A woman has been sentenced today, Monday 3 February, for her role in violent disorder in Southport last summer.
Emma McAteer, of Pollard Road in Wavertree, was arrested and charged on Monday 27 January, with violent disorder and burglary in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.
She appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.
The 26-year-old was captured on CCTV throwing three missiles at police officers on Sussex Road. She then pushes through the crowd gathered outside Windsor minimart, enters the shop via a broken open shutter and steals items from the shelf. She is then seen carrying out stolen goods in her arms.
Today, McAteer, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “McAteer has been jailed today for the role she played in the large-scale violent disorder which took place in Southport and resulted in numerous police officers being injured and property being damaged.
“The part she played that day in a community that was in mourning was despicable, and she has now been brought to justice for her disgraceful actions.”
The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 171, with 129 charged and 107 sentenced to a combined 210 years and four months in prison.
We would encourage anyone with information to contact us by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Current galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website: Latest CCTV appeal in relation to summer disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police.
Detectives have arrested and charged more people in connection with Violent Disorder in Southport in July.
A 13-year-old boy from Rock Ferry was arrested yesterday on suspicion of Violent Disorder in Liverpool, after reportedly throwing missiles at officers. He has been conditionally bailed.
A 16-year-old boy from Old Swan was charged with Violent Disorder in Liverpool. He will appear at Liverpool Youth Court on Tuesday 7 January 2025.
A 20-year-old man from Wigan arrested yesterday on suspicion of Violent Disorder has been conditionally bailed.
A 16-year-old boy from New Brighton appeared at Liverpool Youth Court yesterday, and received a 12 month Intensive Referral Order, which includes an Education & Better Choices Programme and instructed to pay £300 in compensation.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “These latest outcomes demonstrate our determination to put before the courts all of those who brought shame to the region over the summer, many of who travelled to Merseyside from other areas.
“We continue to review footage and information as it comes in, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”
The total number of people arrested by Merseyside Police has now reached 159, with 112 charged and 86 sentenced to 178 years and 10 months.
Images and footage are still being worked through so please contact us with any information via our Public Portal, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Current galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website News | Merseyside Police.
Charles Lander, defending, said Chistopher Beard has a 12-week-old daughter and is about to become a grandfather as his older child is expecting.
A father who was seen at the front of a crowd with a “maniacal grin” during disorder in Southport has been jailed for two years and eight months.
Christopher Beard was shown on footage “shouting”, “gesticulating” and throwing objects towards police officers at the front of a crowd which gathered outside a mosque in the Merseyside town on July 30, the day after three girls died in a knife attack, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Tuesday.
Louise McCloskey, prosecuting, said Beard, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was seen as police vehicles tried to move but were hit by the crowd.
She said: “The defendant is turning and laughing, with what can only be described as a maniacal grin, towards the crowd.”
He was seen piling wheelie bins on top of each other and throwing missiles towards the police, including a large piece of wood, the court heard.
Ms McCloskey said: “The defendant remains in the midst of the crowd, seemingly enjoying the chaos.”
Charles Lander, defending, said the 33-year-old has a 12-week-old daughter and is about to become a grandfather as his older child, aged 19, is expecting a baby in December.
He said Beard, of Stewart Road in Wigan, had been working in the area and had gone to “show some respect”.
He has since lost his job, the court heard.
Sentencing, Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said: “It is no mitigation at all to say you, or some of you, went simply to pay your respects. That lies ill in the mouth of any of you, given your subsequent behaviour.”
He added: “There’s footage of you literally building a bonfire in the middle of the road, pulling wheelie bins on top of each other.”
Beard was sentenced alongside Lee Powell, 46, who claimed he was not politically motivated but was in the area to lay flowers and became “trapped” on the wrong side of the police line as he tried to get back to his car.
Judge Menary said he “utterly” rejected that account.
He said: “Your role was not some benign one. You abused officers at close quarters and on two occasions, for sure, you threw an item or items at officers.
“You were, in the classical sense, a member of the mob, giving out encouragement to the group.”
Powell, of Fountains Road, Liverpool, was jailed for two years and four months for violent disorder.
Adam Latty, 24, from Southport, who has been sentenced to 20 months for violent disorder in the town (Merseyside Police/PA)
The court heard Adam Latty, 24, of Radnor Drive, Southport, was identified by a distinctive tattoo on his arm, after he took his top off and tied it around the lower part of his face.
Ms McCloskey said he was seen throwing missiles, including a glass bottle, toward police.
Charles Lander, defending, said he was of previous good character and worked as a contractor in the water industry but had now lost his job.
Judge Menary said: “It is a great shame someone of your past character should find yourself in the dock of a crown court facing such a serious and utterly pointless criminal offence.”
Latty was jailed for 20 months after admitting violent disorder at an earlier hearing.
Rioters have blamed a charity walk which “got out of hand”, an ill-fated trip to Gravity Max and being blackmailed by an older brother for their involvement in the disorder.
Violent scenes flared up in Southport, Liverpool city centre and Walton following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar last month.
Police vans were set alight and officers were attacked on St Luke’s Road in the seaside town on the evening of July 30. A planned protest at the Pier Head the following Saturday then descended into violence, with Merseyside Police forced to use riot gear after bricks and debris were thrown towards PCs.
