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Kristofer Thomas Kearney – known online as Charlie Big Potatoes – was extradited from Alicante to face charges last year

An alleged far-right fitness guru for a British group known as Patriotic Alternative has admitted sharing a stash of terrorist documents on social media.

Kristofer Thomas Kearney, 38, is originally from Liverpool but was based in Alicante before he was extradited from Spain to face charges last September.

On Wednesday, Kearney, who was known online as Charlie Big Potatoes, pleaded guilty to two offences of disseminating terrorist publications.

Kearney, who entered his plea at the Old Bailey by video link from Chelmsford prison, is believed to be the first member of Patriotic Alternative to be convicted of terrorist offences. The offences related to two Telegram posts on January 23 and March 8 2021 which disseminated dozens of documents glorifying and encouraging extreme right-wing terror attacks.

Ged O’Connor, defending, told the court Kearney’s pleas were on the basis he was “reckless” as to whether the effect of his conduct was to encourage terrorism. However, prosecutor Naomi Parsons told the court the Crown’s case was “consistent with intent”.

Judge Richard Marks KC said the issue of Kearney’s motivation would be decided at a two-day hearing on May 4 and 5 before he passes sentence. Kearney is alleged to have created a Telegram channel entitled “Charlie Big Potatoes” in November 2020.

In 2021, he posted a numbered list and links to some 89 extreme right-wing documents. Among them were the manifestos of Anders Breivik, who murdered 77 people in Norway, and that of Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Two other far-right extremist manifestos related to Texas Walmart mass killer Patrick Crusius and John Earnest, who shot people at a Californian synagogue in 2019.

Kearney’s motivation in making the terrorist material available was said to be in the context of his racist ideology and support for Patriotic Alternative, whose policies including deporting non-whites.

Previously, Kearney is said to have been an active member of neo-Nazi group National Action until a week before it was banned in December 2016 for glorifying the murder of MP Jo Cox.

He then switched to Patriotic Alternative, another extreme right-wing organisation that is not currently proscribed by Government, it is claimed. It is believed he became “head of fitness” at Patriotic Alternative and regularly shared posts from its accounts such as White Lives Matter banners.

Liverpool Echo

An alleged far-right fitness guru for a British group known as Patriotic Alternative has admitted sharing a stash of terrorist documents on social media.

Kristofer Thomas Kearney, 38, is originally from Liverpool but was based in Alicante before he was extradited from Spain to face charges last September.

On Wednesday, Kearney, who was known online as Charlie Big Potatoes, pleaded guilty to two offences of disseminating terrorist publications.

Kearney, who entered his plea at the Old Bailey by video link from Chelmsford prison, is believed to be the first member of Patriotic Alternative to be convicted of terrorist offences.

The offences related to two Telegram posts on January 23 and March 8 2021 which disseminated dozens of documents glorifying and encouraging extreme right-wing terror attacks.

Ged O’Connor, defending, told the court Kearney’s pleas were on the basis he was “reckless” as to whether the effect of his conduct was to encourage terrorism.

However, prosecutor Naomi Parsons told the court the Crown’s case was “consistent with intent”.

Judge Richard Marks KC said the issue of Kearney’s motivation would be decided at a two-day hearing on May 4 and 5 before he passes sentence.

Kearney is alleged to have created a Telegram channel entitled “Charlie Big Potatoes” in November 2020.

In 2021, he posted a numbered list and links to some 89 extreme right-wing documents.

Among them were the manifestos of Anders Breivik, who murdered 77 people in Norway, and that of Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Two other far-right extremist manifestos related to Texas Walmart mass killer Patrick Crusius and John Earnest, who shot people at a Californian synagogue in 2019.

Kearney’s motivation in making the terrorist material available was said to be in the context of his racist ideology and support for Patriotic Alternative, whose policies including deporting non-whites.

Previously, Kearney is said to have been an active member of neo-Nazi group National Action until a week before it was banned in December 2016 for glorifying the murder of MP Jo Cox.

He then switched to Patriotic Alternative, another extreme right-wing organisation that is not currently proscribed by Government, it is claimed.

It is believed he became “head of fitness” at Patriotic Alternative and regularly shared posts from its accounts such as White Lives Matter banners.

He also set up a channel called “Fascist Fitness” to hand out exercise and fitness tips.

