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Hundreds attended so-called protests which saw missiles hurled at police, cars torched, windows and buildings smashed and cars damaged in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington

Dozens of Teessiders have appeared in the dock after violence erupted at protests across the country.

Cars were torched, properties were damaged and missiles thrown at police in riots in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington in July and August. Teesside Live previously reported on how protestors stormed Middlesbrough town centre on August 4, following a week of violence across the country.

Riot police, the dog unit and mounted officers flooded the town. Cleveland Police previously confirmed more than 100 people have been arrested and many handed prison sentences.

One rioter, Stacey Vint, fell flat on her face after pushing a bin at riot officers in Middlesbrough. She was also found in possession of drugs and was jailed for 20 months.

Here are the 28 rioters jailed on Teesside so far:

Stacey Vint

Undated handout photo issued by Cleveland Police of Stacey Vint, 34, who has been jailed for 20 months for her involvement in riots in Middlesborough on Sunday
Undated handout photo issued by Cleveland Police of Stacey Vint, 34, who has been jailed for 20 months for her involvement in riots in Middlesborough on Sunday (Image: Cleveland Police/PA Wire)

Mum-of-five Stacey Vint pushed a lit wheelie bin at a line of police during the Middlesbrough riots. The 34-year-old had moved away from an abusive relationship and drugs pals in South Bank, but on the night of August 4, she met up with friends from her old neck of the woods.

Her barrister told Teesside Crown Court: “One of the group asked her to give him a hand with the wheelie bin and she did. She pushed the bin towards the police. She is not ‘anti-police’ or racist.”

Andrew Turton said his client had “the courage” to leave an abusive relationship of 14 years, where she had relied upon the police for her safety. He said that Vint has a history of drug and alcohol problems and that she was living in a hotel after a homeless spell, when she was captured on CCTV taking part in the riot.

The court heard that Vint fell flat on her face after pushing the bin at riot officers. She was arrested and searched and had a small amount of cannabis on her. Vint, of Lansbury Close in South Bank, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. She also admitted the possession of a class C drug.

The mother-of-five has a previous conviction for theft and received a police caution last year for battery – but Mr Turton said this was after she “fought back” against the domestic abuse she was suffering. Vint was jailed for 20 months.

John Barton

John Barton
John Barton (Image: Cleveland Police)

An “aggressive and abusive” Teesside rioter was bitten by a police dog after he refused to move away from officers. John Barton, who was “struggling” with his break up, met up with his pals in Hartlepool town centre for a drink on July 31.

The dad then attended Murray Street with the group where hundreds had gathered for the violent protest. The 33-year-old – who claimed he hadn’t done anything to police – had actually hurled a brick at officers who were called in to control the growing mob.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters told Teesside Crown Court that the evidence against Barton, who has a three-year-old daughter, was “overwhelming” and that he pleaded guilty to violent disorder at a previous hearing at Teesside Crown Court. The court heard Barton was one of the men involved in the 200-strong protest – he was “present and participating”.

At around 9.20pm on Murray Street, police officers were pushing back the crowd. A man was seen hurling a brick at police officers and refusing to move back – that man was later identified as Barton.

One officer, who had a police dog, “stood his ground”. Barton was then bit by the dog in the stomach area, Ms Masters told the court.

Erin Kitson-Parker, mitigating, stated that Barton’s “best mitigation” was that he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and that he has “genuine remorse”. The court heard that Barton’s time in custody has been a “sobering experience” as he has never been in custody before.

Ms Kitson-Parker added that her client has three previous convictions for four offences. “It is the biggest regret of his life,” she added.

At the time of the offence, Barton had broken up with his partner and “struggled” to get over it and had recently found out that his estranged father had died. Ms Kitson-Parker told His Honour Judge Francis Laird KC that Barton has worked in factories and in quality control on wind turbines for the past decade.

Barton, of of Duke Street, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. He will serve half of his sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood has been jailed at Teesside Crown Court for 27 months for violent disorder
Natalie Wood has been jailed at Teesside Crown Court for 27 months for violent disorder (Image: Cleveland Police)

This benefit-swindling mum taunted police officers as part of a violent mob. Natalie Wood shouted “come on then” at police officers during the Hartlepool riot on July 31.

The 39-year-old then bent down, picked up a bottle from the floor and hurled it towards line of cops. But unlucky for her, she was caught on CCTV – and identified by her probation officer.

Prosecuting the case, Rachel Masters outlined that the evidence against Wood’s involvement in the violent Hartlepool disorder was “overwhelming”. The court heard Wood, who was wearing an orange dress, black coat and black trainers, was identified on CCTV by her probation officer.

Ms Masters stated that Wood “picks up debris from the floor and throws it at police officers”. The court heard that Wood has eight convictions for 24 offences – with an attempted robbery seeing her locked up for over four years .

She was caught wrongly claiming a total of £17,500 in child tax credits, carer’s allowance and housing benefit when her five children were no longer in her care. Wood also launched violent street muggings, with punches and “tugs of war” for handbags alongside her pal Katrina Turner.

Kate Barnes, mitigating, stated that Wood had ‘no knowledge or political interest’ in the Hartlepool riot and was “just present” at the scene for a long time. However, the defence barrister conceded that her client threw a plastic bottle towards police.

Wood, of Richmond Street, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. She will serve half of her sentence before being released on licence.

Bradley Playford

Bradley Playford was jailed at Teesside Crown Court for eight months
Bradley Playford was jailed at Teesside Crown Court for eight months (Image: Cleveland Police)

A “lonely” yob who “craved to be part of a group” jumped up and down “goading” a burglar to steal a till as hundreds caused chaos in Middlesbrough. Burglar Bradley Playford “took advantage” of the town centre riots to steal from the Red Lantern restaurant.

The 24-year-old was caught on CCTV throwing missiles at the windows of the Middlesbrough eatery before using his arm, then a bottle, to remove smashed glass from the door frame. The Grove Hill man was later seen smashing the till from the Chinese takeaway – before sharing his loot with another burglar.

Prosecuting the case, Rachel Masters outlined that Playford pleaded guilty to burglary on August 4. The Middlesbrough court heard how a “peaceful protest” was arranged in the town centre following previous disorder across the UK.

Over 1,000 people took part, gathering on Linthorpe Road before marching towards Middlesbrough town centre around 1.45pm. Ms Masters said that the gathering was peaceful despite some shouting ‘take back our country’.

However, as the protest reached Clarendon Road items were thrown and police officers made the decision to form a line to prevent the mob from entering the road. Violence then erupted leading to windows being smashed, businesses damaged and missiles thrown.

At around 3.30pm, items were thrown at the Red Lantern restaurant on Parliament Road. The eatery was closed at the time and nobody was inside.

Playford, who was wearing red shorts, was caught on CCTV throwing items at the window causing it to smash. He then walks up to the door and uses his arm to remove smashed glass. He then comes back with a bottle to remove more glass from the sides of the door.

He is then spotted “jumping up and down and goading” another male to steal the till from inside the restaurant, Ms Masters said. The court is then shown another video, which was uploaded to TikTok with the caption ‘Middlesbrough has fallen’, showing Playford smashing the till on the floor before taking out money from inside the till.

Jonathan Gittins, mitigating, stated that there was “no planning to go out and commit this offence” and it is the first time his client has been in trouble with the courts. The defence barrister described Playford as a “lonely and isolated individual”, adding that he suffers from mental health issues and “bullying”.

Playford, of Shelley Road, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, was jailed for eight months.