The disturbances continued on County Road that night as chaos, violence and destruction ensued as looters targeted businesses in the area, including a fire being started at Spellow Library and Community Hub. Here, the ECHO has taken a look at some of the excuses defendants have given to the courts and to the police for becoming embroiled within the events.
A 14-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons
A 14-year-old boy from South Liverpool, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Monday, August 5. Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting told the court that this related to the teenager throwing fireworks at a police van near to B&M on Clayton Square in Liverpool city centre, a store which had earlier been “looted”.
He was found with five fireworks and a lighter following his arrest and told officers: “I’m sorry. I wasn’t firing them at you though.”
His solicitor Iqbal Kang told the judge: “He has no prior convictions whatsoever, he has never been in trouble with the police before. It is completely out of character for him.
“He tells me he headed into the city centre with the intention of catching a bus home. He was on his own. It seems, perhaps through inexperience and lack of maturity, he became involved with people he did not know who were offering out fireworks.
“He says he does not know why he became involved, but did not think things through. He did not head into the city centre with the intention of causing any kind of disturbance.
“He has had plenty of time to think about his actions. He has spent two nights in custody. He understands how foolish and silly he has been and wishes he could turn the clock back.
“It is completely out of the blue. One could positively say if he had not been heading into the city centre to catch a bus, we would not be convened here like this.”
The boy will be sentenced at the youth court on August 27. He was released on bail until this date under conditions not to enter the L1, L2 or L3 postcode areas.
Declan Geiran
Declan Geiran (Image: Merseyside Police)
Declan Geiran formed part of a “large group of males” who “attacked and damaged” a police van which had been parked near to St George’s Hall, including attempting to tip the vehicle over. A video which was later posted on TikTok showed the 29-year-old, of Kelso Road in Kensington, beside the open driver’s window and setting a seatbelt on fire before smoke was seen billowing from the cab.
CCTV footage captured him thereafter “remaining at the scene” and “sitting casually on the fountain outside the Walker Art Gallery watching the police van”, which was written off as a result of damage caused during the incident. He then filmed the scenes on his mobile phone as he left the area.
Geiran was however arrested after being “easily identified by his backpack, clothing and tattoos”, with lighters being seized from him upon his detention. Under interview, he told detectives that he had attended the protests alone as he “wanted to show his support for the bereaved families”.
Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, added: “He stated that he saw the van and heard shouts of ‘burn the van’. He said he was told to burn a book under the seat. He didn’t, but set fire to the seatbelt.
“He stated that he felt under pressure and that he did not believe his actions had caused the damage. He stated that he had not gone out to act violently and denied any negative thoughts on immigration or political issues.”
Geiran admitted violent disorder and arson. He was locked up for 30 months at the crown court on Wednesday, August 7.
Jordan Davies
Jordan Davies (Image: Merseyside Police)
Balaclava clad Jordan Davies brandished a knife near to the scene of a vigil for the victims of the Southport knife attacks then claimed that his daughter had been “stabbed up”. Just over 24 hours on from the fatal stabbings, children and families fled in terror after Jordan Davies was spotted carrying a flick knife a mere matter of minutes away from the scene.
One terrified dad even asked for his family to be locked inside a shop as the incident unfolded. Following his arrest, the mindless thug maintained that he had found the weapon while urinating near to a Tesco Express store after downing cans of cider and said he was intending to hand the item in to the police.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Friday, August 9, that the “Southport community came together for a vigil” at 6pm on Tuesday, July 30, following the “tragedy” the previous day. Davies, of Portland Street in the town, was then seen in possession of the weapon a “short distance” away on Eastbank Street, near to the Wellington pub and a branch of KFC, at around 6.45pm.
Mr Taylor described how members of the public “ran and screamed” after a woman was heard to shout “he’s got a knife”. One witness, Michael Hayes, had been laying flowers at the scene with his partner, kids and friends and was forced to “push them into the nearby Baltic Supermarket for safety”.
Another, Claire Oldham, meanwhile saw Davies “approaching other males with the blade out”. The 32-year-old was also said to have pulled down a balaclava over his face during the altercation.
Police officers subsequently found him “hiding behind a pillar” near to a snooker hall on Princes Street. While he initially “denied having anything on him”, the knife was then discovered inside a bag which he had been wearing around his neck.
Davies then claimed he had “simply picked the bag up” and was in the area “for a peaceful protest”. He added that “his daughter had been stabbed up and he had been assaulted”.
Footage taken from a PC’s body worn camera was played to the court, and captured him saying: “I’ve got the bag off the floor, that’s it. I’ve got nothing on me.”
When told why he was being detained, Davies replied: “Cos of yesterday and I look a bit foreign? Are you kidding me? I understand what’s gone on, my daughter’s been stabbed. That’s not my bag. I’ve just picked the bag up.
“How’ve I got a lock knife on my f***ing person? I’ve just picked the bag up. My daughter’s been stabbed up. How’ve I got a knife on me? I just picked the bag up off the floor.”
Under interview following his arrest, Davies stated that he had earlier consumed “three to four ciders” at home and “picked up the pouch” while urinating near to a Tesco Express store “with the intention of placing it in an amnesty or taking it to a police station”. He added that he was only “seeking to do a good act”.
