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Balaclava-clad Middlesbrough rioter who abused police ‘tarred as a racist’

By
October 8, 2024
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Teesside Crown Court heard Jamie Govan ‘had fallen victim to malign influences online’

A rioter who screamed and swore at a line of riot police and ignored their repeated demands for him to move away has been jailed.

Jamie Govan, 26, was caught on police bodycam footage shouting at the police on Linthorpe Road during the Middlesbrough riots: “You’re protecting them whilst they rape little kids.” Govan told his barrister he went to the riots on August 4 because he was “unhappy about people arriving in our country on small boats.”

Teesside Crown Court has heard that Govan hid his face with a balaclava, but was easily identifiable because of the distinctive yellow and black top he wore, as he approached a line of police who were blocking protestors from spreading onto Clarendon Road.

Govan, of Hartington Road in Stockton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, before he was due to stand trial. He has no previous convictions.

On Monday afternoon, Govan’s barrister Matthew Moore-Taylor said that he had attended the protest “…through naivety; he had fallen victim to malign influences online. He was subject to misinformation about those who arrive on small boats. The only way he could express his opinions was to attend that march.”

Govan was captured swearing at the police and struggling with officers as they arrested him. Mr Moore-Taylor said that Govan’s attendence at the Middlesbrough riots was “politically motivated- not racially motivated.”

Govan’s barrister said that inmates at Durham prison chant “EDL” at him and that he has been “tarred as a racist.” The court heard that Govan is now trying to address his drinking and that he is in a “fragile mental state” whilst he is being held on remand.

Judge Laird told Govan that he accepted that, “you were not racially motivated, that your attendance was prompted by an ideological objection to illegal migration.”

Handing Govan an 18-month prison sentence, the judge told said: “You were aggressive, but you did not strike anyone or throw missiles. You repeatedly approached police lines and shouted and swore.

“You were repeatedly told to move back. Your behaviour was so aggressive you were arrested, and you struggled violently.” Govan will serve 40% of his sentence, before he is released on licence.

Gazette Live

Sixteen in court charged over riot

By
August 28, 2024
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Sixteen people have appeared in court charged in connection with a riot earlier this month.

Middlesbrough saw a night of unrest on Sunday 4 August in a wave of disorder that swept across the country following anti-immigration fuelled social media misinformation about the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport.

All those appearing at Teesside Crown Court were charged with violent disorder, with some also accused of possessing an offensive weapon.

Of those seen on Tuesday, 14 men pleaded not guilty.

A metal bar, knife and scaffolding pole are among the weapons defendants have been accused of carrying.

One of those admitting offences was a 16-year-old boy who pleaded guilty to violent disorder

He denied a further charge of being in possession of a bladed article and was remanded into the care of the local authority.

Meanwhile, Jamie Govan, 27, of Hartington Road in Stockton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and will be sentenced on 7 October.

Two further defendants had their hearings adjourned until Wednesday, while another case was dismissed.

BBC News

Company director sobs as he appears in court over alleged role in Middlesbrough riots

By
August 6, 2024
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Joe MacKenzie is one of 28 people in the dock at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday in connection with the disorder on Sunday

Joe MacKenzie Joe MacKenzie was 'arrested on suspicion of throwing items, attacking police throughout the day and shouting expletives'

Joe MacKenzie
Joe MacKenzie was ‘arrested on suspicion of throwing items, attacking police throughout the day and shouting expletives’

A company director sobbed in court on Tuesday, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief, as he was told he would be remanded in custody for his alleged part in rioting in Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Joe MacKenzie, 28, is accused of being among a main body of around 20 men wearing balaclavas and face coverings who clashed with the police during violent disorder in the city.

He is one of 28 people to have appeared at Teesside magistrates’ court on Tuesday in connection with the disorder.

Those who appeared in court are aged between 16 and 56.

Twenty-six are charged with violent disorder, one adult aged 18 is charged with possession of an offensive weapon and another, aged 32, was charged after being wanted on warrant.

A total of 40 arrests have now been made in connection with the disorder in Middlesbrough.

Four adults have been released on bail pending further enquiries, one remains in hospital because of a pre-existing medical condition and seven juveniles were released on bail while enquiries continue.

Mr MacKenzie, from Darlington, began to weep while sitting alongside a dock officer as Chris Tame, prosecuting, briefly outlined the case against him.

Mr Tame said: “The defendant was arrested on suspicion of throwing items, attacking police throughout the day and shouting expletives. He was seen drinking from a can of lager.”
Defendant denies using or threatening unlawful violence

Mr MacKenzie, a director in his father’s kitchen and bathroom business, denies using or threatening unlawful violence and will face trial before Teesside Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Nick Woodhouse applied for bail on Mr MacKenzie’s behalf, claiming that he had gone into the centre of Middlesbrough “out of curiosity.”

