A total of 29 people have been convicted with violent disorder across the police force areas of Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland
These are the faces of all those convicted in relation to violent riots which have taken place across the North East.
Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington have all witnessed scenes of shocking violence as riots spread across the nation following the Southport attack in which three young girls were fatally stabbed. North East courts were busy as the first rioters appeared.
Kieran Usher, from Sunderland, became the first person in the country to be convicted of riot and was handed a four year and four month prison sentence.
According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) more than 1,000 people have been arrested over rioting across the UK, with more than 370 of those being charged. Specialist officers are continuing to pursue online influencers who “stoked the flames of hatred and division and incited violence”.
Between 30 July and 7 August 2024, an estimated 29 anti-immigration demonstrations and riots took place across 27 towns and cities in the UK. Many of these were violent, with participants attacking mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. Known far-right activists promoted and attended the riots.
Police acted quickly to identify those involved, while some people were arrested during the riots, the majority were arrested afterwards.
According to the UK Parliament website, the police reportedly compiled video evidence through a range of tactics, which include gathering body worn camera footage, social media footage, CCTV and video doorbells.
Additional footage was also captured using drones and helicopters, while evidence-gathering teams were deployed during the protest and were tasked with capturing video evidence on the ground.
Here is a round-up of rioters who have appeared before the North East courts.
Kieran Usher
Kieran Usher became the first person in the country to be convicted of riot following the disorder across the UK. After a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on September 13, Christopher Atkinson, head of the complex casework Unit for CPS North East, said: “It is clear from the evidence in this case that Usher played an active role in the mob violence that unfolded on the streets of Sunderland.
“He was filmed working with a group of at least twenty other people to rain missiles onto attending police officers. The co-ordinated and unlawful violence carried out by the group in this incident, the severity of which forced police to temporarily retreat from the assault, made a charge of riot wholly appropriate in this case. The events of that evening also created immeasurable fear for Sunderland residents, with significant damage caused to local businesses.
“We would like to praise the response of Northumbria Police, who effectively tackled the immediate situation, while also securing key evidence to help us build robust cases against the perpetrators of this violence. “The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work alongside our criminal justice partners to ensure that anyone threatening the communities we serve are swiftly brought to justice for their actions.” Usher, 32, of Bramwell Road, Hendon, Sunderland, was sentenced to four years and four months’ imprisonment.
Shaun Doran
While he did not use violence to anyone and was not involved in the original disorder, he “provoked violence” by his behaviour, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Doran, of Villette Road, Sunderland, denied violent disorder and pleaded guilty to a public order offence of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence. He was jailed for 12 weeks but due to the time he has been remanded in custody, he was released.
Jordan Rawlings
Jordan Rawlings has been jailed after he was caught chanting racist slurs when he travelled to London from County Durham to take part in far-right “civil unrest”.
The 25-year-old was among hundreds of people who attended an anti-immigration protest in Whitehall, London on July 31, which soon descended into chaos. And he was identified as being one of a group of people who were seen chanting, ‘You’re not English anymore’ and ‘Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah?’ as they confronted a police line in the capital city.
On Septmber 3, Rawlings, of Ritson Avenue, Bearpark, Durham, appeared at Teesside Crown Court via link from HMP Doncaster to be sentenced for racially aggravated harassment. He had pleaded guilty to the offence and was jailed for 24 weeks.
David Hann
A man who shouted abuse towards a mosque during the Sunderland riot has been locked up.
The 58-year-old was present at various locations during the widespread disorder in Sunderland city centre. He was gesticulating towards police officers and shouting racist abuse while outside a mosque on August 2.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how he was shouting in the direction of the mosque “Dirty Muslims”, “Murdering b*******”, while he also made comments about Mohammed during the disorder.
Hann said the only thing he said was “murdering b*******”, in relation to the deaths of three young children in Southport, and denied making the other comments.
On August 23, he was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Jack Fowler
The masked dad waved a St George’s flag while confronting police at the Sunderland riot.
The 24-year-old was part of the mob approaching the line of officers during the disorder in Sunderland city centre on August 2.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Fowler was shouting abuse, waving and encouraging others to approach the police line. He was also waving a St George’s flag and shouting “Who’s streets, our streets”
The court heard how he was heard to say: “This is going to be constant all summer” – while referring to the disorder.