Davies admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place and breaching a suspended sentence order. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit and wearing short dark hair, he nodded as he was jailed for two years.
A previous 16-week suspended sentence which was previously imposed upon him in June was also activated in full and ordered to run consecutively to this term, leading to a total sentence of two years and 16 weeks. Davies was meanwhile handed a serious violence reduction order, which will commence upon his release and last for two years thereafter, with forfeiture and destruction of the knife being ordered.
Dylan Carey
Dylan Carey (Image: Merseyside Police)
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday, August 12, that Carey was captured on CCTV mobile phone and body worn camera footage throwing items including a tin of paint and a bottle at officers, as well as kicking out at police vans. One PC later recognised him at Southport Station in the company of his girlfriend and dad from videos which had been circulated on X, formerly Twitter.
When spoken to, the 26-year-old “accepted he had been present but denied involvement”. But Nardeen Nemat, prosecuting, described how he was then arrested at his home address on Castle Hill Road in Hindley, Wigan, on August 5.
Under interview, he “said he had travelled to lay some flowers and light a candle with his pregnant girlfriend” and then decided to attend the “peaceful protest” after seeing it advertised on a Facebook post. But, while there, he claimed he “grew angrier and began to throw items himself”.
Carey has no previous convictions. Colin Buckle, defending, told the court: “His intention was not to travel to Southport with criminal intent. He became involved by his own hand, he was not forced. The mood began to change, others began to behave in this way and he joined in. He cannot explain why. Their intention was to go in respect of what they believed to be a peaceful vigil. Things turned from that. Of course, he involved himself.
“The impact on him of a potentially lengthy custodial sentence is that that sentence will be exacted upon him in respect of the loss of his liberty, of course, but moreover due to the fact that, if your honour returns him to custody, he will miss the birth of his child.
“The couple have suffered from two miscarriages. The child they are expecting has complications. It is an uncertain time. He has been a rock to her. Of course, she has lost him by his own hand and his behaviour.
Carey, who was seen blowing kisses to his supporters in the public gallery during the hearing, admitted violent disorder. Wearing a white shirt and black tie in the dock, he was jailed for 18 months as his partner sat in tears with her head in her hands.
Philip Prescott
Philip Prescott (Image: Merseyside Police)
Philip Prescott, of Sefton Street in Southport, was seen on CCTV and video footage captured by a police helicopter taking items out of a bin and hurling them towards police officers before “others followed suit”. The 38-year-old then “dragged another wheelie bin” towards a cordon formed by PCs before removing further objects and throwing them.
He subsequently kicked the wall of a residential property and climbed into the garden before running towards officers in possession of a brick, which he “launched towards” them. Prescott thereafter returned to the damaged wall once more and threw further bricks, including at the window of a police van.
Following his arrest on Lord Street in the town on August 5, he gave a prepared statement under interview in which he “said he had been drinking and was very upset by the death of the three children”. He then “heard there was something happening near to St Luke’s and went to see what was happening” and, although he could not recall his actions due to being under the influence of alcohol, stated that he was “ashamed by what he did and was sorry”.
Prescott admitted violent disorder. He gave a thumbs up to the public gallery as he was led down to the cells after receiving 28 months in prison on Tuesday, August 13.
Tony Hazlett
Tony Hazlett (Image: Merseyside Police)
Tony Hazlett was captured on CCTV throwing two missiles in the direction of the police. When officers went to the 46-year-old’s home on Bank Road in Bootle on August 7, he was described as being “very drunk” and resisted arrest in a violent struggle. He later told police: “I’m sorry. I just did it because everyone was doing it.”
Hazlett explained that he had travelled by train to Southport with friends and accepted he threw “two pieces of slate” before leaving shortly after. The dad-of-six admitted violent disorder and was jailed for 28 months on Thursday, August 15.
Curtis Faure
Curtis Faure (Image: Merseyside Police)
Curtis Faure was captured in a single photograph “leaning back with a brick in his hand, about to throw it” on the Strand. The 19-year-old, of Thomas Lane in Broadgreen, handed himself in at Marsh Lane Police Station on the afternoon of August 8 after this image was circulated in the media by Merseyside Police.
He stated under interview that he “intended to go to Gravity Max when he heard about a riot on the Dock Road and wanted to see what was going on”. Faure told detectives that he had been present for up to half an hour and “picked up a single brick and threw it at police officers”, but said that the missile had not connected.
The teen added that he “could not provide an explanation why he behaved in that way” and maintained that his actions were not racially motivated, his parents originally being from South Africa. He has no previous convictions.
Faure admitted violent disorder. He was jailed for a year on Thursday, August 15.
George Clements
George Clements (Image: Merseyside Police)
Clements was captured on mobile phone footage near to a shop on Church Street which had been targeted by louts. The 18-year-old – of Egerton Street in New Brighton, Wirral – was shown with a brown scarf covering his face and “aggressively approaching” an older male with grey hair who was carrying a shopping bag.
He then turned his attention to a “male with an olive skin tone”, hitting out at his hand before being ushered away by another man. The teen however “broke free” and confronted the same victim again, kicking him to the area of his hip in what was said to have been a “racially motivated” attack.