Dylan Willis

Dylan Willis
Dylan Willis (Image: Cleveland Police)

This teenage yob hurled bricks at a Chinese takeaway during the Middlesbrough riot. Dylan Willis began throwing a missile at the Red Lantern’s window on August 4 as hundreds filled the streets in Middlesbrough town centre. But when his first brick didn’t smash the eatery’s window he continued.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the 18-year-old has “truly exceptional circumstances” as he appeared for sentencing on Monday. The Hartlepool man previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Willis, who was wearing black sunglasses and a black t-shirt, was caught on police footage carrying a brick on Parliament Road. He threw the brick towards the window of the Red Lantern restaurant – but the “large window” didn’t smash.

However, Willis threw a further two missiles towards the windows and smashed the glass, the court heard. Following the riot Cleveland Police launched a campaign to catch the culprits involved in the large scale disorder.

Willis handed himself in on August 19 and admitted his actions. Gary Wood, mitigating, stated that his client has “truly exceptional circumstances”.

Mr Wood added that the teen was “throwing bricks or rocks at a window” and caused damage. He told His Honour Judge Francis Laird KC that Willis did not throw missiles towards people or any police officers – and was “limited to causing damage”.

Willis, of Masefield Road, Hartlepool, was described as a “vulnerable young man” who has previously been homeless. “He is easily drawn in with others,” Mr Wood added, explaining that he has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism.

Judge Laird sentenced Willis to 14 months detention in a young offenders institute, He must serve half of his sentence before being released on licence.

Toni Lunam

Toni Lunam, 36, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court
Toni Lunam, 36, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court (Image: Cleveland Police)

A “vulnerable” homeless woman who was captured on camera hurling two bricks at a line of riot police, and shouting abuse at them, was jailed in September. Toni Lunam, 36, was sleeping rough in Hartlepool when she became involved in the violent protest on July 31.

She was carrying three plastic carrier bags housing all of her possessions, and a “cheap bottle” of cider, which she had opened – when she was captured shouting abuse and swearing at police. Her barrister Michele Turner said that she is “vulnerable and never settled” in the town – after previously living in Gateshead and Middlesbrough – and took drugs and alcohol alongside two friends to “ease the pain”.

CCTV captured Lunam dressed in a black DKNY t-shirt, angry and shouting at the police. The Collingwood Road, Hartlepool defendant pleaded guilty to violent disorder, two shop thefts and to the possession of cocaine. She has previous convictions for shop theft. Lunam was jailed for 20-months.

Lennox Crockett

Lennox Crockett
Lennox Crockett (Image: Cleveland Police)

This teen got involved in the Hartlepool riots for “the sheer excitement and adrenaline” and was sent to a Young Offenders Institution. Lennox Crockett handed himself into police after he was caught on bodycam footage throwing rocks at a line of police, from close quarters, in the midst of the screaming and chaos of the riots on July 31. The 19-year-old was dressed all in black, with his hood up, but was captured arguing with police as they shouted at rioters to move back.

He was seen encouraging others, including children, to push at the police line. Teesside Crown Court watched police bodycam footage, showing Crockett repeatedly throwing rocks at riot officers, who held up their plastic shields to protect themselves from being hit. The court heard that weeks before the riot, Crockett was arrested after police were called out to a report of a burglary.

The Middlesbrough court watched police bodycam footage, showing Crockett repeatedly throwing rocks at riot officers, who held up their plastic shields to protect themselves from being hit. The court heard that weeks before the riot, Crockett was arrested after police were called out to a report of a burglary.

Crockett, of Denham Green, Pallister Park in Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and to the possession of class A and B and C drugs; and failing to surrender to custody – after he failed to turn up at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on September 5.

In mitigation, Michele Turner said that all of her client’s offending is recent and “it is to fit in”. She added: “It was the sheer excitement and adrenaline – I think is the way to explain his involvement. His fight was against the police.”

Crockett was sent to a Young Offenders’ Institution for 18-months.

Amanda Walton and Megan Davison

Mum Amanda Walton and daughter Megan Davison
Mum Amanda Walton and daughter Megan Davison (Image: Cleveland Police)

A mum and daughter who took part in the Middlesbrough riots on August 4 were jailed in September. Megan Davison, 24, was filmed climbing on top of a car on Parliament Road and jumping up and down on it’s roof, as protestors walked past her and violence broke out. She was later filmed coming out of a shop with items stuffed up her top; she was easily visible in a pink tracksuit.

Amanda Walton, 52, brought her dog to the riots and she also stood out of the crowds on Parliament Road, as she wore a bright orange jacket. She was captured throwing an object at a house and damaging a car wing mirror.

Davison, a mother-of-two, was captured on police bodycam sticking her finger up at officers at she dragged boyfriend Jake Wray away from an argument with officers. Wray, 23, who lives with Megan Davison, later pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he was captured setting up a checkpoint on Linthorpe Road and only allowing white drivers to pass.

Walton, of Ashling Way in Linthorpe, and Davison, of Seaton Street in central Middlesbrough, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Both women were taken into prison after their guilty pleas, on August 29. Walton has six previous convictions, including two for battery.

In mitigation, the court heard that Davison said she had taken “a cocktail of zopiclone and pregabalin” as well as a alcohol the night before and that she was still intoxicated when she joined the riot. Davison’s barrister said her client had recently left an abusive relationship.

Walton had been “concerned about her daughter”, Gary Wood told the court, “She hadn’t pre-planned getting involved but she can offer no explanation as to why she threw the object.”

Walton offered up a “positive behaviour record” given to her by prison staff at HMP Low Newton; and Davison reported that she has been moved onto the drug-free wing there, and had sought help in prison, for her drug addiction.

Walton was jailed for 22-months; her daughter Davison received 20-months.

Steven Mailen and Ryan Sheers

Steven Mailen, 54, and Ryan Sheers, 29
Steven Mailen, 54, and Ryan Sheers, 29 (Image: Cleveland Police)

This couple were the first to be jailed on Teesside for their part in riots. Former postmaster and school governor Steven Mailen, 54, and his partner Ryan Sheers, 29, were captured dancing and gesticulating at a line of police officers on Murray Street in Hartlepool as the crowd behind them roared on the evening of July 31. Mailen shouted abuse at an officer, who repeatedly warned him to “get back.”

Mailen refused, and was hit by a police baton on his leg. His partner, Sheers, shouted abuse as he tried to push through the line of five police officers. He was bitten on the hip and the right buttock by a police dog, which prompted the crowd to disperse.

Mailen tried to free his partner from the dog, and he grabbed a police officer’s radio, which had fallen to the ground. A scuffle broke out as it took three police officers to arrest Mailen and get him into a police van.

He wept in the dock at Teesside Crown Court as the judge was told that the couple had spent the day “at the bingo” and that they had happened upon the riot by chance when they went out later in the evening to buy alcohol. Police bodycam footage captured Mailen, who now works as a carer, dancing and taunting officers “at the forefront of the mob.” Mailen later kicked an officer in the shin, as he was arrested.

Mailen, of Elliott Street, and Sheers, of Powlett Road in Hartlepool, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on August 2. In mitigation, Nigel Soppitt said that Mailen had been the victim of prejudice himself, as a gay man. He said: “He despises the far right.”

Mr Soppitt asked the judge to consider a suspended sentence. He said: “He was violent and confrontational that night, but most of the violence took place once he was arrested. He lashed out and he realises that his behaviour encouraged others to misbehave.”

For Sheers, Mr Soppitt told the court that “his behaviour was aggressive and disgusting. He saw his partner brought down with the baton and the red mist came down. He wanted to help his partner.