Kearney, who spoke only to enter his guilty pleas, was remanded into custody until his next hearing at the Old Bailey.

County Press

A judge said John Dunbar’s ‘shameful performance’ at Liverpool One had no place in our city

A racist rapist was told he doesn’t belong in Liverpool after he hurled “vile abuse” at Christmas shoppers.

John Dunbar, aka Stuart Partington, was filmed in Liverpool One launching a tirade of abuse at three Asian men last December.

The 57-year-old was captured on film hurling insults such as “c***s” and “horrible b******s” at passers-by.

Dunbar initially followed two Asian men while telling people to “f*** off” and saying he was Muslim.

After he was challenged by onlookers he told people he had been released from a 26 year prison sentence.

On Friday, a judge at Liverpool Crown Court blasted Dunbar’s behaviour, telling him there is “no place” for racism in Liverpool, which she described as a “welcoming and inclusive city”.

Judge Louis Brandon, sentencing, said: “Liverpool is a welcoming and inclusive city.

“That was demonstrated by the way that those who had the misfortune to deal with you on that day sought to protect each other.

“There is no place in this city for behaviour like that or people like you who hold such offensive views and prowl the streets.

“The public need protecting from you.”

Fiona McNeill, prosecuting, explained that the incident took place on December 2 at around 5pm when Dunbar “approached two Asian males” while “acting in an aggressive manner”.

Ms McNeill told the court that Dunbar followed the two men while shouting at them.

She said: “He was seen approaching two males, telling people to f*** off and said he was Muslim.”

Ms McNeill said he had asked one of the men “if he had cut to his hand” as he waved his bloodied arm in the air.

She added: “He seemed to be accusing the man for the injury to his hand” and is “heard to tell them to stop ganging up on him”.

Footage of the incident was played in the court, and in the video Dunbar shouts at a third man: “I’m not a f***ing radical alright”, adding: “You want to f*** with me bro? I’ve just done 26 years in prison, you mother f***er.

“You wanna f*** with me? I’ll bring the f***ing rain, the f***ing dogs down on you mother f***ers. Now f*** off.”

In the horrific abuse he calls onlookers “c***s” and “horrible b******s” while yelling “that’s right, keep walking”.

Dunbar then continues, and even says: “This is my country, don’t f***ing invade my country with your f***ing s***.”

Gesturing to a cut on his hand Dunbar says “E-N-G-L-I-S-H, English, see that? That’s f***ing English blood”.

In the video Dunbar continues to abuse members of the public and approached Lila Tamea, who filmed the ordeal, and said she had “no words” for the racism.

Ms Tamea was protected by other members of the public who intervened.

He also approaches someone off camera, while a woman can be heard saying “stop being a racist” and shouts: “Let’s go you Muslim c***.”

Footage from the body worn camera on a police officer shows an officer asking about the cut on his hand and offering to take Dunbar to the hospital, which he declines.

When asked what had happened Dunbar replied “I haven’t a clue” and admitted to the officer he had had a drink.

He then becomes agitated saying “I don’t need police, I’m not causing trouble” before the officers arrested him outside WHSmith for a public order offence.

A witness can be heard telling the officer “There’s been about three or four Asian guys, he has thrown racist abuse, I think he has called one a foreign b*****d”.

When arrested Dunbar was silent and refused to provide his name, but then his outburst continues as he shouts: “F*** you mate, f*** you right listening to them.

“So you’re saying I’m being racist what’s racist?”

Dunbar then resists arrests and continues to struggle before officers apply leg restraints and a spit hood and find a razorblade.

He was later charged with assaulting an emergency worker after he headbutted one of the police officers.

Dunbar has 26 previous convictions for 60 offences.

The court heard that in 1991 Dunbar was jailed for rape and a breach of a suspended sentence.

Ms McNeill explained that in 1995 was jailed for life with a recommendation of at least eight years in prison after robbing and terrorising female staff in four shops with a knife and imitation gun.

In his rampage a judge said he “terrorised and tormented” his victims over six hours in Bolton town centre.

Mr Justice Forbes told Dunbar: “You have shown no pity for your victims or remorse for these grave crimes.

“In one case you sexually attacked one of them – it was as bad a case of indecent assault as it is possible to imagine.

“Words cannot express the true measure of the horror and degradation you inflicted upon your victim.”