Clements thereafter “gestured towards his penis” and “made a masturbation gesture”. He and another man then ran towards the older complainant, sparking other members of the public to intervene.
The thugs were then seen running away as sirens were heard in the background of the video. Clements was identified after this footage – which showed a child in a wheelchair in the vicinity on the violence – was shared on social media, leading to his arrest at his home address on August 9.
Julian Nutter, defending, told the court: “He did not go into town to participate in these unfortunate events. He went for a meal and became drunk. Things kicked off. He got drawn in, being the young fool he is, and acted in the reprehensible manner he did. He is not part of the looting. What we can see is disorderly behaviour.”
Clements admitted affray and breaching a suspended sentence order. He was nodded and smiled after he was jailed for two years on Thursday, August 15, then waved to his supporters in the public gallery as he was led down to the cells.
Ellis Wharton
Ellis Wharton (Image: Merseyside Police)
Brothers Adam and Ellis Wharton, both of Selwyn Street in Kirkdale, admitted burglary with intent to steal at Spellow Library. Mr Taylor told Liverpool Crown Court: “At about 2am, officers were alerted by the National Police Air Service that persons had entered that library.
“PC [Thomas] Nielsen entered the library and saw Ellis Wharton in possession of a computer monitor. He was told to put it down and he did. He was told he would be arrested. Once secured, he said ‘I’m sorry, I’ve been blackmailed by my brother to do it and made a stupid decision. I’m sorry’.”
Adam Wharton was then detained on nearby Dunluce Street, having been circulated as wanted after “acting as a lookout”. The 28-year-old was found in possession of a balaclava at this time while also “sweating profusely”.
Ellis Wharton, 22, told detectives under interview that his brother had “knocked on his door asking him to go out with him” with the “indication that they would go looting”. Mr Taylor added: “Adam, he said, kept a lookout while he entered. The plan was to take monitors to sell. He denied any violence or disorder and simply stated that they joined the group to loot.”
Adam Wharton was jailed for 20 months on Thursday, August 8. Ellis Wharton, who also pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency services worker, was imprisoned for 11 months.
Paul Daintith
Paul Daintith (Image: Merseyside Police)
Paul Daintith, of Fraser Street in Liverpool city centre, pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public after he was spotted by police officers on East Street in Southport walking from a bush “at a quickening pace”. When stopped, he claimed that he had “just found a craft knife” and lifted his top up to PCs to show them the weapon within his waistband.
Following his arrest, Daintith stated that “he was a smackhead who picks everything up”. He was jailed for eight months on Friday, August 16.
Joshua Jones
Joshua Jones (Image: Merseyside Police)
A “football hooligan” claimed to have attended a three-mile charity walk in memory of the victims of the Southport stabbings before “things got out of hand” and he repeatedly hurled missiles towards police officers as violent scenes unfolded. Joshua Jones, of St Marks Road in Chester, was captured on video footage with his face covered by a scarf as he threw a series of objects towards PCs.
Mr Taylor, appearing for the prosecution, described how the 31-year-old also “moved forward with the surging crowd” and filmed the events on his mobile phone, having been “present from the start” and thereafter “front and centre”. Merseyside Police subsequently seized two samurai swords from his home when they attended in order to arrest him on the afternoon of August 12.
Under interview, he “stated that he went to Southport to attend the vigil” and “referenced taking part in a three-mile charity walk to support the murdered children”. Jones declined to watch any of the CCTV and said he “couldn’t remember anything” due to his undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD and autism.
However, he “acknowledged that things got out of hand”. Of the weapons discovered in his property, he added that the items had “been in the family for years” and said they “never left the house”.
Jones has a total of 15 previous convictions for 26 offences including inflicting grievous bodily harm, entering the playing area at a football match, breaching a football banning order, possession of a banned fighting dog, theft and criminal damage. Judge Neil Flewitt KC compared his record to that of a “football hooligan who appears to enjoy disorder in large groups”.
He was also handed a 26-week imprisonment suspended for 18 months by magistrates in March this year for assaulting an emergency services worker after pushing a police officer “with force” and “pushing his thumb into a constable’s eye” during a domestic altercation. Charles Lander, defending, told the court: “He is totally ashamed of his actions.
“He could not bear to watch the video. He is embarrassed, particularly at how he has let down the families of the deceased and injured children, the wider community and also his own family.
“His partner has stood by him and is particularly tearful in court today. Once again, he is going to be apart from her for his own stupid actions. He maintains that he went there for lawful reasons but stupidly got involved.”
The judge said of this: “I have enormous difficultly accepting that from a man who is prone to violence and hooliganism. There is a very strong inference here that he went to Southport to join in the disorder.”
Mr Lander continued: “My instructions are that he did not. The three-mile walk was his intention. Ultimately, I do not seek to minimise his behaviour. The camera speaks for itself.
“Clearly, the defendant has suffered significant tragedy in the last few years. His brother died tragically from carbon monoxide poisoning, his father also died as a result of an unfortunate incident and his mother passed away last year.”
Jones, who previously worked as the manager of a gym in Spain, admitted violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and breaching a suspended sentence order. His partner sat in tears in the public gallery as he was jailed for 38 months.