“He was shouting at police officers and refusing to leave – but that’s the extent of it. He was clearly inflaming the situation. He was not involved in the violence, he was just very confrontational that night. He wants no part in right wing ideology.” Both men were jailed for 26 months.

Bobby Shirbon

Bobby Shirbon joined Hartlepool riots on his 18th birthday after a night at the bingo
Bobby Shirbon joined Hartlepool riots on his 18th birthday after a night at the bingo (Image: Cleveland Police)

This teenager was out celebrating his birthday at the bingo when he decided to join riots. Bobby Shirbon had just turned 18 on Wednesday, July 31, when he became aware of a disturbance in his hometown Hartlepool.

Instead of going home the teenager joined a mob who were hurling bottles, bricks, beer cans and wooden planks towards riot police. The Cornwall Street defendant was caught on shocking bodycam footage hurling at object towards officers. Footage was shown at Teesside Crown Court and captured Shirbon at the front of the pack.

Wearing a blue t-shirt, he was gesticulating and wearing a balaclava. Police could be heard shouting: “Attention, Attention! This is a police warning, disperse immediately!” The crowd could be heard jeering in response.

Prosecuting the case, Rachel Masters said the defendant wasn’t arrested that night but returned to the town centre on August 1. She said police received a call about another group gathering in Hartlepool.

Ms Masters said police vehicles were targeted with missiles which included rocks and potatoes. The prosecutor said officers heard “thuds” hitting their police van and Shirbon was identified.

He was detained but told police “it’s ok everybody else is doing it”. In police interview he made no comment to the majority of questions asked. Ms Masters said he denied being responsible for the commission of any offences and claimed he was not present at the time.

However, he later pleaded guilty to violent disorder and criminal damage. In mitigation, Michael Cahill said the defendant was celebrating his 18th birthday at the Bingo on the night of the offence. He said instead of going home the teen went to see what was going on and became involved.

He added: “He is a very young man, a care leaver and has got to this stage in his life without troubling the court system. He has damaged his prospects.”

The court heard Shirbon cares from his mother and had the “good sense” to plead guilty to his crimes. However, in sentencing Judge Judge Francis Laird described the teen’s actions as “disgraceful.”

Judge Laird sentenced the teenager to 20 months detention in a Young Offender Institution. The Judge said he will serve up to half of his sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Kieron Gatenby

Kieron Gatenby
Kieron Gatenby

Kieron Gatenby joined in the Hartlepool riots on July 31, by throwing an egg at police and was jailed for 16-months. The steelworker claimed he didn’t know anything about a pre-planned demonstration, which was arranged after a post on social media listed the addresses of asylum seekers in the town. He claimed he was simply walking to his girlfriend’s house, when he got caught up in the widespread violence, on Murray Street, in Hartlepool.

But Gatenby joined a right wing group who were throwing bottles and bricks at a line of police, and chanting in support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, for an hour. He was captured on CCTV “throwing a missile.” He later admitted he had thrown an egg – and this was accepted by prosecutors, who examined the evidence.

Gatenby, 19, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court. He has never been in trouble before. In mitigation, Calum McNicholas said that his client studied bricklaying at college before starting work at a steel company.

“A probation report has found there is “no evidence he has any racist views,” Mr McNicholas said. “He tells me that his three half-brothers are mixed-race. He says he is disgusted at being involved with people who were chanting racist slurs.”

Mr McNicholas told the court that Gatenby “does not claim to be especially bright” but that he works hard. “The actions of Mr Gatenby will haunt him for the rest of his life. He will have the stain of this incident on his record and on his conscience, for 60 years from today – given that the average lifespan of a male is 80 years. He was clearly caught in a wave of madness and his youth played a role in that.”

Gatenby’s pre-sentence report recommended a community-based punishment, stating: “He is young, immature male who has made a flawed decision. I found no evidence of a racist attitude of beliefs. He behaved impulsively and displayed poor thinking skills.”

The defendant, of Yeovil Walk in Hartlepool, stood in shock, as he was was sent to a Young Offenders’ Institution for 16-months. His relatives sitting in the public gallery could be heard sobbing.

Carl Holliday

Carl Holliday was handed a 32-month prison sentence
Carl Holliday was handed a 32-month prison sentence (Image: Cleveland Police)

This alcoholic drank 30 cans of lager before lobbing metal sheeting at riot cops in Hartlepool. Carl Holliday, stormed the town centre with far-right protesters on July 31, before the night erupted into violence. The court heard that morning, police were made aware of social media posts encouraging the public to attend a protest.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said at 6pm CCTV identified a group gathering at the Cenotaph and by 8pm the protest had turned violent. She said the defendant was spotted by police and appeared heavily intoxicated. She said he was throwing metal sheeting at officers and was constantly shouting and swearing.

Bodycam footage played in court shows the defendant in a striped shirt repeatedly hurling metal sheeting at police. A number of metal sheets can be seen scattered around police who are carrying riot shields.

The court heard the defendant’s behaviour was over a 30 minute period and the 30-year-old was identified and later arrested. In police interview, the Hartlepool defendant told officers he had been drinking heavily.

Ms Masters said: “On the day in question he drank in the region of 30 cans of lager. He did not recall being involved in the disorder.”

The defendant has 15 convictions for 18 offences and later pleaded guilty to using unlawful violence. Duncan McReddie , defending Holliday, said he is a chronic alcoholic with no extreme political or racist views, but had heard the commotion while drinking a few streets away and “joined in”.

The court heard the Tankerville Street resident did not want to trouble the court and in his own words said: ”It is what it is. I’ve done what I’ve done, I know I’ll have to be punished.”

Judge Laird said only a custodial sentence is justified. He handed Holliday a 32-month prison sentence. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody.

Charlie Bullock

Undated handout photo issued by Cleveland Police of Charlie Bullock, 21, who has been jailed for 18 months for his involvement in riots in Middlesborough on Sunday.
Undated handout photo issued by Cleveland Police of Charlie Bullock, 21, who has been jailed for 18 months for his involvement in riots in Middlesborough on Sunday. (Image: Cleveland Police/PA Wire)

A balaclava-clad rioter who resisted arrest told a court he hadn’t taken his ADHD medication on the day of the Middlesbrough riot. Charlie Bullock, 21, threw rocks at a line of police who were standing in the midst of the crowd, to prevent people from moving into a residential street.

Bullock was part of a huge crowd who gathered near the Cenotaph on Linthorpe Road on August 4. Bullock was not caught on camera, but a police officer saw him wearing a black balaclava, as he attacked cops who held up shields to protect themselves.

Teesside Crown Court heard the demonstration began peacefully, but chants of “take our country back” began, as some of the crowd broke away and tried to push past the police line, to get into Clarendon Road.

As PC Lake tried to arrest Bullock, Bullock “kicked out” at him. The officer took Bullock to the ground to handcuff him, but people began to surround PC Lake. The officer was assaulted a number of times, before police back-up arrived and Bullock was taken into custody.

Bullock, of Donington Green, in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He had never been in trouble with the police before.

In mitigation, Gary Wood told the court that his client “didn’t take his ADHD medication before the offending and as a consequence, found himself involved in the activity”.

He added: “A report by the probation service has found that when Bullock is not on his medication he has ‘poor impulse control and can be angry and irritated’.” Bullock was jailed for 18 months.