Dunbar had entered one Bolton store where he produced a handgun and tied up one 40-year-old female victim before doing the same in a second shop.

Dunbar went to a third shop, producing the knife and a handgun and made off with cash before going on to rob the fourth store, where he was “striking the victim several times with a gun causing wounds to her head”.

John Dunbar, aka Stuart Partington, 57

David Lister, defending, said: “The greatest mitigation is his guilty plea. He didn’t plead guilty at his earliest plea trial and preparation hearing, it wasn’t long after he entered his guilty pleas.

“I have had a conference with him before the hearing, he does wish for me to express his apologies and regret for the clear distress he caused to the members of the public who had to witness his frankly appalling behaviour.

“He is remorseful for that behaviour. It is clear Dunbar didn’t cope well in his release from custody.”

Mr Lister explained Dunbar had been serving a 26 year sentence and had been released for six weeks before his rampage.

Mr Listed said Dunbar “wasn’t in receipt of the support he evidently needed”.

Dunbar, of Great Howard Street, Liverpool city centre, admitted two counts of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, and one count of resisting or obstructing a constable, possession of a bladed article and racially aggravated harassment.

Judge Brandon, summarising the offences, said: “You caused yourself an injury with a blade you were carrying at a busy shopping centre in December when the area was full of families.

“You embarked upon a racist rampage, hurling vile abuse at two young men.”

Judge Brandon said Dunbar then “turned on another member of the public” as he abused other innocent bystanders.

“Nobody should have to put up with that shameful behaviour.”

The judge added: “There were children present, it is obvious from that footage there were a lot of people present in that area Christmas shopping.”

Judge Brandon, referring to the racially aggravated offences, said: “It’s hard to envisage a more serious offence of its type, you continually made racist comments.”

The judge ruled that “serious alarm or distress was caused when you waved around your bloody arm”.

Judge Brandon said: “It is clear from the footage you were embarking on a shameful performance.”

After commenting that he had been under the influence of alcohol at the time the judge said: “I have considered all that has been said on your behalf.”

Judge Brandon noted that Dunbar had mental health difficulties but said: “It has not been suggested any of your difficulties affect your culpability and I do not find that they do.”

“In reality there is little that can be said to mitigate these offences save your guilty pleas.”

Referring to Dunbar’s previous offences Judge Brandon said: “You have made a career out of serious criminal offending.”

Dunbar was jailed for three years.

Liverpool Echo

A man who posted racist tweets about Liverpool FC footballer Mohamed Salah has received a suspended jail sentence.

During an online chat with Liverpool fans, Gary Hyland, 32, from Bootle, Merseyside, joked about the Egyptian striker praying to Mecca at half-time and sent altered images of the whole team praying to Allah.

A supporter asked him: “What’s the issue with Muslims lad? Can you even articulate it?”

Hyland – reportedly an Everton fan – then sent a photograph of Salah with a suicide vest superimposed on the top part of the player’s body as well as making racist remarks about Salah and sending further images that poked fun at people praying to Allah.

The tweets on August 6 were reported to Merseyside Police and two days later Hyland was arrested at his home.

Hyland later said to officers: “I know I’ll get charged. It was me.”

Earlier this month he pleaded guilty to racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment and obstructing an officer in the execution of his duty.

On Friday he was given a six-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, said the Crown Prosecution Service.

Sefton magistrates also ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community and 14 days of a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, including attending a Promoting Human Dignity Course.

Angela Conlan, of Mersey Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service, said: “He pleaded guilty and admitted what he’d done was stupid. These sorts of remarks fuel racial hatred and are extremely offensive to people from the race or religion that they are aimed at.

“Mohamed Salah does not deserve to be the object of abuse and neither does any person in a civilised society. The tweets were sent in the early hours of the morning and Hyland turned a discussion into a racist rant.

“That is not acceptable. Let this be a lesson to everyone that words can hurt and society has standards that must be upheld.”

Evening Standard

The judge told Kendrick he had abused his victims for his "own selfish and sexual enjoyment"

The judge told Kendrick he had abused his victims for his “own selfish and sexual enjoyment”

A “dangerous predator” who raped two young boys and sexually abused four other children has been jailed for 18 years.

Gerard Kendrick, of Vauxhall, was sentenced to a further six years on licence after pleading guilty to 16 sex offences at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 32-year-old abused three boys and three girls, aged between six and 12, over two decades.