Sentencing, Judge Flewitt said: “Given your previous convictions, in particular your history of football hooliganism, I view with some scepticism the suggestion that you travelled to Southport to take part in a vigil. The fact that you so willingly again took part in violence towards the police causes me to doubt your expressions of remorse.”
A father-of-three who left a police officer fearing for their life as he tried to smash a van window has been jailed for three years.
Luke Moran, from Birkdale, was one of five people sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday for their part in violent disorder in Southport.
Describing the 38-year-old’s attack with a lump of concrete, a judge said it was “as bad a case as I have seen so far”.
The latest group of defendants to appear in court over the recent disorder that swept across the country also included men accused or convicted of unrest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, south Yorkshire.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, at least 497 people have so far been charged in relation to the weeks-long unrest that broke out in England and Northern Ireland following a stabbing attack in Southport that left three young girls dead and 10 others injured, including eight children.
Liverpool Crown Court was played police body camera footage showing Moran hitting the vehicle’s window three times with the piece of concrete.
Judge Neil Flewitt said that a police officer in the vehicle “feared for his life, believing he might be pulled from the carrier and attacked”.
A statement from a police officer said the men who attacked his van were “whipped into a frenzy”.
The officer’s body cam footage captured the roofer’s face as he attacked the police van. Its driver is clearly heard saying “we’re going to have to bail” as the footage ends.
The court was told the driver then escaped out of the rear of the van, covered by other officers as he fled.
Nicholas Sinclair, 38, was also sentenced to two years and four months for his involvement in the rioting.
The manager of a scaffolding firm from Birkdale admitted throwing bricks and pleaded guilty to violent disorder as a result.
Two other men were sentenced at the same time.
Daniel Carrigan, 41, of Liverpool, admitted to throwing two items at the window of the police van. He said he was struggling with cocaine addiction and had been on the drug at the time.
He was jailed for two years and eight months.
Thomas Whitehead, 53, of Southport, who worked as a gardener, was given a year and eight months for throwing an object during the violent disorder.
The court was told he “does not know what took hold of him when he threw that one missile from the back of the group”.
All the men were told they would be made to serve at least half of their sentences.
Earlier, a 20-year-old from Banks in Southport, who admitted throwing concrete during the riots, was given a prison sentence of 18 months in a young offenders’ institution.
Jake Lowther was captured on CCTV taking part in the violent disorder and was told by the judge he would spend half of his sentence in prison and half in the community.
It was accepted in sentencing that his actions were out of character and his defence conceded their client “did something extremely foolish”.
Lowther’s parents were in the public gallery and as he was taken away. His mother tried to offer comfort by saying “love you, it’s ok”.
Rotherham
Those in court on Wednesday in relation to the unrest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham included a former soldier.
Peter Beard, 43, of Brampton Bierlow, Rotherham, was jailed for two-and-a-half years after admitting to pushing aggressively on a line of officers.
The father-of-three, who undertook tours of duty in Kosovo, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, was told by Judge Jeremy Richardson KC: “Your conduct was shameful, it was disgraceful and, in many respects, astonishing.”
Passing sentence at Sheffield Crown Court, the judge heard how Beard served in the Royal Green Jackets between 1998 and 2003, and said he was surprised that he had become involved as he had been “on the receiving end” of public order incidents as a peacekeeper.
Hull
A man who charged at police officers with a metal bench is among three men who have been jailed for their part in violent unrest in Hull.
Jordan Murray, 26, of Grasby Road, Hull, admitted violent disorder and looting two shops at Hull Magistrates’ Court on 12 August. He was handed a two-year jail term on Wednesday.
David Buckle, 39, and Jermaine Glover, 23, were sentenced to three years and two years respectively for their roles.
Buckle, of Southgate Way, Hull, admitted violent disorder at Hull Magistrate’s Court on 14 August.
Glover, of Cranswick Grove, Hull, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson at the same court the following day.
David Wilkinson was jailed for six years at Hull Crown Court following violence and disorder in the city on August 3
A thug who forced three terrified Romanian men from their car during a riot has received the heftiest sentence to date in connection with recent widespread disorder after being jailed for six years.
David Wilkinson, 48, previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage after playing a “prominent role” in the violence and disorder that gripped Hull on August 3.
His sentence came as a second riot charge was brought by police – leaving violent disorder suspects across the country awaiting news on whether they will be accused of the more serious offence.
Hull Crown Court heard Wilkinson was a member of a “baying mob” who left the driver of a BMW in fear for his life when more than 100 “angry” men descended on him and his two cousins.
The group tried to drag them from the car, before punching him in the head and attempting to strike him with a metal bar.
In footage of the incident, the three men in the vehicle could be seen getting out with their hands raised in a gesture of surrender before fleeing to a nearby hotel, the court heard.
At other points during the day of disorder, Wilkinson spat, threw missiles and pushed wheelie bins at a police line protecting a hotel known to house asylum seekers.
He appeared to be holding nunchucks – a martial arts weapon – at one point, it was said.
Elsewhere on Friday, Kieran Usher became the second suspect to be charged with riot in connection with disorder in Sunderland city centre on August 2.