Cole Stewart

Cole Stewart, 18, who was caught on CCTV throwing bricks at police officers, is jailed for 18 months
Cole Stewart, 18, who was caught on CCTV throwing bricks at police officers, is jailed for 18 months (Image: Durham Constabulary)

An 18-year-old who was caught on camera celebrating after he managed to hit a police officer with a brick outside a Darlington mosque, was sent to a young offenders’ institution in August. Cole Stewart was lobbing bricks at a line of police, who were preventing a crowd of protestors from getting into the mosque, on August 5. He shouted, “I’m a child! I’m a child!” at officers when he was arrested.

Stewart was one of about 30 rioters who gathered in the Kendrew Street car park. A group of 60 Asian men confronted them. It was the prosecution’s case that Cole was part of a racially-motivated attack, which was part of a planned attack on the mosque, on North Lodge Terrace. Cole admitted violent disorder. He has previous convictions for assault and threatening behaviour.

Stewart’s defence barrister Gary Wood told Teesside Crown Court that his client is “vulnerable” and has a social worker. It was feared that Cole, who was in care from the age of two, was at risk of being exploited.

He was living in a homeless hostel when he joined in with the riot. Cole had been assigned a helper, who is employed by the council and tried to show him how to live independently.

Helper Sarah Bain told the court: “He was caught up with the wrong sort of people, being exploited. There was intelligence that he was selling drugs and just being a nuisance. Then there were threats to kill on his life.” Ms Bain said that Stewart “has never displayed any racist traits.”

Mr Wood asked the court “to take exceptional circumstances and draw back from immediate custody” for Stewart, who had been volunteering with a roofing company in the hope of finding work.

Stewart, of Victoria Road in Darlington, was sent to a young offenders’ institution for 18-months. He will serve half of his sentence before being released on licence.

Aaron Bradshaw

Aaron Bradshaw
Aaron Bradshaw

A 28-year-old man who threw bricks, stones and wood at police in Hartlepool was jailed for two years and eight months in August. Aaron Bradshaw, from the town, was captured on footage a number of times throwing missiles at officers during the disorder on July 31, Cleveland Police said.

The force said he “played a significant role” in the rioting. A spokesman said: “He demonstrated aggressive behaviour and at one point was in possession of a police-style baton – lashing out at the officers to attempt to assault them.

“Bradshaw grabbed a large wooden plank which he launched towards the officers.”

Bradshaw was jailed at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, the force confirmed. Cleveland Police said three other men were also jailed on Thursday in relation to the violence in Hartlepool on July 31 and Middlesbrough on August 4.

Ben Judge

Ben Judge
Ben Judge

Ben Judge, 28, from Hartlepool, was jailed for three years. Cleveland Police said he threw bricks and a metal object at police during the disorder on July 31 and kicked-in a boarded-up window after pulling off the boarding.

Jonathan Ambrose

Jonathan Ambrose
Jonathan Ambrose

Jonathan Ambrose, 33, from Middlesbrough, was identified as throwing missiles at officers during disorder on August 4. The force said he was also found in possession of class B drugs. Ambrose was jailed for 30 months.

Donna Conniff

Donna Conniff
Donna Conniff (Image: Cleveland Police)

This mother-of-six hurled a brick at police in the Hartlepool riots.

Donna Conniff, 40, was captured on camera in her sunglasses, throwing a brick at a line of riot police; before she handed a brick to a youth, and watched as he threw it. As the riot turned violent, at around 8pm on July 31, Conniff surged forward with the crowd.

She was captured shouting “go on” at police before she hurled a rock at them. It hit a police officer’s shield. Conniff was identified after police put together bodycam and drone footage of the riot and issued a public appeal to identify her. Live recordings posted on TikTok showed Conniff shouting and throwing a brick dressed in black leggings, crocs, and carrying a beige handbag and wearing sunglasses.

Conniff was arrested and pleaded guilty to violent disorder, at a short hearing. In August, Teesside Crown Court heard how a crowd of approximately 200 people gathered at Hartlepool’s cenotaph, after a social media post disclosed the addresses of alleged asylum seekers in the area, and organised a “protest.”

The crowd marched onto Murray Street and turned violent. Bottles, bricks and beer cans were thrown at police – leaving several offices injured. The court heard that PC Benson was recording the riot with a camcorder, when he was hit on the head by a brick.

In mitigation, Martin Scarborough told the court that Conniff “came across the riot by chance” as she was visiting her mother. “It was not politically motivated for her” Mr Scarborough said, “I know it was by some. She was quite tearful in her meeting with probation. She can’t believe she’s acted in the way she has.”

Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, was jailed for two-years. A shout of “love you” was heard as she was led out of the dock.

Joel Bishop

Hartlepool's Joel Bishop was caught throwing missiles at riot police in Hartlepool
Hartlepool’s Joel Bishop was caught throwing missles at riot police in Hartlepool (Image: cleveland police)

An Army veteran with an “exemplary” military record was caught on video lobbing a plank of wood at riot police after violence erupted in Hartlepool.

Judge Francis Laird KC branded Joel Bishop’s actions as “disgraceful” after footage of him using vile language and being violent towards police was shown at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday. The court heard the dad-of-two threw a plank of wood and rocks at officers all while shouting ‘b***k c****’ and “aim for the fat c***.”

The prosecution accepted it was not a racist comment, but an insult directed at police. The shocking footage was taken on a mobile phone on Wednesday, July 31, after chaos erupted at a far-right protest in the town centre.

Prosecuting the case, Rachel Masters said prior to the incident police were alerted to a number of posts encouraging the public to attend a far-right demonstration. She said at 6pm CCTV identified a group gathering at the Cenotaph and by 8pm the protest turned violent.

Bishop, of Hartlepool, was spotted throwing missiles at police on three occasions as police tried to deal with the disorder. He was also heard shouting offensive remarks at police officers but it was accepted by the prosecution it was not meant as a racial slur and referred to police uniforms.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to violent disorder and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing in the lower court. In mitigation, Bishop’s barrister Rod Hunt said the defendant has an “excellent” military record.

He said: “He joined the Army at 18 straight from his sixth form college. He qualified in about eight subjects and chose the Royal Logistic Corps. He can drive any vehicle up to and including tanks. He served in the Army for five years and left with an excellent record with no discipline marks recorded against him. He boxed for his regiment and took part in ski competitions throughout the Armed forces including winter combat exercises.”

Mr Hunt said when Bishop left the Army he became a HGV driver and was put forward for ‘Young Driver of the Year’ at one firm. He said the defendant lives with his mother due to his work but has a partner of ten years who he shares two young children with.

The Tweed Walk resident – who has no previous convictions – was jailed for 18 months.

Declan Dixon

Rioter Declan Dixon was jailed at Teesside Crown Court
Rioter Declan Dixon was jailed at Teesside Crown Court

A 22-year-old electrician who threw a brick at police during disorder in Hartlepool was jailed for 18 months in August.

Declan Dixon was seen on video footage picking up a missile and throwing it at police in riot gear on the night of July 31 after a protest grew violent. When he was arrested 11 days later, sitting in a BMW, he was found to be in possession of a small amount of cocaine, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said Dixon was working on Teesside at the time and he told police he was present that night “out of curiosity”. He admitted violent disorder and possessing cocaine as Judge Francis Laird KC jailed him for 18 months, saying: “Your behaviour, and the behaviour of others around you, was disgraceful.”

Gary Wood, defending, said Dixon, of Salisbury Avenue, Hindley, Wigan, was immature, had no previous convictions and has now lost his £1,600-a-month apprenticeship. The judge accepted the defendant came from a “loving family”.

He added: “It is very difficult to understand how you came to be involved with a violent mob.”