His first offence was committed when he was 10 years old.

Detectives were led to Kendrick when they found a large number of indecent images of children on the computer of a known sex offender in Lancashire.

They used technology to establish that the photos, which included images of one of the rape victims, had been taken at Kendrick’s home and distributed via the internet.

‘Fetishes and perversions’

The rape of a six-year-old boy took place in the last two years, the court heard.

Judge Robert Warnock told Kendrick he had abused his victims for his “own selfish and sexual enjoyment”.

“You did not have any consideration whatsoever for the welfare or innocence of those children. It seems that you regarded them as objects available to satiate your own fetishes and perversions,” he added.

Det Sgt Richie Shillito from Merseyside Police said: “Gerard Kendrick subjected his six victims to vicious and violent sexual assaults for his own sexual gratification.”

He praised the “bravery and courage” of the victims that “led to a dangerous sexual predator being sent to jail”.

Kendrick, who has no previous convictions, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. He will have to serve 12 years before being able to apply for parole.

BBC News

Prodromou: Notorious pusher and shover

Prodromou: Notorious pusher and shover

The far-right’s Paul Prodromou, the one-man walking and talking foul mouth, has been found guilty at Liverpool Magistrates court this afternoon of using threatening, abusive and insulting words during a disastrous far-right demonstration in Liverpool last February.

Prodromou, whose mouth appears to only open for profanity, was in Liverpool with a host of other neo-Nazis as part of a plan to atone for the disaster that was August 2015 when the people of Liverpool trapped gangs of neo-Nazis in the left luggage department at Liverpool’s Lime Street station.

As with August 2015, last February’s rally was also a disaster. At his court appearance today, Prodromou claimed he had acted in self defence to a charge of hitting someone over the head with a flag pole.

The prosecution then produced prior convictions, one from 2015 where he had a twelve -month conditional discharge for a similar offence. The Magistrates concluded that Prodromou had breached that conditional discharge. His defence began to argue that for a whole year since this offence Prodromou has kept away from bother. Surprisingly, Prodromou who is known to us as a builder, claimed he is unemployed and currently seeking employment. His defence suggested a new three-year conditional discharge.

There was also some other confusion; namely over Mr Prodromou’s name. It is well known that Prodromou likes to be known as the more Anglo-Saxon sounding “Pitt”, but he confirmed to the court that his name is Prodromou. That was particularly interesting, as in this foul mouthed rant, Prodromou makes a big thing of “standing by my name.” Oh well..

The magistrates decide that he should get a two year conditional discharge starting from today. He should also meet all the court costs given a full trial has taken place. Those costs are £620.00. He was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Prodromou asked if he could pay the fine back at £5 per week.

Already his supporters from his tiny South East Alliance (SEA) gang are claiming it is a great result for their leader. Others will not be so sure. Late last year, the fascist magazine Heritage & Destiny aired what a lot of people have been thinking for the last eighteen months, that it is becoming tiresome having Prodromou shouting, pushing and shoving his way around the far-right and yet unlike so many others he has encouraged, he never seems to end up in gaol. They were very clear as to how they felt about him.

Prodromou seemed to have no doubt he would be back at work tomorrow. He’s made himself a lovely little picture for his Facebook page where he claims he’ll be back terrorising women and children again this year.

Can you really believe anything he says?

Article from July 2017.

Three men jailed after court hears of “planned mob violence” featuring arsenal of weapons and “appalling” injuries

Three far right Polish hooligans recruited by neo-Nazis to fight anti-fascists in Liverpool were today jailed.

Opposing factions hurled missiles and caused up to £25,000 of damage to St George’s Hall in ugly scenes on Saturday, February 27, 2016.

A woman was left scarred for life, a man suffered a broken nose and a police officer was knocked unconscious outside Lime Street Station.

Another officer suffered a broken wrist and an elderly black woman was racially abused and struck in the head by a stone.

Nazi swastikas were daubed on walls, cobble stones were torn up from the building’s plateau and a Victorian statue was damaged.

Marcin Reekus, Pawel Starzynski, Lukasz Pietraszek and Michal Nalepka all admitted violent disorder at the start of a trial.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how they were recruited by event organisers and North West Infidels members Shane Calvert and Wayne Bell.