The 32-year-old appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court where prosecutors said he had acted in an “aggressive manner” towards police officers and threw missiles at them during the unrest.
The court heard he allegedly gestured towards officers and towards the crowds in the city centre in order to “encourage violence”.
District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded him in custody until his crown court appearance on August 23 after saying a series of video clips played to the court showed he had “a willingness to engage in large-scale disorder”.
It followed Northumbria Police’s announcement that a 15-year-old boy had been charged with the more serious offence after having previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary on Saturday.
The teenager appeared in court on Thursday and his case was adjourned following what a district judge called a “surprise” charging decision.
Liam Doeg, 33, who was due to be sentenced in relation to disorder in Sunderland, had his case adjourned as prosecutors consider whether to further charge him with the more serious charge of riot.
Sophie Allinson, defending, opposed the move saying her client had pleaded guilty to violent disorder at the earliest opportunity and had come to court expecting to learn his fate.
Ms Allinson pointed out that more than 100 defendants had already been sentenced for violent disorder following the disorder across England.
Riot is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – double that of a charge of violent disorder.
Another lengthy jail sentence was handed down on Friday to a man who looted cosmetics chain Lush during riots in Hull.
John Honey, 25, was jailed for 56 months after he also helped attack a BMW carrying three Romanian men, targeted a garage leaving nine vehicles damaged, and pushed bins at police lines during the disorder.
A sentencing hearing earlier in the week was adjourned after a prison probation officer said Honey had asked him “if he wanted his autograph because he was famous”, which the court heard could have undermined Honey’s claim of being “genuinely remorseful”.
Four other men – Steven Love, 41, John Nunan, 36, Travis Whitelock, 23, and Corey Holloway, 20 – were also jailed for their part in the Hull riots.
A judge told Love he was “lucky not to be charged with riot” after his central role in the disorder as he was sent to prison for 40 months.
In Liverpool, Andrew McIntyre pleaded not guilty to charges of encouraging murder, encouraging violent disorder and possession of a bladed article at the city’s crown court.
Chris Taylor, prosecuting, confirmed to Judge Neil Flewitt that “in simple terms” the suggestion was that McIntyre was the administrator on an online group.
At Birmingham Crown Court, a rapper arrested after posting an allegedly “menacing” video mentioning Tommy Robinson will face trial in January next year after pleading not guilty.
Omar Abdirizak, known as Twista Cheese, denied an allegation of sending a grossly offensive or menacing message via a public communications network.
Two men and a woman were jailed for their roles in a protest in Plymouth at the city’s crown court.
Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40, all admitted violent disorder before Ball and Braidwood were both give prison terms of 32 months, and Gove an 18-month term.
The court heard Ball has appeared in court previously on 51 occasions for 93 offences including racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and for public order offences.
Charges of stirring up racial hatred also continue to be brought before the courts across the country, with Wayne O’Rourke due to appear at Lincoln Crown Court.
He was traced by police due to his ‘distinctive clothing’
A youth who stole vapes worth £15,000 appeared in court today in relation to violent disturbances across Merseyside.
Liverpool Magistrates Court heard that the 16 year-old , who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, was caught on CCTV breaking a convenience store window with an electric scooter to snatch the vapes and was traced by his distinctive clothing.
The youngster, hailing from Stockbridge Village, was the first to stand before the court this morning. He was charged with violent disorder, two counts of burglary at non-residential properties; criminal damage to a police vehicle and assaulting an emergency worker, reports the Liverpool Echo.
He was amongst the four people who appeared before District Judge Healey on Saturday; the number of men and boys charged in connection to the violent disorder has now reached 25. It comes as violent rioting spread through the streets of Merseyside following the deaths of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice, who were killed in the tragic Southport stabbings last month.
The court heard how the 16-year-old was seen on CCTV amongst a group who pulled a police officer off his bike before attacking him. He was also seen jumping on top of a police vehicle where the windscreen was then smashed. He was tracked on CCTV by his distinctive clothing and was seen running along Paradise Street before picking up an electric scooter to smash a window and taking items from SandS News in the city centre. He is seen leaving with a handful of vapes. The boy was later arrested.
Today, he pleaded guilty to all charges. The court has been adjourned for a pre-sentence report and he will appear for sentence on September 17. He was also granted conditional bail and told he was not allowed to enter the L1, L2 or L3 postcodes.
Andrew McIntyre, 39, of Cousins Lane, Rufford, was charged with encouraging an offence of murder; encouraging an either way offence namely violent disorder and possession of a bladed article, also appeared in the dock this morning from police custody.
Judge Healey told McIntyre that the case would need to be dealt with at Crown Court due to the seriousness of all charges. He will appear before Liverpool Crown Court on August 15 and no plea for bail was made today.
George Clements, 18, of Egerton Street, New Brighton, also appeared in Magistrates Court this morning, charged with affray. He pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court heard how on August 3 Clements was caught on footage fronting up members of the public wearing a face mask. In the footage he can be seen to kick out and throw things at members of the public who were clearly in distress. Judge Healey sent the case to Crown Court and he will appear for sentence on August 15. Clements was not granted bail.