Fowler, of Northbourne Street, Elswick, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. On August 23, he was sentenced to two years behind bars.
John Kirtley
Shirtless and with England flag in hand, this is Sunderland rioter John Kirtley taking part in the violent protests that brought shame on his own city.The 26-year-old was caught on camera as violence erupted when far-right demonstrations turned to disorder. And today after Kirtley admitted violent disorder in connection with his role in the protests images of his shameful behaviour can be revealed.
South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard how Kirtley was caught on camera pushing shopping trolleys and throwing bricks and a beer keg towards police officers who were protecting a mosque. He also shouted “England till I die” as he waved a flare.
He will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, January 31.
Philip Cawthorne
The former soldier threw a beer can at police during the Sunderland riot.
Cawthorne, 38, joined a mob of people confronting officers during the disorder. Newcastle Crown Court heard how he was captured on video hurling items in their direction on August 2.
Emma Dowling, prosecuting, said he threw a beer can at the line of police, striking an officer, before he picked up another item and hurled it at them. He admitted being the person in the footage.
The court in Newcastle heard how the defendant also reportedly filmed the line of police officers on his mobile phone and was pointing and shouting abuse at them.
Cawthorne, of Southend Street, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in South Shields., he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.
Dean Groenewald
Dean Groenewald, 32, of Ryhope, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning. The court heard he threw bricks during the August 2 riot and was captured on body-worn footage.
He had 30 previous convictions for 55 offences, including six failing to surrender officers. He also had affray offences on his record.
Ben Hurst, defending, said Groenewald pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and “wishes to apologise to the police and general public for his behaviour.”
On August 19, he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.
Paul Williams
Paul Williams, of Esdale Sunderland, was seen threatening police officers, shouting and pushing them during the disorder in Sunderland on Friday, August 2. Lucy Todd, prosecuting, said that he used a can of lager and a piece of fence as weapons.
Police body-worn footage, which was shown in court, captured him shouting “You want some?” at police before taking his top off. Williams was in tears throughout the hearing and was remanded in custody ahead of a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
On August 16, he was sentenced to two years and two months behind bars.
Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith, 41, was one of four defendants who have so far pleaded guilty to violent disorder after riots in Sunderland on Friday, August 2.
Speaking of Smith’s involvement, Newcastle Crown Court heard on Friday, August 9, that he was wearing all black and had a face covering. Police were shouting at the crowd to move, before he produced an object out of his shorts and threw it at officers.
A police dog then bit Smith and took him to the floor before his arrest. Smith’s defence, Helen Towers, said he made an early guilty plea and that alcohol is the “source of his difficulties.”
Smith, of High Street East, Sunderland, was jailed for two years and two months.
Josh Kellett
Josh Kellett, 29, was the second of four defendants who pleaded guilty to violent disorder after the Sunderland riot on Friday, August 2.
Newcastle Crown Court heard on that Kellett, also known as Josh Major, was recognised by a member of the public who had been watching a live stream of the riot and had recognised Kellett throwing objects.
He was seen wearing a balaclava and picked up a rock or stone and threw it at a line of police, while others in the crowd did the same. Prosecutor Omar Ahmad described it as a “chaotic scene”, with Kellett seen throwing objects on four occasions within 45 seconds.
Andrew Espley, defending Kellett, said he “wishes he could turn the clock back” and did not use any racial epithets of abuse during the disorder; and that he suffers from anxiety, depression and PTSD.
Nevertheless, the Recorder of Newcastle deemed Kellett to be “revelling in the mayhem” and sentenced him to two-and-a-half years behind bars.
Leanne Hodgson
Leanne Hodgson, 43, was the third person to be sentenced after participating in the Sunderland riot.
Hodgson was in Keel Square and “clearly under the influence of alcohol” and shouting abuse at police on the evening of Friday, August 2. She told one officer to “f*** off” before calling him a “f***ing black c***”.
Hodgson was also widely seen pushing industrial bins into police on social media. She was also seen breaking stones or bricks up before throwing them to members of the crowd so they could presumably use them as missiles.
She also smashed the window of a police vehicle and was “encouraging the disorder”, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
Annalisa Moscardini, defending Hodgson, said she has a long-standing alcohol problem and that it has caused a lot of problems in her life and in her thinking. She added that the term “black c***”, which Hodgson said to the officer, referred to his uniform and was not racial.