Convicted crack cocaine and heroin dealer Reekus, 31, was described as the “principal organiser” of the “Polish Hooligans” group.

He ran a ‘Polish Ultras’ Facebook page and after being contacted by Calvert, sent him a poster confirming they would fight side-by-side.

Reekus knew the “anti-immigration demonstration” was being moved from Manchester to Liverpool – a deliberate ploy to try and trick police.

Lukasz Pietraszek, 38, of Hayes, West London, jailed for 20 months after admitting violent disorder(Image: Handout)

Lukasz Pietraszek, 38, of Hayes, West London, jailed for 20 months after admitting violent disorder(Image: Handout)

Simon Driver, prosecuting, said Reekus did not get out of the train station, where he was pictured posing with a Polish flag.

But a second group of fascists gathered on the steps of St George’s Hall, where neo-Nazi flags were flown amid ‘sieg heil’ salutes.

Pawel Starzynski, 36, of Ware, Hertfordshire jailed for 20 months after admitting violent disorder(Image: Handout)

Pawel Starzynski, 36, of Ware, Hertfordshire jailed for 20 months after admitting violent disorder(Image: Handout)

Police spotted 10 to 15 men in a car park in Craven Street near TJ Hughes, who Mr Driver said “made no secret of their designs”.

Some wore black hoodies emblazoned with “Polska Hooligans” and badges showing a person being kicked, captioned “good night left side”.

Marcin Reekus, 31, of Bradford, West Yorkshire jailed for 23 months after admitting violent disorder(Image: Handout)

Marcin Reekus, 31, of Bradford, West Yorkshire jailed for 23 months after admitting violent disorder(Image: Handout)

The masked group were approached by an officer and asked what they had come to Liverpool for, to which one thug replied: “A fight.”

The group – including Starzynski, 36, Pietrazek, 28, and Nalepka, 33 – doubled in size then “descended in unison” to the hall.

Mr Driver said: “The arrival of this group was a catalyst for an increase in the levels of violence.”

Police came under attack from both sides with industrial fireworks, flares, bottles, cobble stones and eggs at around 2.30pm.

After four and a half hours, officers encircled the right wing supporters and marched them back to Lime Street Station.

Police recovered a pepper spray canister from the steps and knuckledusters, a baton and a dog chain from the area where the Poles were held.

Starzynski was arrested and his mobile phone revealed his number had been used for arranging transport on a “f*** Islam and ISIS” event poster.

Liverpool's Lime Street was brought to a standstill during a full-scale riot erupted after anti-racist confronted around 70 people from far-right group the North West Infidels. Photo by James Maloney

Liverpool’s Lime Street was brought to a standstill during a full-scale riot erupted after anti-racist confronted around 70 people from far-right group the North West Infidels. Photo by James Maloney

He had talked about buying the hoodies, one of which he wore when he ran to the hall and threw a smoke canister at counter-protesters.

He was recorded wearing a clown mask, which he took off to reveal a gum shield, and “sparring mitts” on his hands.

Pietrazek also wore one of the hoodies and his phone showed he was responsible for buying and distributing the tops.

Liverpool's Lime Street was brought to a standstill during a full-scale riot erupted after anti-racist confronted around 70 people from far-right group the North West Infidels. Photo by James Maloney

Liverpool’s Lime Street was brought to a standstill during a full-scale riot erupted after anti-racist confronted around 70 people from far-right group the North West Infidels. Photo by James Maloney

He had exchanged text messages with a man about fighting “lefties”, saying a “decent crew” was going from Preston, Leeds and Crewe.

Nalepka, who wore his own grey top, was recorded with his face covered and wearing gloves with padded knuckles.

Mr Driver said: “He is captured on the footage adopted a fighting stance with his fists raised towards left wing protesters.”

Nalepka was pushed back by officers, but later breached a cordon, only to be assaulted by counter-protesters.

Judge Andrew Menary, QC, imposed criminal behaviour orders, banning all four men from entering Liverpool for five years.

He said many of the “self-styled Polish hooligans” wore “deliberately intimidating face masks” and tops bearing violent imagery.

The judge said: “There was nothing benign about the hooded tops that those men were wearing.” He added: “It was planned mob violence.”