Paul Daintith, of Fraser Street, Liverpool, appeared in court after he was found with a knife inside the area of a Section 60 order, which police put in place following the violent disorders across Merseyside over the last two weeks. The order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, give officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.
The court heard how the defendant was spotted by officers on East Street, in Southport, walking from the bushes at a quickening pace. The police officers spoke to Dantith where he told them he had just found a craft knife. He then proceeded to lift up his top and showed them the knife tucked into his waistband. Dantith was arrested. It was heard in court how during a police interview following his arrest, when asked why he had the knife, in his words “he was a smackhead who picks everything up.”
The case has been committed to Crown Court for sentence, because the defendant has previous conviction for a similar offence. He will appear at Liverpool Crown Court for sentence on August 15. Judge Healey denied bail and remanded Dantith in custody – the defendant turned his back to the judge as he told him he was denied bail – he shouted “w*****” as he was taken down into custody.
Curtis Faure was caught on camera at the riots in what he described as a “moment of madness”
A teenager who came into the city centre to go to Gravity MAX was caught on camera throwing a brick at police officers during last weekend’s city centre riots. Curtis Faure, 19 and of Thomas Lane in Broadgreen, appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (Friday, August 9) where he pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder.
Prosecutor Sarah McInerney told the court the teenager was present during the riots on August 3 in the city centre. She said the defendant was pictured throwing a brick while on The Strand.
She added: “In the following days a number of images were circulated in the press. One particular image pictured the defendant throwing a brick and, on August 8, the defendant attended Marsh Lane police station and confirmed it was him.”
Faure’s charge comes in relation to the violent disorder in Liverpool and around the country over the weekend. A planned protest at the Pier Head on Saturday afternoon turned violent, with Merseyside Police forced to use riot gear after people were seen throwing bricks and debris at officers.
Scenes later spilled onto County Road in Walton, with rioters causing major damage in what police described as “serious violent disorder”. Chaos, violence and destruction followed as looters targeted businesses, bins were used to start fires and the Spellow Library & Community Hub was set alight.
In mitigation, Gary Bryan, told the court: “When the image was circulated he immediately presented himself to the police station. He made admissions during his police interview.
“He was at Chavasse Park with a friend to hang out and visit Gravity MAX. He became aware of the disturbance and walked down. And when he was there, in a singular moment of madness, he threw a brick towards the officers.
“He had no intention to harm anyone but accepted he threw it. He said there were no racial elements to his action and his parents are from South Africa. He has no discriminatory beliefs and this was a singular moment of madness. He stated he wished he could turn back time and his parents were ashamed of him.
“He has shown genuine remorse. He has never been arrested before. You can imagine his state of mind as he appears before the court today. He is a team leader at a supermarket. He works full time, often working six days a week for long hours.”
Addressing the defendant, District Judge Healey said: “You pleaded guilty. It’s too serious to be dealt with here. You will be sentenced on August 15. On August 3 you made the conscious decision to engage in the most violent disorder this country has seen in recent years. You were actively engaged on that day.
“It’s a serious offence, there is a real chance of a serious prison sentence. You have no previous convictions and say you are remorseful. You are in full time employment and have family support but you chose to get involved in this.”
The judge remanded the defendant into custody ahead of his sentencing. The defendant’s mum started to cry as her son was led down to the cells.
(Top left: Adam Wharton. Top right: Ellis Wharton. Bottom left: John O’Malley. Bottom right: William Morgan)
Four men have been jailed for a combined eight years and three months following violent disorder in Liverpool and Southport.
• John O’Malley, 43, of Cambridge Gardens, in Southport, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Southport.
• Adam Wharton, 28, of Selwyn Street, in Kirkdale, was jailed for one year and eight months after pleading guilty to burglary with intent to steal at Spellow Library in Walton.
• Ellis Wharton, 22, of Selwyn Street, in Kirkdale, was jailed for 11 months years after pleading guilty to burglary with intent to steal at Spellow Library in Walton and assaulting an emergency services worker.
• William Nelson Morgan, 69, of Linton Street, Walton, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in Walton.
Adam and Ellis Wharton, who are brothers, were arrested in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 4 August following violent scenes on County Road, in Walton, the previous evening.
Ellis was arrested inside the damaged Spellow Hub Library after officers saw him trying to escape with a computer monitor. He also assaulted an officer at the scene. Adam was arrested shortly afterwards when he was spotted by officers acting suspiciously and later identified as being part of a group who entered the library.
Morgan was also involved in the disorder on the same evening, on County Road, when he armed himself with a wooden bat during the violent scenes against officers.
O’Malley was identified as being part of the disorder on St Luke’s Road, in Southport, on Tuesday 30 July, when missiles were thrown at police carriers and officers, causing serious injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “The latest results from court today means there are now seven men in prison following the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
“This should serve as a stark warning to anyone who chooses to take part in such abhorrent behaviour. You will be swiftly arrested and could end up in a jail cell for a considerable amount of time.
“The investigation to identify anyone who took part in the disorder continues and we have now made 44 arrests in total. This will only rise as a specialist team reviews hundreds of hours of footage taken of the incidents.
“We continue to appeal for anyone with information about the disorder in Southport and Liverpool to come forward.”
If you have any information, you can contact us @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000663787.