Mr Woodhouse told the court: “Mr MacKenzie was attempting to leave the centre of town and go back to his car but found his way blocked by a police cordon.

“He was told he would have to walk around two miles back to his vehicle, which would have been made difficult as he suffers from a club foot.”

Mr Woodhouse added that Mr MacKenzie was concerned his family business would fold if he spent further time in jail awaiting trial, but he was remanded in custody.

Also appearing at court was Thomas Rogers, 22, of no fixed address, who hurled rocks at police and yelled: “I hope your kids get raped.”

Mr Rogers was remanded in custody awaiting sentence after he admitted being in possession of an offensive weapon – the rocks – and using or threatening unlawful violence.

The court heard he was in a group of 30 people pelting police during the rioting on Sunday.

He later told officers: “I’m glad I threw the rocks.”
Teen accused of carrying axe

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of carrying an axe during the mayhem. He is charged with unlawful violence and carrying an offensive weapon.

He spoke in court to confirm his date of birth and address. He was accompanied by a dock officer.

He pleaded not guilty to the weapon offence but did not enter a plea to the other charge.

Andrew Livingston, 53, from Clifton Street, Middlesbrough, denied violent disorder and made no plea to a further charge of possessing a 46cm bladed article.

Shaven-headed Mr Livingston, heavily tattooed and wearing a white vest, looked to the ceiling as he was told he would be remanded in custody until Aug 27 when he will appear again before Teesside Crown Court.

District Judge Marie Mallon remanded him in custody while warning people talking in the public gallery they would be removed if they continued to cause disruption.

Connor Stokes, 26, of Thornaby, Teesside, denied unlawful violence and was remanded in custody after the court heard he was a “main participant” in the disorder.

Mr Tame told the court Mr Stokes, who had been wearing a grey tracksuit and black face covering, had been identified by police as one of a group of protestors hurling rocks.

Mr Stokes called “see you in a bit” to his family as he was remanded in custody by District Judge Helen Cousins.
Possession of offensive weapons

Ethan Bowes, 18, blew a kiss to his mother and father as he faced charges of violent disorder and possession of offensive weapons.

The defendant, from Guisborough, North Yorkshire, pleaded not guilty to possessing a sharp rock, possession of a sock “containing a heavy object” and violent disorder.

The teen, dressed in a black Nike T-shirt, was told he would be remanded in custody. Judge Mallon said: “These offences are too serious to be held in this court and must be heard at the crown court.”

She told the defendant he must appear on Aug 27 for a preliminary hearing.

Ashley Ferguson, 33, of Somerset Street, Middlesbrough, is alleged to have waved a pole towards police “in a threatening manner”.

Mr Ferguson pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon and was remanded in custody until Aug 27 when he will appear at a crown court.

Jamie Bullock, 20, appeared before the court accused of having a hand in an incident in which a burning wheelie bin was pushed at police.

He was said to have been involved in the incident, with prosecutor John Garside telling the court the accused had “visited the location wearing gloves and a balaclava”.

Mr Bullock, of Berwick Hills Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.

The court heard he “maintains he did nothing wrong at all – he was offered a lift in a van home”.

He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at crown court on Aug 27.
Police ‘resorted to using leg restraints’

Jamie Govan, 26, who allegedly shouted profanities and kicked out at police during the disorder in Middlesbrough, was also remanded in custody. He denied a charge of violent disorder.

Mr Garside said Mr Govan is accused of shouting: “‘You’re protecting them while they rape and kill kids”, at officers before making “come-on gestures with his hands”.

The court heard he allegedly swung his arms and kicked his legs out at police who “resorted to using leg restraints”.

Mr Govan “maintains he did nothing wrong”, a district judge was told.

The defendant was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Aug 27.

Lewis Loughlin, 23, of Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody after denying using or threatening unlawful violence in the town’s rioting.

Mr Tame said Mr Loughlin was stopped in a green car which appeared to be involved in the disorder.

Inside they found an empty petrol can, a baseball bat, knives and tools.

Mr Loughlin claimed he was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and had nothing to do with the violence.

He was remanded in custody by Judge Cousins until his next appearance on Aug 27.

Daily Telegraph

Middlesbrough riot accused in court including woman who pushed burning wheelie bin into police

By
August 6, 2024
Uncategorized

Defendants appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court and South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court



A woman who pushed a burning wheelie bin into a row of cops was among the defendants to appear in court following violent riots in Middlesbrough.

Missiles were thrown at police officers, windows were smashed and several vehicles were set alight as protesters made their way through the town centre on Sunday.

Disorder had previously broken out in towns and cities across the UK, including Sunderland and Hartlepool, following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday, July 29.