Poster from the North West Infidels group about its proposed Liverpool march

Poster from the North West Infidels group about its proposed Liverpool march

Reekus, of Bradford, West Yorkshire, was jailed for 23 months and Starzynski, of Ware, Hertfordshire, and Pietraszek, of Hayes, West London, for 20 months each.

Michal Nalepka, of Harlow, Essex, was handed 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, plus a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Judge Menary said Nalepka must perform 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 in compensation, to be split equally between the five victims.

Liverpool Echo

Opposing factions hurled missiles and caused up to £25,000 of damage to St George’s Hall left daubed with Nazi swastikas

Right-wing activists involved in violent clashes between neo-Nazis and anti-fascists outside Lime Street Station have been jailed.

A woman was left scarred for life, a man suffered a broken nose and a police officer was knocked unconscious in ugly scenes last year.

Liverpool Crown Court heard opposing factions hurled missiles and caused up to £25,000 of damage to the historic St George’s Hall.

Nazi swastikas were daubed on walls, cobble stones were torn up from the building’s plateau and a Victorian statue was damaged.

Shane Calvert, Wayne Bell and Brian Stamp today appeared in court, alongside allies Nikki Prescott and Alan Raine. Calvert admitted conspiracy to commit violent disorder, while Bell was convicted after a trial. Prescott, Raine and Stamp admitted affray.

Bell liaised with Merseyside Police to organise “The White Man March” for now-banned fascist terrorist group National Action on August 15, 2015.The event, in Liverpool, ended in “humiliating failure” for the far right, after they were met by a much larger group of counter-protesters.

Simon Driver, prosecuting, said the fascists “were forced to take refuge in a left-luggage facility” before police escorted them to trains. Stung by the embarrassment, another far right group, the North West Infidels, headed to Liverpool on February 27, 2016.

Police were not informed and organiser Calvert deliberately changed the location of the “anti-immigration demonstration” from Manchester to Liverpool.

Brian Stamp, 34, from South Shields, jailed for 16 months after admitting affray

Brian Stamp, 34, from South Shields, jailed for 16 months after admitting affray

Fascists were again met by police and counter-protesters but had enlisted a group of Polish men called the “Polish Hooligans”. One cluster of far right-supporters congregated at the Crown Pub, including Stamp, Prescott and Raine, at around 11.30am.

A second group, including Calvert and Bell, gathered on the steps of St George’s Hall, as trouble flared at around 1.30pm.

Mr Driver said: “They displayed North West Infidels banners and neo-Nazi flags. They made gestures, which included the Nazi style ‘sieg heil’ salutes.”

CCTV showed the stand-off, with rival factions separated by riot police, who held the first group at the pub and escorted them away. Smoke canisters and fireworks were thrown and, at 2.30pm, the group near the hall were joined by the Poles.

Wayne Bell, 37, from Castleford, jailed for two and a half years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit violent disorder

Wayne Bell, 37, from Castleford, jailed for two and a half years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit violent disorder

They wore black hoodies emblazoned with “Polska Hooligans” and badges showing a person being kicked, captioned “good night left side”.

Police came under attack from both sides with industrial fireworks, flares, bottles, cobble stones and eggs. Mr Driver said: “A police inspector was knocked unconscious by a missile and a police constable suffered a broken wrist.”

A young female bystander suffered a facial gash requiring plastic surgery and a man suffered a cut and broken nose. People attending an antiques fair within the hall had to be locked in for their own safety.

A 75-year-old black woman who emerged was racially abused and struck in the forehead by a stone. Police eventually encircled the fascists and marched them to the station.

Shane Calvert, 36, from Blackburn, jailed for two years after admitting conspiracy to commit violent disorder

Shane Calvert, 36, from Blackburn, jailed for two years after admitting conspiracy to commit violent disorder

Mr Driver said Calvert wished to “avenge” the previous defeat, as shown in text messages to a man called Garron Helm. He and Bell, who bragged of punching left-wing activists “like that game whack attack”, recruited the Poles.

They exchanged messages talking of “payback time for Liverpool” and Bell spoke of “the local n***** population”.

Stamp boasted of buying “bad boy” gloves with reinforced knuckle-pads, which he was filmed wearing. Raine was recorded threatening “I’ll bite your f***ing face off” and Prescott yelling “come on then, let’s f***ing have it”.

Judge Menary imposed criminal behaviour orders, banning the five men from entering Liverpool for five years, for their “planned hooliganism”.