Matthew Putson

Matthew Putson kicked and punched a police officer during the Middlesbrough riots
Matthew Putson kicked and punched a police officer during the Middlesbrough riots (Image: Cleveland Police)

A Middlesbrough rioter who attacked a police officer and was then pulled away by a crowd, to stop him being arrested, was locked up in August.

Matthew Putson, 27, was later seen climbing up a traffic light, wearing a head covering, and trying to damage it. He was also captured lobbing glass bottles and bricks at a line of riot police as his sister was heard pleading with him to stop.

Teesside Crown Court heard that Putson was initially spotted by a police officer, standing within a group of people who were making racist comments, within the riots on August 4. He started shouting at the officer, before he kicked the PC’s leg and punched his right hand.

PC McCone was wearing pads on his legs, and escaped injury. At 4pm, as further violence erupted on the junction of Linthorpe Road, Ayreseome Street and Park Road North, Putson climbed up the traffic light.

He was later identified from footage by an officer who had dealt with him before. He was arrested six days after the riots and pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, on August 13.

Putson has 30 previous convictions for 53 offences which include battery, numerous criminal damage convictions and the possession of a blade.

Putson’s barrister Gary Wood said that although Putson was “directly associated with people using racial slurs, he did not use offensive language himself.” Mr Wood said that his client “had expressed shame” during a meeting with him and said that “he had intended to behave peacefully, but accepts he completely lost sight of that.”

Putson, of Palmer Street in Middlesbrough, was jailed for 32-months.

Louis McGrother

Louis McGrother
Louis McGrother (Image: Cleveland Police)

This Middlesbrough rioter wheeled a lit waste container at a line of police. Louis McGrother, 22, was captured shouting and kicking out at the police, before he got hold of the plastic bin. Along with other rioters, McGrother lit the the plastic Biffa waste container and pushed it at the police cordon on Linthorpe Road.

He was captured on bodycam footage as officers held up their shields to protect themselves, after the riot turned violent and missiles were thrown at the police, on the evening of August 4. The police cordon was formed to try and stop rioters breaking away onto Clarendon Road.

Days later, on August 12, McGrother walked into a police station and handed himself in. He had seen himself on the video that police released to the media; it showed McGrother, clearly visible in green shorts and a blue jumper, pushing the bin alongside other rioters. McGrother took the clothes he was wearing in the footage into Middlesbrough police station.

He refused to answer police questions but later pleaded guilty violent disorder. He has one previous conviction for four driving offences, after he crashed into a Ford Focus on the M11 in June 2022. McGrother was banned from the roads at the time and he failed to stop after the crash or report the accident.

In mitigation, Joel Wootton said that McGrother had gone to the pre-arranged meeting point at the Cenotaph to take part “…in a peaceful protest. “The mob mentality took hold” Mr Wootton said, “he got carried away.”

McGrother’s barrister said that his client felt a “great deal of regret” after seeing himself in the footage “acting the way he was. He knows he has let everyone in the town down. He has a great amount of affection for Middlesbrough.”

McGrother, of South View Terrace, Middlesbrough, was jailed for 20-months.


Gazette Live

The courts are continuing to hand jail terms to those involved in recent unrest

Dozens more people have been sent to jail this week for taking part in disorder that spread across the UK earlier this month, after the deaths of three young girls in Southport.

Prosecutors have charged over 520 people following the recent disorder, with the CPS saying they are ‘working around the clock’ with police to ‘deliver swift justice.’ Since the start of August, at least 117 people have been sent to jail for their involvement in the riots.

Over the last week, thugs, including two brothers, have been jailed for throwing bricks and wheelie bins at police responders, assault and chanting racist abuse.

One man took a sledgehammer to cars at a garage belonging to a foreign national, while the terrified owner cowered inside with his family. Another used a large piece of concrete to smash the window of a police vehicle with an officer inside fearing for his life.

The majority of charges so far have been for violent disorder, which carries a maximum jail sentence of five years. Sentences can range from anything from a community order to increasingly longer spells in prison up to the maximum.

Here are some of the people put behind bars for their part in the riots last week.

Dean Groenewald, Sunderland (two years and two months)

Dean Groenewald
Dean Groenewald, 32, was filmed throwing a paving stone towards the police (Image: PA)

A man who threw a stone at police after getting “carried away” during riots in Sunderland has been jailed for more than two years. Dean Groenewald, 32, was jailed for 26 months at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday after admitting one count of violent disorder at a previous hearing.

The court heard that Groenewald was filmed throwing the paving stone at Keel Square during a riot that broke out following a protest in Sunderland city centre on August 2.

Claire Anderson, in mitigation, said that while her client threw the missile in the direction of the police, it had gone over their heads. “He got carried away in the moment, and for some inexplicable reason, he picked up that item that was on the floor and he threw it in the general direction of the police,” she said.

Ms Anderson said her formerly unemployed client had found work while on remand at HMP Hull. “In the short time that he has been on remand in Hull he has managed to get a job as a helper on the servery,” she said. “He hopes that he will be able to find alternative employment in custody, depending upon the circumstances and prison he ultimately ends up being sent to. Because, obviously, my lord knows the conditions in custody are exceptionally difficult at the moment.”

Niven Matthewman, Rotherham (two years and eight months)

Niven Matthewman, 19, threw a chair at police during unrest in Rotherham (Image: South Yorkshire Police)

Niven Matthewman, 19, threw a chair at police and yelled “Yorkshire, Yorkshire” outside a hotel housing asylum seekers. He was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail for taking part in violent disorder on August 4 in Rotherham.

At Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described Matthewman as part of an “ignorant mob” who participated in racist disorder, and said the incident was “extremely frightening for anyone who was there”.

The court heard how 58 police officers were injured as a result of the incident, alongside three police dogs and a police horse.

Judge Richardson told Matthewman: “I cannot imagine why someone aged 19 years with no previous convictions would wish to get themselves in this and you must be punished.”

The judge said Matthewman would be detained in a young offenders’ institution and be subject to a criminal behaviour order for 10 years.

Donna Conniff, Hartlepool (two years)

Donna Conniff, 40, was caught on camera throwing bricks at police (Image: Cleveland Police)

A mum-of-six threw a brick at police officers during a violent protest in Hartlepool. Donna Conniff has been jailed for two years as a judge branded her actions “truly disgraceful”.

The 40-year-old was identified from CCTV and video footage of a protest in Murray Street on the evening of July 31, in which she was seen hurling a brick and a rock towards a line of police officers. She was arrested on August 13.

Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, dressed all in black and wearing sunglasses, was also seen handing a brick to a juvenile who threw it towards police, and was part of a crowd of people who surged forwards at officers and was seen joining in with cheers as missiles were thrown.

Martin Scarborough, defending Conniff, told Teesside Crown Court on Monday that she had come across the protest, which was advertised on social media, “by chance” at around 6pm.

Judge Francis Laird KC accepted that Conniff, who earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was remorseful but said a custodial sentence was the correct course of action. He said: “Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful.”

She was told she must serve up to one half of her 24-month sentence in custody before being released on licence. As she was led out of the dock, Conniff shouted “love you” to family members in the public gallery.

David Notley, London (one year and eight months)

David Notley, 67, was jailed for 20 months at Inner London Crown Court (Image: Met Police)

A 67-year-old man was locked up for 20 months after chanting “You’re not English anymore” at police officers during a demonstration in Whitehall in London. David Notley, of Buckhurst Hill, Epping Forest, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and causing religiously aggravated distress.

