&mdash; Far-Right Criminals

Bolton rioter threw rocks at officers and stomped on police car

November 12, 2024

A teenager has been locked up after throwing rocks, stomping on a police car and insulting an officer.

Bradley Wilkinson, 18, played a “prominent” part in the riots in Bolton on August 4 this year, where widespread public disorder took place in the town centre.

Wilkinson, of Half Acre Lane, Blackrod, appeared at Bolton Crown Court to be sentenced.

Prosecuting, John Barrett told the court about the circumstances of the day, with rival groups facing off in the town centre separated by police officers, before it escalated to “disorder and violence”.

Wilkinson was caught on body worn camera footage and CCTV, being seen between the times of 1.45pm and 4.55pm.

He was seen at first “not wearing” a face covering in one of the protest groups but was afterwards seen with one on. He was also said to be “seeking confrontation with Asian males” on Bradshawgate.

CCTV footage of Wilkinson’s offending in the riots was shown in court.

At 2.06pm he threw “rocks and stones” at police and other protestors, then shortly afterwards at 2.12pm he was shown pushing an industrial bin towards officers.

Later on, at around 3.15pm, he was shown on Victoria Square with his face covered and holding two wine glasses, one of which was broken.

At 4.20pm, Wilkinson swore at a police officer in a supermarket car park before picking up a bottle and “launching it” at him.

Finally, an untimed incident took place where he climbed onto a police car and “stomped” on its roof.

Mr Barrett described the role he played in the disorder as “prominent”, to which Judge Nicholas Clarke KC replied: “He wasn’t out shopping that afternoon, was he?”

He was then arrested by police while on his way to another protest in Wigan on August 7.

Wilkinson has no previous convictions, the court heard.

He had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

Defending, Michael James said: “I can’t explain for the life of me why he was there, and he can’t either.

“He says he is not racist, one of his best teachers at school was a Mr Patel, and he would never display any racist attitudes.

“This is a young man who has suffered a troubled upbringing.”

He stressed that although Wilkinson was involved in the riots, he has not displayed “any racist or discriminatory behaviour”.

He added: “He has had difficulties in education and emotionally, those led to him doing what we would say is acting in an impulsive and irrational manner.

“He can’t explain why he behaved in this way.”

Mr James highlighted Wilkinson’s educational and behavioural issues in school and his immaturity, having been only 18 when the offence was committed.

He added that the defendant has shown “genuine remorse” and is sorry for what he did.

Judge Clarke said: “You were not there innocently or accidentally, you were there to cause very serious public disorder.”

He added: “It impacted on the harmonious living of diverse groups who normally visit the town centre.

“Members of the public had to run away or take refuge in shops, some had to close early. There was a financial loss in the centre that lingers.”

He described Wilkinson as an “active and persistent participant” in the riots and said that despite his prospect of rehabilitation, he had a “public duty” that those involved in the disorder should be punished appropriately.

He sentenced him to 16 months in custody.

Bolton News

Care worker who streamed riot aftermath jailed

November 12, 2024

A care worker who livestreamed a group of masked and hooded men making racist comments on TikTok after a riot in Staffordshire has been jailed for nine months.

Cameron Bell, 23, was caught on CCTV wearing her work uniform as about 20 people, many armed with planks of wood and what appeared to be lengths of metal, walked through Tamworth on the night of 4 August.

Stafford Crown Court heard Bell was not present during violence earlier the same day at the town’s Holiday Inn Express, which was set alight in the disorder.

Judge John Edwards said Bell’s comments on the livestream were abhorrent and had the “potential to fan the flames”.

Rejecting calls for a suspended sentence, he said: “Anyone involved in violent disorder must command immediate custody, with the need for deterrence being acute.”

He was shown TikTok videos, filmed by Bell, of Worthing Grove, Tamworth, after she left work and saw the armed group as she walked home.

She was heard swearing while referring to asylum seekers as “tramps”.

Bell admitted violent disorder in September and has been in custody since being arrested.

She appeared to be on the verge of tears in the dock as her lawyer, Stephen Rudge, told the court she was “on the periphery” of a group which had not confronted anyone.

Mr Rudge said: “Her involvement is to upload the TikTok footage that was not encouraging anyone to join in or extend the violence that had been seen earlier on.”

Much of the TikTok stream had been rather amateurish, Mr Rudge argued, giving a view of the cobblestones in Tamworth but showing no acts of violence.