Billy Duggan, from Duggan & Parr Stone Repair Ltd, surveying the graffiti on St George's Hall

Billy Duggan, from Duggan & Parr Stone Repair Ltd, surveying the graffiti on St George’s Hall

He said: “There will, I have no doubt, be those on both sides of this political divide who are motivated by a desire to promote genuinely-held ideological beliefs – however repugnant or deeply offensive those views might appear to others.

“But I am equally sure that many of the people involved in the disorder on these occasions have made the journey or have involved themselves for no reason other than to behave like hooligans.”

Judge Menary jailed Calvert, 36, from Blackburn, for two years and Stamp, 34, from South Shields, who “came to Liverpool prepared for a fight” for 16 months.

He jailed Bell, 37, from Castleford, for two and a half years, telling him: “Your attitude towards other groups was deeply offensive, racist and you celebrated violent confrontation.”

Unemployed Raine, 41, from Sunderland, and doorman Prescott, 43, from Blackburn, each received 16 months in jail, suspended for two years.

Raine received a 25-day rehabilitation activity, 200 hours of unpaid work and a four-month home curfew, from 8pm to 6am. Prescott must complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity, 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation.

Liverpool Echo

Paul Hepplestall said he had suffered three ‘savage attacks’ in jail – the last leaving him permanently scarred – and his family had been threatened

A thug who made a racist video threatening to slash Muslims and blow up mosques in the wake of two UK terrorist attacks was today jailed.

Paul Hepplestall filmed himself posing with a sword and a plastic grenade hanging from his t-shirt during the explicit rant.

The hate video – recorded two weeks after the Manchester Arena bombing and the day after the London Bridge attack – went viral.

The 40-year-old, of Cornwallis Street, Liverpool city centre, said: “This is a quick message to Muslims, p***s and terrorists, you can’t call yourself terrorists, cowards is what I want to call youse.

“Yeah, you run in with bombs strapped to use and blow yourself up, where there’s a bunch of innocent kids. There is nothing terrorising about that.

“Let me tell you, I will get people to run in your mosques with pineapples [a reference to grenades, prosecutors said], blow your mosques off this f***ing planet.

“Yeah, I will cut each one of your ears off with a sword, I will cut your fingers, your toes, I will cut you a thousand times until you bleed out.”

Trevor Parry-Jones, prosecuting, said he recorded and uploaded the “horrific video” some time on June 4 and, within hours, police forces across the country were receiving complaints.

He said Hepplestall was “aggressive and blunt”, adding: “It was particularly provocative and rather appalling in nature.”

Muslim parents in Merseyside, Bristol, Newcastle, Scotland and as far away as Yemen told Liverpool Crown Court they feared for their safety.

Hepplestall went on to make two more short videos, claiming the first one had just been a joke and saying he had friends in the ethnic community.

But Mr Parry-Jones said: “It was not considered to be a joke, because of the chilling nature.”

Police identified him but, before he was found, he handed himself in on June 5 and told officers: “I’m not a bad person, it was a bad massive mistake.”

Hepplestall was accused of using racially-aggravated, threatening language and threatening to destroy or damage property.

He said Hepplestall, who knew someone at the concert and had been drunk, tried to “redress the balance” after being “completely moronic”.

Mr Morgan said he had suffered three “savage attacks” in jail – the last leaving him permanently scarred – and his family had been threatened.

Jailing him for 20 months, Judge Elizabeth Nicholls said: “On the 22nd of May of this year, a number of innocent people were killed and injured at the Manchester Arena due to the actions of a suicide bomber.

“Manchester and the rest of the country were appalled by this atrocity. But Manchester’s response was to kick back at the fear and hatred intended by this act, and (come) together.

“Those of any faith or no faith stood shoulder-to-shoulder in condemning the act and supporting each other. It was a community brought together.

“A second terror attack occurred on the 3rd of June. This time in London but, again, the reaction was one that people can rightly be proud.

“People looked for a commonality, shared interests, provided support, and as one voice condemned the action.

“You recorded yourself on your phone, and uploaded that message to the internet. The message was threatening, frightening and full of racial bile. That message went viral.”

Judge Nicholls said his video caused “fear, anger and distress” to Muslims across the world.

She said: “They all believed you capable of carrying out the atrocities that you speak of.