On Tuesday, 28 people, aged between 16 and 56, were due to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court in Middlesbrough. Some of the defendants had to be moved to South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in South Shields due to backlogs in dealing with them.

Among those to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court was Stacy Vint, who pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

The 34-year-old, Normanby Road, Middlesbrough, pushed a burning wheelie bin into a row of police officers before falling to the ground and being arrested.

The court heard how Vint and a man were seen pushing the bin, the contents of which were on fire, on Linthorpe Road. Prosecutor John Garside said the pair then shoved the bin at a police line before Vint fell over and was arrested.

Vint, who initially gave officers a false name, was remanded in custody until her sentencing hearing on August 28.

James Ambrose, who appeared before a District Judge at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, admitted two offences.

Paige Sparks, prosecuting, told the court that the 33-year-old was throwing bricks and stones during the riot. When arrested, a small amount of cannabis was found in his jeans pocket.

Ambrose, of Letitia House, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of cannabis.

District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded Ambrose into custody. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on a date yet to be set.

A number of other people pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.

Jamie Govan allegedly shouted profanities and kicked out at police during disorder in Middlesbrough.

Mr Garside said the 26-year-old is accused of shouting: “You’re protecting them while they rape and kill kids” at officers before making ‘come on gestures’ with his hands.

The court heard he allegedly swung his arms and kicked his legs out at police who “resorted to using leg restraints”.

Govan, of Windmill Terrace, Stockton, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder. A district judge was told that the defendant “maintains he did nothing wrong”.

Govan was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 27.

Ashley Ferguson appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court accused of damaging property with a four-foot wooden pole. The 33-year-old is also alleged to have waved the pole towards police “in a threatening manner”.

Ferguson, of Somerset Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon. He was remanded in custody until he appears at crown court on August 27.

Lennon Chisholm, 21, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court accused of being in a Renault car that was used to travel around the town to “cause disorder”.

Chisholm, of Wilshere Road, Middlesbrough, sobbed in the dock as he pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. The court heard how he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.

He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 27. His girlfriend called: “I love you” as he was led away.

James Bullock also pleaded not guilty when he appeared at the court in Middlesbrough.

Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard how a burning wheelie bin was pushed at police during disorder. Bullock is accused of being involved in the incident. Mr Garside alleged that he had “visited the location wearing gloves and a balaclava”.

Bullock, Berwick Hills Avenue, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. The court heard he “maintains he did nothing wrong at all – he was offered a lift in a van home”.

He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at crown court on August 27.

Another defendant banged on the dock glass and shouted as he was remanded in custody over claims he “threw missiles” at police and members of the public while wearing a ski mask.

Kaleb Peacock Lightfoot, of Dixon Grove, Middlesbrough, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder. Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard how the 19-year-old attended “what he believed was going to be a peaceful protest”.

Lightfoot, who appeared at the court via a video link from South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 28.

The teenager became visibly distressed when District Judge Marie Mallon said she would not be granting him bail.

Jonathan Lodge appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court accused of being part of a group that set “multiple” bins on fire.

The 36-year-old of Coatham Road, Redcar, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. Mr Marley, defending, told the court that he denies any involvement in the disorder.

Lodge was remanded into custody. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

David Gove, of Brafferton Walk, Middlesbrough, also denied a charge of violent disorder at the court in South Shields.

Mr Marley, defending, said the 41-year-old sustained “significant injury” from a police dog and was merely trying to make his way home and was getting picked up by his partner. He said he denies any involvement in the disorder.

The court heard how he has no previous convictions and is of good character.

District Judge Zoe Passfield handed Gove conditional bail. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Some of those who appeared before the court did not enter a plea.

Carl Robson, 29, and Lawrence McGlade, 28, also appeared separately before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how their cases were both linked to the case of Jonathan Lodge.

Robson, of Halton Court, Middlesbrough, did not enter a plea to a charge of violent disorder.

He is remanded in custody and will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28. Family members told him: “Keep your chin up” as he was led away by security.

McGlade, of Ellerbeck Way, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, was also charged with violent disorder. He did not enter a plea during the hearing and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Anthony Brown faced three offences when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The 37-year-old was charged with violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and possession of class C drug – pregabalin. The offences are alleged to have been committed on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough.

Brown, of Windsor Road, Middlesbrough, did not enter any pleas. District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded him in custody until his next hearing at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

Akheel Khan also appeared before the court in South Shields charged with violent disorder. The 24-year-old, of Wheatley Close, Middlesbrough, is alleged to have been a counter-protester. No plea was entered by Khan during the hearing.

The court heard how the university graduate, who works as a engineer, is of previous good character. He was remanded into custody until his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on August 28.

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