Passing sentence, the judge told Bell members of the group – which was caught on CCTV near to a statue of Sir Robert Peel – were armed and clearly intent on further violence.

‘Fuelled by misinformation’

There were disturbances across this country after the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport in late July.

“The violence was fuelled by misinformation and misplaced far-right sentiment,” the judge said.

“It spread to various towns and cities across the nation including, as we know, Tamworth.

“A hotel in Tamworth housing asylum seekers was targeted, with significant damage being caused and injuries sustained.”

He said Bell was among a group believed to have been heading towards a different hotel in the town.

Hull riot: Man hurled street signs and traffic cones at police during 12 hours of ‘racist, hate-fuelled mob violence’

November 9, 2024

Harvey France was not someone who would be expected to be in a courtroom, said his lawyer. “He is a man who won’t return to the courtroom,” she said

A troublemaker who was part of the frightening scenes of public disorder in Hull city centre hurled street signs and traffic cones at police during 12 hours of “racist, hate-fuelled mob violence”.

Harvey France took part in “serious acts of violence” and it was only by pure good fortune that no police officers were hurt by the “multiple missiles” that he threw during the rowdy disturbances and racist chanting, Hull Crown Court heard.

France, 25, of Munstead Way, Welton, near Brough, admitted violent disorder on August 3.

Jennifer Gatland, prosecuting, said that France was identified from CCTV pictures as being involved in large-scale public disorder in Hull city centre.

He was among a crowd outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway where asylum seekers were being housed at the time. Police formed a protective line outside the hotel and France was seen there at about 2pm.

He threw objects towards the police, including street signs and two traffic cones. A street sign hit one officer but he managed to deflect it away with his arm.

France went to the police on September 9 and identified himself as one of those who had been featured in a police press release. He made no comment to questions during police interview. He had no previous convictions.

Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that France was very well thought of and he was not someone who would be expected to be in a courtroom. “He is a man who won’t return to the courtroom,” said Miss Scott.

“This defendant, thankfully, didn’t cause any injury but he could so easily have done. He shows a great deal of insight into his offending, particularly into how the officers must have felt.”

France had worked in the same job for 10 years and, in that time, his boss had never had any reason to discipline him. The job would still be open to him when he was released from custody and France would “get his head down” while serving his prison sentence for his “appalling” behaviour.

France had done charity work in the past, including running in marathons and boxing matches, and he hoped to do a triathlon for charity next year. There were references for him.

Judge John Thackray KC told France: “Your offending formed part of 12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence. You threw traffic cones. Due to good fortune, none of the traffic cones actually caused any injury.

“You were seen throwing multiple objects towards police, including traffic cones and street signs. You threw a traffic cone towards a police officer, who deflected it with his arm. Only good fortune prevented injury.

“You participated in serious acts of violence. The offending was motivated by hostility based on race. Fear and distress was caused to those communities that were targeted and they were frightened to go about their daily life.

“Ultimately, only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence.”

France, who had been in custody on remand, was jailed for 16 months.

Hull Daily Mail

‘Excited’ rioter egged on mob shouting ‘howay boys push forward’

November 7, 2024

An “excited” rioter was heard encouraging others to participate in disorder shouting ‘howay boys push forward’ after violence erupted on the streets of Middlesbrough.

South Bank’s Christopher Sharp was captured on police camera footage egging on fellow rioters to surge towards officers during the Middlesbrough riots on Sunday, August 4. Teesside Crown Court heard Sharp – on licence at the time – gathered with others who were trying to set fire to a bin during a far-right protest.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Mr Ahmad said the 34-year-old defendant was captured at around 4pm egging on others. He said: “The defendant was identified from footage. He was seen speaking to other individuals gathered facing the police line on Linthorpe Road at the junction of Ayresome Street.

“The defendant was walking with the crowd shouting ‘howay boys push forward’. He was seen running to a back lane before emerging and seconds later other individuals also emerged and were pushing a red industrial style bin.

“The defendant walked alongside them putting his hand to his mouth and appeared to shout to others in the crowd resulting in others approaching the bin as well. ”

Mr Ahmad said footage captured fellow rioters trying to ignite the bin before pushing it into the police line. The prosecutor said the riots caused “severe disruption and distress” and said officers faced an “unprecedented” level of aggression and many were assaulted.