“Many have children and describe their fear that they and their children may be attacked as they go about their everyday business.

“And, although it was obvious to them that you came from Liverpool, all were concerned as to the demons you may unleash in others.

“This video is offensive and obscene to any right-minded person, regardless of their belief system. It is unacceptable, not only because it is contrary to the law, but it is contrary to the standard we expect from anyone who lives in a civilised community.

“Your recording did exactly what the terrorist, that you purported to condemn, aimed to do – you spread the word of hatred, dissent and caused significant fear amid the community at large.”

The judge said the offence was “possibly the worse example of its kind”.

She added: “One would have hoped that hatred based on someone’s religious beliefs was something that we left behind centuries ago. Your words and recording are abhorrent to all civilised individuals.”

Liverpool Echo

Extremist Craig Cooke became obsessed with victim after they went on a date

Craig Cooke, 24, of Hartsbourne Avenue in Belle Vale, jailed for three years and four months after being caught with a kitchen knife and two Molotov cocktails

Craig Cooke, 24, of Hartsbourne Avenue in Belle Vale, jailed for three years and four months after being caught with a kitchen knife and two Molotov cocktails


A Nazi sympathiser went to a man’s home armed with a knife and two Molotov cocktails when he rejected his advances.

Craig Cooke, 24, became obsessed with his victim after they went on a date – harassing him at home, on Facebook and at work.

After police caught Cooke with the deadly arsenal in Huyton , they searched his bedroom and found a Nazi uniform and body armour.

Concerned doctors spent months considering whether Cooke – who has Asperger’s syndrome – should be sectioned indefinitely.

Eventually they decided he was unsuitable for hospital treatment and there were no appropriate mental health unit beds available.

Judge David Aubrey, QC, jailed Cooke, of Hartsbourne Avenue in Belle Vale, for three years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court .

He said: “On occasion you become obsessed and you become fixated with what you perceive is, or may be, an injustice.

The Molotov cocktails Craig Cooke, 24, of Hartsbourne Avenue in Belle Vale, made at home.

The Molotov cocktails Craig Cooke, 24, of Hartsbourne Avenue in Belle Vale, made at home.

“If that obsession remains within you then there is, at the very least, a potential that you could harm others.

“The items you were carrying, incendiary devices and a large kitchen knife, are capable of causing untold injury and misery to entirely innocent people.”

Cooke admitted making and possessing an explosive substance and having a blade in a public place on December 18 last year.

A dog walker called police after spotting him acting suspiciously in an area near Tarbock Road and Marina Crescent at around 9pm.

When officers arrived, Cooke admitted having a large kitchen knife in his jacket and two bombs in his rucksack.

Jonathan Turner, prosecuting, said he confessed: “I had a bomb but I couldn’t go through with it.”

The bottles stuffed with rags contained flammable liquid from Cooke’s shed. He was also carrying a lighter, balaclava and pair of gloves.

Mr Turner said: “Images were taken of the defendant’s bedroom, which showed paraphernalia linking him to Nazism, the English Defence League and White Pride, and body armour.”

Cooke told police he had been drinking and decided to visit the man and show him the weapons to frighten him.

Mr Turner said: “He said he wanted him to feel something, he wanted to shock him and he wanted to punish him in a sense.”

After their date, Cooke contacted his victim repeatedly, going to his home, “bothering him on Facebook” and “even applying for a job at the same place of work”.

Prosecutors did not accept that Cooke only wanted to frighten his victim, having gone to such trouble to make the bombs.

However, Mr Turner conceded the Crown did not charge him with intent to endanger life and he would be sentenced on that basis.

Jeremy Hawthorne, defending, said: “Having manufactured these devices and taken them by taxi to the location in question, he thought better of it. He was standing at a bus stop waiting to go home.”

Mr Hawthorne said his client accepted he “became obsessed” about the man.

Cooke was detained under the mental health act when he was 17 after he was convicted of affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

But when he was released, he stopped seeing his GP and ignored any “alarm bells”.

The court heard Cooke wanted to be sentenced after spending 10 months in custody.

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Ian Young said: “It was only thanks to a quick-thinking member of the public that police were alerted to Cooke.

“We would always encourage people to come forward if they think they have seen something they feel is not quite right.

“Thankfully no-one was injured and this man has now been taken off our streets.”

Liverpool Echo