Alex Agbamu, prosecuting, said that “members and supporters of far-right organisations” took part in the protest on July 31. He said Notley made his way to the front of the crowd, confronted police in a “fighting pose” surging back and forth and joined in the chant “You’re not English anymore” and “Who the f*** is Allah?”.

He helped push another demonstrator into a police officer which “precipitated a physical confrontation involving the police (and) demonstrators”, the prosecutor said, and then remained at the front of the crowd.

Defending himself, he told the court that he got “swept up” in the demonstration and was not violent towards police officers.

Judge Freya Newbery told the court that Notley was a “career burglar and thief” who was jailed for 20 years in 2009 for drug smuggling. He had been released on licence but was recalled to prison for breaching his licence due to his involvement in the protest.

Lynden Parker, Manchester (two years and two months)

Lynden Parker, 26, launched a vape at a hotel housing asylum seekers (Image: GMP)

A tyre-fitter admitted violent disorder after throwing an e-cigarette at a hotel for asylum seekers in Manchester. Lynden Parker, 26, has been jailed for 26 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder following trouble at the hotel in Newton Heath.

During the disorder on July 31, bricks and glass bottles were thrown at the hotel and a mob of people surrounded and attacked a passing bus with ethnic minority passengers aboard, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Passing sentence Judge Patrick Field KC, told Parker: “You appear to have been motivated by deeply unpleasant, ignorant and possibly extremist racist views and such a mindset.

“By your presence as part of a mob and throwing that missile, you were encouraging and spurring on others to behave in a similar way.

“People like you who involve themselves and participate in such violence, bringing terror and disorder into this city, must expect severe consequences by way of severe custodial sentences.”

David Engleby, Paul Dryhurst and Luke Summerfield, Southport (up to two years and four months)

David Engleby, Paul Dryhurst and Luke Summerfield were all jailed for throwing missiles at police in Southport (Image: Merseyside Police)

Three men were jailed for throwing missiles at police officers outside a mosque in Southport.

David Engleby, 29, of Scarisbrick New Road, Southport, gave a thumbs up to the judge after he was jailed for two years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court for violent disorder.

Judge Denis Watson KC said: “You joined a large and aggressive mob on St Luke’s Road. You can be seen to be part of the group chanting ‘who the f*** is Allah’. You then pick up an item, a brick, throw it at police and then throw a second missile at police.”

Self-employed joiner Paul Dryhurst, 33, of Gale Road in Litherland, was sentenced to two years for violent disorder after the court heard he was recognised on footage by a police officer who had gone to school with him.

Sentencing him, the judge said: “You can be seen to pick up some item, throw it at police before seeming to smile in satisfaction then taking up a position to film the disorder.”

Luke Summerfield, 33, of Mansfield Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, was jailed for two years and two months after he was seen on footage among the crowd, picking up an item and throwing it towards police.

Eve Salter, defending, said video also showed him trying to stop other members of the crowd from kicking a journalist who was on the floor.

Stuart Randall and William Riley, Hull (three years and one year and six months)

Stuart Randall and William Riley were involved in the riots in Hull (Image: Humberside Police)

Two men have been locked up for violent disorder that unfolded in Hull on August 3.

Father-of-three Stuart Randall took a sledgehammer to cars at a garage belonging to a foreign national while the terrified owner cowered inside with his family. The 55-year-old has been jailed for three years after pleading guilty to two counts of racially aggravated criminal damage, violent disorder, criminal damage to two shops, burglary of the O2 store and Lush, and possession of cannabis.

Hull Crown Court heard how Randall danced in front of a police line while waving a riot shield and smashed the front windows of two shops during a day of “racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” in the city. He also smashed the glass of a BMW that had contained three Romanian men who were forced out of their vehicle by an angry mob, although the court heard he was not directly involved in that incident.

Footage played in court showed Randall picking up a bar stool and using it to smash the front of a Specsavers shop, before doing the same with a fire extinguisher at Holland & Barrett. He was also seen on CCTV looting Lush and the O2 store.

William Riley, 64, punched a police officer in the jaw and handed out eggs for people to throw. He has been jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.

The court heard he was prominent at the front of a group who were confronting a police line, acting aggressively and throwing missiles. He went on to punch an officer to the side of the jaw as he was trying to detain him.

The court heard the conviction was “a massive fall from grace” for Riley, who is involved with veterans’ charities who had attended the city centre that day to lay a wreath for the victims of the Southport stabbing.

Graham Brookes, Manchester (one year and eight months)

Graham Brookes, 42, was caught on camera throwing a pint of cider towards police (Image: GMP)

A family man who has never been in trouble with police before was locked up for 20 months for violent disorder amid mob violence in Manchester. A “legion of testimonials” praising Graham Brookes, 42, was handed to Judge Patrick Field KC, passing sentence on the defendant at Manchester Crown Court.

Brookes was caught on camera throwing a pint of cider towards police before later aiming a kick at one officer during widespread disorder in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on August 3.

Judge Field asked Brookes’ barrister: “How is it that a man with his background and character, a family man with a good work record, should behave the way I have witnessed? Like a hooligan? A man about who so many good things have been and could be said, could find himself involved in this sort of brutish, nasty, public violence. It’s a question, I suppose, there’s no reasonable answer to.”

Tim Storey KC, defending, replied: “It is the conundrum at the heart of the whole case for Graham Brookes. His life is characterised by stability. Community minded. Graham Brookes is not a racist man.”

Ethan Miles, Blackpool (two years and six months)

Ethan Miles, 21, was jailed for 30 months for violent disorder in Blackpool (Image: Lancashire Constabulary)

A man who threw objects at crowds of people during a violent protest in Blackpool has been jailed for 30 months. Ethan Miles, 21, of Haig Road, hurled chairs, bottles, cans and other objects towards the crowds – which included police officers – during disorder in the town on August 3.

Lancashire Police said Miles, who was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to violent disorder, also removed the wing mirror of a police van before throwing it at the vehicle, which had officers inside.

Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards said Miles “acted without care towards those around him, choosing to be violent and cause disorder in the town”.

David Jordan, Tamworth (two years and four months)

David Jordan took part in a protest outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Tamworth (Image: Staffordshire Police)

David Jordan was jailed for 28 months after throwing a missile and shouting racist remarks during a protest in Tamworth. The 59-year-old was charged with violent disorder after video footage showed him throwing an object towards a line of police in front of the Holiday Inn Express hotel in the Staffordshire town, where migrants were being housed, on August 4.

The defendant, of Tamworth Road, could also be heard shouting “f****** paedos” towards the hotel and telling police officers to “f*** off”.

Sentencing him at Stafford Crown Court, Judge John Edwards told Jordan: “You rightly hung your head in shame as we watched the video. I have looked with care at the footage, you are front and centre of this baying mob for an hour-and-a-half.”

Liam Gray, Rotherham (three years)

Liam Gray, 20, pleaded guilty to violent disorder (Image: South Yorkshire Police)

A 20-year-old man was caught on video repeatedly charging at a line of police with riot shields outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. Manufacturing engineer Liam Gray was arrested following rioting outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on August 4.

Gray, of Randerson Drive, Kilnhurst, South Yorkshire, was filmed at the front of a large mob charging at least three times at the officers and trying to grab their shields. He was also filmed among the crowd outside the hotel at a number of different points during the afternoon as police attempted to disperse them.

Sentencing him to three years in jail, Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said: “You have brought shame on yourself. You have brought shame on your mother and father. You have brought shame on the town in which you live.”

Ed Moss, defending, said: “He’s made the biggest error of the 20 years he’s been on this planet and he’s now going to pay the price.” Mr Moss said his client wanted to make it clear “there isn’t racist bone in his body”, to which the judge responded: “If that’s true, what on earth was he doing?”