John O’Malley and William Morgan were both sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court
William Nelson Morgan and John O’Malley, both received 32 months for their involvement in the violent disorder last week(Image: Merseyside Police )
These are the faces of the next two thugs who took part in violent disorder in Merseyside. John O’Malley, 43, of Cambridge Gardens in Southport, was charged with violent disorder in connection with the disturbance in the north Sefton seaside town last week.
William Morgan, 69 and of Linton Street in Walton, was charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place in relation to the disorder seen in the city on Saturday evening. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday, August 8.
Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told the court O’Malley engaged in the violent scenes on St Luke’s Road in Southport on July 29. He described the scenes to the court and houses and the mosque were damaged.
Officers estimated a group of about 1,000 people being involved. There were chants of ‘this is our f***ing country,’ ‘s***houses’ and ‘scumbag b*******’, Mr Taylor told the court.
The prosecutor said of O’Malley: “It’s the crown’s case that he was active in and at the heart of the violence. The court will see a barrage of missiles being hurled at officers. The front bumper is pulled from a carrier and hurled at the officers.”
O’Malley was identified via footage from an “independent reporter, who heard chants of give us our country back, who the f*** is Allah and save our children”. Following his arrest, he “told officers he’d been subjected to threats because of his involvement in the disorder” before giving no comment under a further interview.
CCTV footage played to the court showed men taking items out of a red wheelie bin and throwing them towards a police carrier. Wheelie bins are also thrown towards the vehicle. Drone footage from overhead shows a stack of wheelie bins being set on fire in the middle of the road “in order to form a pyramid bonfire”.
Several men are seen on top of a police van, and Mr Taylor said another carrier was set on fire. The footage from an “independent journalist” was played, and showed “a variety of missiles striking the officers”. Comments of “they’ve got no chance” are heard.
Mr Taylor said the footage showed “officers being forced back because of the barrage,” “cheering and encouragement from other members of the mob,” and “shouts of ‘go on Southport’.” Mr Taylor added these chants “don’t represent the views of the community at large”.
O’Malley has convictions for drink driving in 2006 and received a fine for this offence. In November 2023 he was arrested on suspicion of assault by beating and was on police bail in respect of a separate investigation at the time. There are currently no formal charges, the court heard.
Paul Lewis, defending, said O’Malley has no children and while “he does not have the benefit of good character he does not have a lengthy record”. Mr Lewis, who was also representing William Morgan, said: “The primary mitigation in their cases is their early pleas. Both men wish to profoundly apologise, not only to the families of those killed and injured in Southport but to the police against who they directed their aggression, to their own families for the shame and embarrassment caused to them and most importantly perhaps to the public for the destruction they in part caused, for the impact on public resources and the fear they now recognise their actions caused.”
Morgan took part in the violent disorder on County Road in Walton. Liverpool Crown Court heard how the 69-year-old was part of the “large mob”. Mr Taylor said: “Officers pushed forward in an attempt to disperse them. This defendant resisted and was seen to be holding a cosh in his hand.” An officer “charged” the defendant, and he dropped the item.
Morgan responded by “kicking out and swearing”, and Mr Taylor added: “It took three officers to control him.” He was then arrested at around 10.45am. As he was placed into a transporter van, Morgan said the cosh was “for his own protection”. Mr Taylor said: “He told officers he was 70 years of age and asked what else they expected him to do. In a subsequent interview, this defendant made no comment responses.”
Video footage played in court showed several men starting a fire at the entry of Spellow Library before the building is then seen “well alight” with other items ablaze in the road. A local corner shop was also broken into and wheelie bins were used as a barricade.
Body-worn footage showed Morgan’s arrest and he could be heard saying “f***ing arseholes, I’m f***ing 70 mate” as he’s struck with officers’ riot shields.
He then added: “I’m gonna die here. I’m English, I’m English. Stop it, I’m gonna die. Get off my. I’m f***ing 70 years of age. F*** off. F***ing get off me. Ah you c***, f*** off. I’m gonna die. You’re gonna kill me. I’m f***ing 70 years of age. F*** off.” An officer can then be heard on the footage, he said: “Why are you here, why are you in a riot man?” Morgan replied: “I’m trying to go home. F***s sake. I appreciate what you’re doing.”
The PC said: “Why are you here?” Morgan said: “Because I live here.” The officer, who has a north east accent, said: “Haway man.” Morgan responded: “You don’t know what I have been through – I have been pepper sprayed.”
Mr Taylor said Morgan “effectively apologises to the officers.” Morgan was said to be “of previous good character with no impending prosecutions”. Mr Lewis for Defence said Morgan was now retired and had worked as a welder.
He is a widower and has three grown up children and Mr Lewis said the offences for him “were entirely out of character”. He said: “He has no experience of the inevitable custodial sentence which will follow and which he may find particularly hard to bear. He accepts that he acted in drink and was disinhibited by the presence of a large crowd.
“Both defendants are aware they will receive sentences intended to provide both punishment to them and a deterrent. While neither were instigators of the damage and violence, they accept their presence provided encouragement for others and is a catalyst for other mobs. They are sorry.”
The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said both defendants were “at the forefront of very serious mob violence’.” He sentenced both to 32 months in prison.
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