Hodgson, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, “incited others” and was jailed for two-and-a-half years.
Bradley Makin
Bradley Makin was also sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday for his part in the Sunderland riots, though he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, one day later than Smith, Kellett and Hodgson.
The 21-year-old of the Springwell area of Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and admitted two counts of possession of Class A drugs – heroin and cocaine. Newcastle Crown Court heard on Friday that Makin shared footage of disorder on his own Instagram.
Windows were seen to be smashed at The Cell fitness centre in Keel Square and the crowd were heard shouting “Whose streets?”, before Making replies “Our Streets”. The court heard it is a chant frequently used by the EDL (English Defence League).
Makin could be heard egging people on to throw beer kegs at police before chanting again. He was tracked down by his own Instagram username and was arrested while sleeping in bed.
Two bags containing white and brown powder were in front of him, which were the drugs cocaine and heroin.
Peter Thubron, defending Makin, told the court he went to the riot out of “curiosity” and not to incite anyone or do anything. However, the judge deemed he was “literally roaring encouragement” and was jailed for two years.
Riley Adey
Riley Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent in Washington, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. He was arrested alongside alongside Reece Greenwood (below) for his part in the Sunderland riots.
Northumbria Police had received clear footage of Adey’s behaviour during the disorder in Sunderland city centre on Friday, August 2. He was standing on top of an upturned car after it had been set alight.
Adey was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. Adey was sent to a young offenders institution for two years.
Reece Greenwood
Reece Greenwood, 31, of the Gardens, Washington, pleaded guilty to violent disorder alongside Riley Adey (above) when appearing before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Detective Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said both Adey and Greenwood’s behaviour on Friday, August 2, put others at risk. He said: “The behaviour demonstrated by these two individuals put a lot of people’s safety at risk – and we simply will not tolerate it.
“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities and we will come down hard on anyone who causes such unrest.”
Greenwood was jailed for two years, 10 months.
Cole Stewart
Cole Stewart, 18, was caught “celebrating” after throwing bricks at police officers. The teenager threw multiple objects at officers who had been deployed to the North Lodge Park area of Darlington on the night of Monday, August 5.
A CCTV camera captured him repeatedly throwing bricks and other objects at the officers, one of which hit an officer – with Stewart then “celebrating”. The 18-year-old was arrested at the scene, charged with violent disorder and remanded in custody.
He pleaded guilty to the offence at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court. He was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institute at Teesside Crown Court.
Ryan Sheers
Ryan Sheers was among the first two rioters to be handed prison sentences following violent disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday, July 31. Sheers, 28, of Powlett Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and two months’ imprisonment at Teesside Crown Court.
Following the sentencing, Christopher Atknson, senior district crown prosecutor at CPS North East, said: “The tough sentences handed out today should serve as a lesson for anyone considering taking part in this type of disorder across the North East. This show of violence on the streets of Hartlepool has done nothing but instil fear in local residents and cause damage to local businesses.”
Steven Mailen
Steven Mailen was sentenced alongside Ryan Sheers for his part in the violent disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday, July 31.
The 54-year-old of Arch Court, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to two years and two months’ imprisonment.
Liam Doeg
Liam Doeg, 33, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, was seen throwing bricks, stones, a wheelie bin and a “large pub umbrella” during the disorder in Sunderland City Centre on Friday, August 2. He was then seen smashing the windows and doors of a vape shop before stealing products.
Prosecutor Lucy Todd said: “He is seen on various CCTV clips of being among a large group of people throwing items at police officers. It was [a part of] widespread disorder.”
Police body-worn footage was shown in court which captured Doeg throwing objects at police as people cheered in the background. Ms Todd said he remained at the scene throughout and serious “fear and disruption was caused”.
Doeg pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. He was given three years and eight months in prison.
Bobby Shirbon
Teenager Bobby Shirbon was out celebrating his birthday at the bingo when he decided to join the riots. He had just turned 18 on Wednesday, July 31, when he became aware of a disturbance in his hometown of Hartlepool.
Instead of going home, he joined a mob who were hurling bottles, bricks, beer cans and wooden planks towards riot police. Shirbon, of Cornwall Street, was caught on bodycam footage which was shown at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.
Kieron Gatenby
Steelworker Kieron Gatenby threw an egg at police when joining the Hartlepool riots on Wednesday, July 31. The 19-year-old claimed he didn’t know anything about a pre-planned demonstration, which was arranged after a post on social media listed the addresses of asylum seekers in the town.
