwise had a clean record.

Iain Simkin, defending Entwistle, read out a letter to the court from Alistair Burt, who was the MP for Bury North from 1983 to 1997, which referenced his good character .

Judge Elliot Knopf added: “You are now 52-years-old, and you have, until these matters, led an exemplary life, which is attributed to by various letters I have received from people ranging from family, colleagues, the rector of churches and an MP.”

The court was also told that Entwistle was seeking treatment from a psychiatrist for depression.

He was a founder member of Bury UKIP in March 2011, and resigned as party chairman in January 2013.

Bury Times

Man jailed for violent disorder in Southport

By virginiagolden

October 18, 2024

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A man who threw missiles at police and their vehicles in Southport has been jailed for two years, two months today (Friday 18 October).

Lawrence Howarth, 33 years, of Carnoustie Close, Manchester was convicted of violent disorder in Southport where he was identified throwing objects at officers and at a police vehicle.

He was jailed today at Liverpool Crown Court.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “The actions of those involved in the disorder in Southport – including Howarth – left more than 50 officers injured, windows smashed, garden walls destroyed and local residents in fear.

“Howarth will now have time in a prison cell to reflect on his decision to bring chaos and destruction to our streets.

“We have now seen 73 people sentenced to a total of 156-and-a-half years in prison for the part they played in disorder in Merseyside, with 131 arrested and 93 of those charged.

“We continue to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”

We would encourage anyone with information to contact us via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Our latest gallery can be found here: CCTV appeal to help identify 74 people as part of investigation into violent disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police

Merseyside Police

Man who hurled racist abuse at Jewish family jailed

By virginiagolden

October 18, 2024

Uncategorized

A man who harassed a Jewish family at a car boot sale as part of a catalogue of public order and terrorism offences has been jailed for four years.

Robert Taylor, 42, posted hundreds of times on social media inciting racial hatred but also carried his extreme right-wing views into the community by targeting people and handing out leaflets, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Taylor, of Farnworth near Bolton, approached a man from behind at the car boot in Astley and repeated antisemitic slurs and Nazi slogans.

The victim, who was with his wife and two children, said he found the July 2021 incident “very disturbing” and he was even questioning whether to remain in the UK.

Prosecutor Martin Hackett said the man was “conscious at shielding his wife and children because he was unsure as to what the defendant’s motives were and what he was planning to do”.

The victim said he “felt sick” at the hateful views expressed in public.

The prosecutor said it had had a “permanent impact” on his life and he would no longer wear his skull cap in public.

‘Hateful sentiments’

Days earlier Taylor had targeted another car boot sale event at the same Wigan site as he filmed himself handing out racist and antisemitic fliers, telling one visitor: “There you go sir, learn about who your enemies are.”

Taylor was arrested at his home in Ullswater Drive in February 2023 on suspicion of public order offences relating to a protest in Bolton town centre, the court heard.

His mobile phone was later examined and revealed he had posted racist, homophobic and antisemitic content from his social media profile on the Telegram platform.

Taylor pleaded guilty at earlier hearings to various offences between March 2021 and February 2023 including inciting racial hatred, intentional harassment, distributing a terrorist publication and possessing a document likely to be useful to a terrorist.

Richard Simons, defending, said Taylor was a “highly intelligent man” whose offending was brought about by “intellectual curiosity that led him down a rabbit hole of research”.

Sentencing Taylor, Judge Alan Conrad KC told him: “The nature of your outpourings created a high risk of racial hatred being caused and the quantity and frequency made it more increasingly likely that someone would act upon the hateful sentiments that you broadcast.”

BBC News

Sex beast Barry Fradgley jailed after looking up far-right National Front and autopsy photos

By virginiagolden

October 18, 2024

Uncategorized

A SEX beast who drugged and molested a woman has been returned to jail after looking up far-right material and autopsy images – but moaned: ‘I’m not happy.’

Barry Fradgley was let out last year mid-way through his 2014 11-year term for using powerful sleeping pills on his victim and sexually assaulting her.

But it took just over a month for him to breach a lifetime order to sign the sex offenders’ register and abide by a sexual offences prevention order limiting his internet access.

The 50-year-old had both set up a Twitter account, unregistered with police, and deleted 24 items from his Samsung phone’s browsing history.

When police recovered the history they found searches for far-right groups Combat 18, the British National Party, and the National Front.

Disturbing searches for abattoir and autopsy images were discovered, alongside a failed search for his police offender manager’s Facebook profile.

Fradgley had been released to approved premises Dickson House in Fareham on April 19 last year and the phone seized for checks by May 23.

Prosecutor Matthew Lawson added: ‘There were also searches “how to view someone’s online mobile phone history, anti-spying, can sex offenders use VPNs (virtual private networks) on their devices and how do I know if my phone is being monitored.”

‘It was also discovered that the defendant had been using an online alias, BarryDo, on Twitter.’

After the hearing his previous victim, who was unaware of the latest case, told The News: ‘When he’s out I have to look over my shoulder.

‘It’s not a life to live. He’s a vile piece of work. I have to have someone living in my home.

‘Now I know he’s inside for a bit I can try and lead a normal life. He’s just an animal, he’s horrible.’

Fradgley’s lawyer told Portsmouth Crown Court her client claimed to be curious, and he feels ‘aggrieved’ he has lifetime orders imposed designed to stop him offending.

Bridget O’Hagan, mitigating, added: ‘It’s curiosity more than anything else, more curiosity-led than criminal.’

Judge William Ashworth jailed him for a year.

Sentencing, the judge said: ‘In my view there’s a risk of harm here because the searches you were undertaking were into areas of concern – far-right activity – the BNP, Combat 18 – also looking into imagery of slaughterhouses and autopsies.’

Judge Ashworth said Fradgley, whose address was given as HMP High Down, also ‘demonstrates a lack of sense’ after social media activity around his victim was discovered.

The judge added: ‘Most significantly for me is you were researching machinations by which you might evade those monitoring you.’

Asked if he needed to speak to his lawyer, Fradgley, who previously worked in an abattoir and claims to want to return to that line of work on release, added: ‘I’m not happy.

‘How can it be against the law for me to look at something to do with my job?’

He admitted breaching both the sex offender notification requirements and the prevention order.

Portsmouth News

From 2020