Bradley McCarthy, Bristol (one year and eight months)

Bradley McCarthy was involved in clashes with counter-protesters and police (Image: Avon and Somerset Constabulary)

Bradley McCarthy shouted in a police dog’s face during rioting in Bristol and called opponents “p*** c****”. The 34-year-old has been jailed for 20 months after joining an anti-immigration march on August 3.

A court heard how McCarthy was involved in clashes with counter-protesters and police in Castle Park and on Bristol Bridge. McCarthy was caught on video “threatening” opponents and shouting at the police, including at a police dog. Emily Evans, prosecuting, said the defendant played a “prominent role” in the incident.

Bristol Crown Court heard McCarthy was arrested for breach of the peace and later let go by officers but remained in the area. “Instead of taking that as a sign to go home, he can later be seen shouting at police officers and also shouting in a police dog’s face,” Ms Evans told the court.

At a previous hearing McCarthy, of Knowle, Bristol, admitted violent disorder. The dad-of-three has convictions for violence, weapons offences and public order but had not been in trouble for several years.

Robyn Rowlands, defending, said McCarthy had recently tried to help a person at the roadside who was dying after trying to take their own life, which had an “exceptional effect” on his mental health.

Alfie Conway, Rotherham (two years and three months)

Alfie Conway, 19, pleaded guilty to violent disorder (Image: South Yorkshire Police)

A 19-year-old man threw missiles at police protecting a hotel housing asylum seekers. Apprentice bricklayer Alfie Conway was jailed for two years and three months at Sheffield Crown Court after admitting violent disorder.

Conway, of Park Avenue, South Kirby, was arrested after one officer standing behind a riot shield outside the Holiday Inn Express, in Manvers, near Rotherham, recognised him and shouted that he would be going to prison.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, heard how the defendant had a troubled past but had worked hard to secure an apprenticeship.

The judge said: “What on earth possessed him to truly throw all of that away to hurl whatever it was at police officers – one of whom knew exactly who he was?”

Judge Richardson told Conway: “You have been exceptionally foolish”, and expressed his sympathy for Conway’s grandparents, who were watching from the public gallery.

Craig Timbrell, Bristol (two years and six months)

Craig Timbrell was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Bristol Crown Court (Image: Avon and Somerset Constabulary)

A single father who took part in violent clashes with the police during an anti-immigration protest in Bristol has been jailed for two-and-a-half years. Craig Timbrell, 38, threw concrete blocks, bricks and bottles at the police near to a hotel used to house asylum seekers.

Bristol Crown Court heard Timbrell attended the demonstration in Bristol city centre on August 3. Meabh McGee, prosecuting, said Timbrell was filmed throwing objects at the police during clashes near the Mercure Hotel in the Redcliffe area of the city.

She said: “There was targeting of locations known to accommodate asylum seekers and refugees. The situation escalated to the point where there was significant disorder and violence used towards officers, property and opposing groups.”

The court heard he has convictions for violence, public order offences and knife crime, but had not been in trouble since 2015.

Emily Evans, defending Timbrell, of Hartcliffe, Bristol, said: “He couldn’t really explain it (why he threw missiles at the police) other than to say his mental health was at a decline at that point in time.”

She said he had recently stopped caring for his children due to his declining mental health and had looked after them following the death of his partner from cancer. She added: “He very much wants to have the children back in his care. That of course is jeopardised by the way he behaved on August 3.”

Passing sentence, Judge Julian Lambert told Timbrell: “This was no peaceful protest and was never going to be so. It was a violent, ignorant, drink fuelled defiance of the law. The violence that I saw later from you was intense and shocking. It was also a potential catalyst for yet worse violence.”

Lee Crisp, Rotherham (three years and four months)

Lee Crisp, 42, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Sheffield Crown Court (Image: South Yorkshire Police)

Lee Crisp shouted abuse at police guarding a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and cheered as others threw missiles at officers. The 42-year-old has been jailed for three years and four months.

Sheffield Crown Court heard how Crisp, of Mount Road, Grimethorpe, Barnsley, was even abusing police after his arrest outside the Holiday Inn Express, telling one officer: “You’re protecting the bastards who are raping our kids.”

Stephanie Hollis, prosecuting, said the defendant shouted at one officer: “Take your f****** uniform off, I’ll knock the f*** out of you” and “you f****** horrible little c***”. And he shouted at someone recording the violence: “Sex offending bastards. BBC bastards”.

Ms Hollis said factory worker Crisp celebrated as the group he was with threw missiles at the officers.

When Crisp appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, his solicitor told a district judge that his client was a victim of mistaken identity as he took his elderly mother for a Sunday lunch in the pub next to the hotel. But Crisp did not maintain this defence when he appeared at crown court this week.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, said the “high octane” abuse dished out by Crisp encouraged the crowd, adding: “You were leading the way in all of this, in four separate incidents”.

Joel Bishop, Hartlepool (one year and six months)

Joel Bishop threw rocks and a plank of wood during widespread disorder in Hartlepool (Image: Cleveland Police)

Ex-soldier Joel Bishop threw stones at the police during widespread disorder in Hartlepool. He was identified later from the T-shirt he was wearing which had his name on the back, a court heard.

Bishop, a qualified tank driver who served with the Royal Logistic Corps, admitted a charge of violent disorder and two counts of possessing offensive weapons, namely rocks and a plank of wood. Video footage shown in court showed the father-of-two joining in attacks on police officers in riot gear, three times throwing stones or a plank at them and referring to them as “black c****”. The prosecution accepted this was not a racist comment, but an insult directed at police.

Judge Francis Laird KC, at Teesside Crown Court, sentenced the 27-year-old to 18 months in prison, having accepted his genuine remorse and that the hard-working “family man” had an “exemplary” Army record.

Bishop, of Tweed Walk, Hartlepool, has no previous convictions or convictions and acted completely out of character that night, said Rod Hunt, defending. The defendant joined the Army at 18, boxed for his regiment, took part in winter combat exercises, and had no disciplinary issues during his five years in uniform.

Passing sentence, Judge Laird said Bishop’s behaviour that night was “disgraceful”. He told him: “Joel Bishop, you chose to take part in an organised and large scale act of public disorder. In that disorder, police officers were attacked and there was significant damage to property.”

Bishop’s partner and mother wept in the public gallery as he was jailed for 18 months. The judge reduced that from 27 months on account of his earlier guilty plea.

David Chadwick, Rotherham (two years and eight months)

David Chadwick, 36, was jailed for two years and eight months (Image: South Yorkshire Police)

A 36-year-old man who threw wood at police guarding a hotel in Rotherham has been jailed for two years and eight months. David Chadwick, of Furlong Road, Barnsley, was part of a “violent mob” who attacked a “vastly outnumbered” group of police officers who were pinned to the wall of the Holiday Inn Express, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC told Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

The judge heard how Chadwick was also present during an incident in which a police van was violently rocked, with officers and a dog inside. The court heard how Chadwick was filmed twice pouring the contents of a can through the van window onto the police driver, who was trying to move out of danger.

Judge Richardson said: “Each and every one of them (the police) were doing their duty and it must have been very frightening for them.”

Chadwick said in a letter to the court: “I have let myself down, I have let my family-and-friends down, and I’ve let my whole community down.”