Ms Ahmad said the defendant was arrested on August 28 and in police interview denied being involved in the disorder stating “the police were responsible for everything”.

The court heard the Middlesbrough Road defendant was on licence for burglary at the time of the incident. He was recalled to HMP Hull and appeared via videolink for sentence on Tuesday.

The court heard the defendant has a lengthy criminal record including violence, dishonesty, driving and drugs offences but admitted the violent disorder.

His barrister, Robert Mochrie, said Sharp did not involve himself in the riots because of a “strong political view” but that the disorder was on his doorstep and he allowed himself to become “excited” by the situation.

He added: “He for less than a second put his hand on a bin as it was being pushed by others. There is no suggestion he charged at the police or threatened violence at the police. This is a case of lending his voice to what was going on around him.”

Mr Mocherie said Sharp’s involvement in the riots falls at the bottom of the offending spectrum and asked for credit for his guilty plea.

Sentencing, Judge Francis Laird KC described the atmosphere on Sunday, August 4, as “aggressive and angry” and said police were forced to form a line preventing marchers from entering Clarendon Road. He said: “Violence erupted, missiles were thrown, bins were set a light, damage was caused to police vehicles and residential homes and public buildings. The university and the courts were particular targets.

“Your actions were caught on camera, you were seen to stand in front of the police line and encourage other participants to surge forward.” Judge Francis Laird KC sentenced the defendant to two-and-a-half-years in prison.

Gazette Live

Rioter who pushed burning bin at police jailed

November 7, 2024

A man who pushed a flaming bin at police officers during a riot has been jailed.

Christopher Sharp, 36, admitted violent disorder in Middlesbrough on 4 August where he told others to “push forward” at police.

Cleveland Police said he was in a large group of people at the junction of Ayresome Street and Linthorpe Road and helped push a large bin, which was then set alight, into the crowd.

Sharp, of Middlesbrough Road in South Bank, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Teesside Crown Court.

Jail for racist who stopped drivers during disorder to ask if they were ‘white’

November 6, 2024

Jake Wray, 23, admitted violent disorder after stopping cars, trying to set a hatchback alight and pushing flaming wheelie bins at police.

The behaviour of a racist yob who stopped drivers during the summer riots to check if they were “white” or “English” was “disgraceful”, a judge said.

Jake Wray, 23, of Seaton Street, Middlesbrough, was jailed for 38 months after admitting violent disorder in the town on August 4, including trying to set a car on fire, making racist chants and pushing a flaming wheelie bins into police lines.

He was serving a 24-week suspended sentence for spitting at a police officer and carrying a knife at the time.

Judge Richard Bennett, sentencing at Teesside Crown Court, told Wray: “(Your) behaviour was disgraceful and in no way reflects the values of the decent people of Middlesbrough.”

The judge said Wray’s offending was violent, “overtly racist” and included arson that day.

Wray, wearing a distinctive red top and an England flag around his shoulders, stopped cars at a junction in the town centre and was caught on mobile phone footage asking drivers about the colour of their skin.

On the clip which was played in court, while he stood blocking traffic, Wray could be heard asking: “Are you white, are you English?”

The judge said the incident was so shocking it was played on the national TV news.

Further clips showed him setting fire to a wheelie bin which was pushed towards police lines and helicopter video captured him interfering with a red hatchback which minutes later burst into flames.

Wray told police that he was merely stopping cars to warn drivers, but he no longer stood by that account.

Judge Bennett said: “You were clearly enjoying the attention and power of being masked during a frightening event for those drivers.”

A clip was played in court of Wray, with his England flag over his mouth as a mask, approaching a police video operator and shouting: “You can stick you chicken tikka up your arse. Tee-Tee-Teessiders.”

Harry Crowson, defending, said Wray initially denied the racial motive for stopping the cars “out of embarrassment and shame”.

Mr Crowson said the defendant had repeatedly watched the clips in court over several hearings, adding: “In the cold light of day, he doesn’t even believe the things that came out of his mouth that day.

“He is quite appalled by it.”

Wray’s partner and her mother have also been jailed for violent disorder.

The independent

Man who armed hotel rioters with missiles jailed

November 6, 2024

A man who drove a pick-up truck laden with debris to a hotel housing asylum seekers and allowed rioters to use its load as missiles has been jailed.

Jake Turton parked a red Ford Ranger near the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on 4 August, with panels of wood later hurled at police officers by others present.