He claimed he was simply walking to his girlfriend’s house when he got caught up in the widespread violence on Murray Street. He was captured on CCTV “throwing a missile” which he later admitted was the egg.
Gatenby, of Yeovil Walk in Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates Court on Friday, August 9. He was sentenced to 16 months in a Young Offenders’ Institution.
He wasn’t arrested on Wednesday, July 31, and returned to the town centre the following night. Police heard “thuds” hitting their police vehicles from missiles including rocks and potatoes, and Shirbon was identified.
He was detained and told police: “It’s okay, everybody else is doing it”. Despite initially denying responsibility and claiming he was not present at the time, he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and criminal damage.
The 18-year-old was sentenced to 20 months detention in a Young Offender Institution. The judge said he will serve up to half of his sentence in custody before being released on licence.
Carl Holliday
Carl Holliday drank 30 cans of lager before throwing metal sheeting at riot police in Hartlepool, Teesside Crown Court heard. Bodycam footage shown in court showed the defendant in a striped shirt repeatedly hurling metal sheeting at police.
A number of metal sheets could be seen scattered around police who were carrying riot shields. The court heard Holliday’s behaviour was over a 30-minute period and he was identified and later arrested.
Holliday, of Tankerville Street, said in court : “It is what it is. I’ve done what I’ve done, I know I’ll have to be punished.” The 30-year-old was served a two years and eight month prison sentence, half of which he will serve in custody.
Stacey Vint
Stacey Vint, a 34-year-old mum-of-five, pushed a flaming wheelie bin at a line of police during riots in Middlesbrough on Sunday, August 4. She then fell flat on her face and was arrested, and a small amount of cannabis was discovered on her.
Vint, of Lansbury Close, South Bank, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of a Class C Drug at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, August 9. She was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Charlie Bullock
Charlie Bullock threw rocks at a line of police at the riot in Middlesbrough on Sunday, August 4. He was part of a huge crowd who gathered near the cenotaph on Linthorpe Road.
He was not caught on camera, but a police officer saw him wearing a black balaclava, as he attacked riot police. Bullock, of Donington Green, in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough, “kicked out” at police when they tried to arrested him.
The officer was assaulted a number of times before back-up police arrived and Bullock was taken into custody. He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for 18 months.
James Aspin
James Aspin, 34, of Briardale Road, Blyth, appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court in Bedlington, charged with one count of distributing a recording to stir religious hatred. Aspin pleaded guilty to the offence.
Police were made aware of content posted by Aspin gaining traction on TikTok, making hateful and threatening comments. He was arrested in the early hours of the Saturday morning, after being recognised by officers.
He was sentenced to a 20 month prison term.
Brian Gilby
Brian Gilby has been jailed after he was caught carrying as many items as his “tracksuit bottoms would hold” after a vape store was looted.
Gilby was part of a large crowd that attacked a police office during mass disorder in Sunderland on August 2 before he turned his distinctive T-shirt inside out and headed to a vape shop that had already been raided. Gilby was spotted by police as he walked away with stock from the store and had to be threatened with Taser “red dots” before he could be arrested.
Now the 27-year-old, of Hendon Burn Avenue, Sunderland, has been jailed for three years and four months at Newcastle Crown Court after he admitted riot.
Ian Kirtley
Ian Kirtley, 36, was sentenced to 21 months for violent disorder at Newcastle Crown Court for his part in the Sunderland riot.
The court heard Kirtley, of Hylton Road in Sunderland, was part of a group who tried to attack a mosque and encouraged people to attack officers as he filmed them on his phone.
Ashley Wilkinson
Ashley Wilkinson, 35, of James Street South, Murton, County Durham, went equipped with a ‘riot kit’ to the disorder in Hartlepool and Sunderland, in July and August.
He pleaded guilty to one charge of riot in relation to his involvement in the Sunderland rioting, and a further charge of violent disorder for his involvement in events in Hartlepool.
Wilkinson was caught on CCTV throwing a brick at police on St Marks Road during the Sunderland disorder, and was later filmed throwing a beer barrel and a fence support at police officers in Keel Square, as part of a larger group.
Wilkinson was also identified as being a part of a mob who hurled missiles at police in Hartlepool.
He is due to be sentenced on January 20.
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