Liam Riley recalled his last pint was at Ranelagh’s Tavern

A drunken thug joined a gang of around 100 people to attack police during violent scenes of disorder in Liverpool city centre. Liam Riley, 41, of Walton Road, Kirkdale, was at the cordon at Whitechapel and Church Road in the city centre on Saturday, August 3.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, August 7 how officers were sent to the scene at around 7pm. Police were subject to a “torrent of missiles” including bricks and rocks. Sergeant David Peate was struck with a bottle.

Mr Taylor added: “A shop window had been smashed. He described about 100 aggressive chanting people moving towards that cordon. The cordon was ordered to move forward. Many of those acting in a disorderly manner moved back. However this defendant moved towards officers. He was moving his arms around and shouting.

“The defendant was arrested. An officer saw the defendant refuse to move back and standing against officers. Due to the ongoing situation it was not possible to caution the defendant. He was taken to his feet and moved away.

“He was clearly drunk. The defendant was abusive towards an officer, calling him a traitor and Muslim lover. Once in a place of safety, he was cautioned and arrested.”

Riley was taken to police custody where he continued to hurl abuse at officers calling them “r******” among other things. He made negative comments towards immigrants and Muslims and made comments they were both to blame for the tragedy in Southport.

Mr Taylor said: “A poster stating this is our city was recovered from him. In his interview, the defendant said he heard about a protest at Pier Head and went to show solidarity and support for the bereaved parents. He was wearing a St George’s flag around his neck. He explained that he and others were frightened.”

The court heard Riley had been moved from the riots at the Pier Head and went drinking in four or five bars. He recalled his last pint was at Ranelagh’s Tavern.

Riley said he then “told officers to put their batons down and go home”, with Mr Taylor adding: “The defendant said he was not part of any particular group, he just followed the evolving situation.

“He could not explain why he stayed and returned having been moved on from the Pier Head. He describes that he was on his own but well aware of the missiles being thrown. He stated he did not like ‘illegals’ coming over and did not provoke violence or threaten anyone.”

Riley has no previous convictions. Brendan Carville, defending, said Riley was a “man of previous good character”, but said he was a “loner”.

He told the court: “He came to the Pier Head in support for the victims of the Southport matter. Stupidly he hung around. He went to a number of pubs. He’s a man who has not had a drink for a long time. He got caught up in the crowd and became involved in these offences.

“He was not masked or a member of any organised political group, not understanding the concept of far right or far left. He had a poster thrust into his hands at the Pier Head. He is a very foolish man for becoming involved. He knows and accepts he’s going to receive an immediate sentence.”

Mr Carville said he was not an “organiser” or a “political activist”. Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said Riley had made “racist comments” and was aggressive towards officers.

Sentencing Riley, he said: “You were part of a large marauding group of around 100 people. Missiles were thrown at the police lines. Extensive damage was caused to commercial property.

“It seems you had been out drinking and, you say, had been swept up in the excitement. Whatever the reason, you were wilfully behaving aggressively towards the officers. You made racist comments about them and their apparent bias towards other members of the community of which you were not a part.

“It is very sad indeed you should find yourself in this position. You are a man of previous good character. You have no previous convictions for any offence of violence. In your case, I am perfectly satisfied it would not be proper to suspend any prison term. Only immediate custody is appropriate.”

Riley was sentenced to 20 months in jail. He showed no reaction to his sentence.

Liverpool Echo