Sheffield Crown Court heard the panels were also used as fuel for bin fires burning at the scene, with police and hotel workers “fearing for their lives” during the disorder.

Turton, 38, of Darfield, Barnsley, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.

Asylum seekers and hotel staff were trapped in the upper floors of the hotel as rioters smashed windows and set fire to bins that were used to block doors at the building, the sentencing heard.

More than 50 police officers were injured, the court heard, with police horses and dogs also suffering injuries.

Although Turton did not physically attack anyone himself, Judge Sarah Wright said a custodial sentence was inevitable due to the seriousness of the “terrifying incident”.

“You were part of a violent mob that descended, spreading hate, and you allowed people to arm themselves in major civil unrest which left police and the hotel workers fearing for their lives,” the judge told Turton.

The defendant claimed he had driven to the riot to “have a nosy”, the court heard, but text messages found on his phone discussed attending the scene and calling it “brill”.

In a statement read to court, a senior police officer called the disorder the “worst violence he had ever faced” because of the “extreme malice” shown.

Prosecutor Alisha Kaye said: “You openly allowed people to take panels of wood from your truck, so you acted in joint enterprise with hostility to those seeking asylum.”

Turton was cleared of a charge of taking a vehicle without consent.

Judge Wright told him: “This incident damaged the reputation of Rotherham and of South Yorkshire.

“It was a terrifying ordeal for the ordinary, decent citizens of the area, so your part in it has to be punished severely in order to protect the public.”

More than 60 men have been jailed so far for their parts in the disorder outside the hotel.

Woman jailed for 27 months after taking 11-year-old to post-Southport riot

November 6, 2024

Aimie Hodgkinson-Hedgecox shouted racist abuse as police were attacked outside a Staffordshire hotel housing asylum seekers.

A 37-year-old woman who took a young boy to a post-Southport riot which saw an arson attack on a hotel has been jailed for more than two years.

Aimie Hodgkinson-Hedgecox, who has 14 previous convictions involving 30 offences, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after being recorded shouting “incendiary and racist” remarks at police protecting asylum seekers housed at Tamworth’s Holiday Inn Express.

She reacted angrily to being handed a 27-month sentence at Stafford Crown Court, looking towards friends and relatives in the public gallery and complaining: “It’s a joke, it’s a f***ing piss-take.”

Video footage played to the court on Wednesday showed Hodgkinson-Hedgecox, wearing shorts and Crocs-style footwear, swearing towards police lines and having to pull an 11-year-old boy out of the way as a firework was aimed at officers.

The court heard Hodgkinson-Hedgecox had intended to take the boy to a skate park when she saw the crowd outside the hotel on August 4 and decided to join the protest.

Defence lawyer Stephen Rudge urged the court to consider alternatives to custody, including unpaid community work, and said the defendant was “not somebody who holds overtly racist views or opinions”.

Hodgkinson-Hedgecox, whose last previous conviction was for battery in 2009, had left the area shortly after being recorded on three video clips, Mr Rudge said.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese told the court that following her arrest, Hodgkinson-Hedgecox, of Edale, Stonydelph, Tamworth, admitted that she was shouting abuse about asylum seekers housed at the hotel.

During the disorder, Ms Cortese said, the hotel was damaged and petrol was poured inside and set alight.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Gosling said: “I have watched the footage myself and you were recording the unfolding violence.

“You are clearly visible on the footage shouting incendiary and racist remarks.”

Hundreds of people were involved in a serious attack on the hotel, the judge said.

After ruling that Hodgkinson-Hedgecox’s offending was seriously aggravated by the fact she had taken an 11-year-old boy to the scene, the judge added: “I accept you didn’t have a weapon and you didn’t use any direct violence yourself.”

Judge Gosling said what Hodgkinson-Hedgecox had involved herself in “wasn’t politics” or a right to peaceful protest.

“Nobody is being punished for expressing their own views,” the judge continued. “This was anarchy. You were lending support to an extremely violent racist protest… where lives were endangered.”

In his submissions to the court, Mr Rudge stressed that Hodgkinson-Hedgecox had not contacted anyone else involved and that those participating in the violence were already present.

“She sees the crowd and gets involved,” the defence lawyer said. “It’s a decision she bitterly regrets.”

London Evening Standard

Hull rioter with an ‘appalling catalogue’ of other horrific offences is jailed

November 5, 2024