Daniel Stewart and Andrew Hook, Blackpool (two years and three months)

Andrew Hook (left) and Daniel Stewart (right) took part in violent disorder in Blackpool (Image: Lancashire Police)

Two men were jailed for 27 months each after taking part in violent disorder in Blackpool on August 3. Daniel Stewart, 28, of Ashton Road, and Andrew Hook, 32, of Coronation Street, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday.

Stewart had been charged with violent disorder and assault by beating after covering his face before shouting at police officers, who he also threw a can towards and pushed. He later assaulted a security guard at a shopping centre, the Lancashire Police said.

Hook had been charged with violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm after kicking and punching a security guard during disorder in the town.

Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards said: “Hook and Stewart chose to have a detrimental impact on the law-abiding citizens of our Lancashire communities. They were violent towards my officers, and members of the public. Their behaviour was disgraceful and will absolutely not be tolerated in Lancashire.”

Jake Lowther, Southport (one year and six months)

Jake Lowther, 20, will spend his jail term in a young offenders institute (Image: Merseyside Police)

A 20-year-old man who threw stones at police during disorder in Southport has been sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institute. Jake Lowther, of Abrams Fold, Banks, nodded to his parents as his mother called “love you” after he was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.

Judge Neil Flewitt KC said Lowther was seen on footage as part of the crowd, gesticulating towards officers while others threw missiles. He said at one point Lowther picked up two pieces of brick or stone from a broken wall and threw them towards police, with one hitting a riot shield.

Stuart Mills, defending, said Lowther had ADHD and had been “swept up in the moment”. The judge said: “There’s no evidence your condition in anyway reduces your culpability.”

Peter Beard, Rotherham (two years and six months)

Peter Beard, 43, was filmed by body-worn cameras at the front of a mob (Image: South Yorkshire Police)

A former solider who undertook tours of duty in Kosovo, Bosnia and Northern Ireland has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after admitting pushing aggressively at a line of police with riot shields as they tried to protect a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Father-of-three Peter Beard, 43, of Becknoll Road, Brampton Bierlow, Rotherham, was filmed by body-worn cameras at the front of a mob confronting officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on August 4.

The court heard how Beard’s aggression toward the officers came at a critical time in the rioting after the hotel had been breached, attempts had been made to set fire to the building and outnumbered police were trying to disperse hundreds of people.

Judge Jeremy Richardson KC heard how Beard served in the Royal Green Jackets between 1998 and 2003, and the judge said he was “astonished” that the defendant had become involved as he had been “on the receiving end” of public order incidents as a peacekeeper.

Luke Moran and Nicholas Sinclair, Southport (up to three years)

Undated handout photo issued by Merseyside Police of father-of-three Luke Moran, 38, who was sentenced to three years after trying to smash a police van window. Issue date: Wednesday August 21, 2024. PA Photo.

A father-of-three who left a police officer fearing for his life as he tried to smash a van window has been jailed for three years. Liverpool Crown Court heard Luke Moran, 38, had lost his job with a roofing firm after his image was published following violence which broke out in Southport on July 30.

Rebecca Smith, prosecuting, said Moran was seen on footage with a large piece of concrete in his hands, smashing the driver’s side window of a police vehicle with an officer inside.

Judge Neil Flewitt KC told the court: “This is as bad a case as I have seen so far.”

The court was played bodyworn footage from Pc James Hayes in which Moran was holding a chunk of masonry, which he hit the vehicle with three times.

Judge Flewitt said: “Unsurprisingly, at that stage Pc Hayes feared for his life, believing he might be pulled from the carrier and attacked.”

In the footage, the constable could be heard telling colleagues over his radio: “I’m going to have to bail, my window’s about to go through.”

Nicholas Sinclair, 38, was seen in footage throwing bricks at officers (Image: Merseyside Police)

Moran’s friend and co-defendant Nicholas Sinclair, of Bury Road, Birkdale, was jailed for two years and four months after admitting violent disorder. The 38-year-old, a manager at a scaffolding firm, was seen in footage from the disorder on July 30 shouting towards police and throwing bricks.

Simon Christie, defending both Sinclair Moran, said they had been “swept up in an incident they neither understood or took the time to consider”.

Daniel Carrigan, Southport (two years and eight months)

Daniel Carrigan, 41, was jailed for two years and eight months (Image: Merseyside Police)

Cocaine addict Daniel Carrigan was put behind bars for two years and eight months after admitting violent disorder and criminal damage in Southport.

The 41-year-old, of Preston Grove, Liverpool, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court, where footage was played which showed him throwing items at a police van and kicking the side of the vehicle.

Charles Lander, defending, said Carrigan had taken cocaine on the day of the incident and said his addiction to the drug was “out of control”. He added: “He didn’t go there to cause violence, he got carried away with the mob.”

The court heard he had been convicted of a racially aggravated common assault in 2016 after telling a traffic warden he should “return back to his own country”.

Thomas Whitehead, Southport (one year and eight months)

Thomas Whitehead, 53, was arrested on a plane at Manchester Airport (Image: Merseyside Police)

Thomas Whitehead was arrested on a plane at Manchester Airport after taking part in a protest in Southport and has now been jailed for one year and eight months for violent disorder.

The 53-year-old was part of a large group which gathered outside a mosque in the Merseyside town on July 30, Liverpool Crown Court heard. Rebecca Smith, prosecuting, said his picture was circulated and he was arrested on August 13 at Manchester Airport on board a plane.

The gardener, of Pool Street, Southport, told police he had been to the pub when he noticed a large group gathering and went to see what was happening, but he accepted throwing items.

Paul Wood, defending, said Whitehead had three daughters and was a “family man”.

Declan Dixon, Hartlepool (one year and six months)

(Image: PA)

A 22-year-old electrician who threw a brick at police during disorder in Hartlepool was jailed for 18 months. Declan Dixon, of Salisbury Avenue, Hindley, was seen on video footage picking up a missile and throwing it at police in riot gear on the night of July 31 after a protest grew violent.

When he was arrested 11 days later, sitting in a BMW, he was found to be in possession of a small amount of cocaine, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said Dixon was working on Teesside at the time and he told police he was present that night “out of curiosity”.

He admitted violent disorder and possessing cocaine and Judge Francis Laird KC jailed him for 18 months, saying: “Your behaviour, and the behaviour of others around you, was disgraceful.”

Gary Wood, defending, said Dixon was immature, had no previous convictions and had now lost his £1,600-a-month apprenticeship. The judge accepted the defendant came from a “loving family” and added: “It is very difficult to understand how you came to be involved with a violent mob.”

Perrie Fisher, Aldershot (two years and five months)

Perrie Fisher, 29, was seen riding a bike wearing an England flag (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police)

A 29-year-old man was seen riding a children’s scooter before throwing it at a hotel housing asylum seekers and telling a police officer to f*** off. Scaffolder Perrie Fisher was also seen riding a bike wearing an England flag before throwing it in a skip, and throwing bicycle wheels at the walls of Potters International Hotel as part of a crowd of around 200 people in Aldershot on July 31.

The Farnham man was arrested at Gatwick airport on return from his Dubai holiday on August 19 after he did not appear at magistrates’ court following the incident. He was brought before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and a bail act offence.

Winchester Crown Court later heard how 85 families were living in the hotel and there were people inside the accommodation in “great fear” of what was going to happen to them. Around £1,900 worth of damage was also caused from the disorder after a small group of protesters got into the hotel car park at around 6.40pm and more and more joined them.

Judge Nigel Lickley KC described how Fisher threw the children’s scooter “with force” at the hotel and there was a loud bang and cheering from the crowd as a result. The bikes had been provided for the hotel residents to use, the court heard.

Prosecutor Tim Devlin said a large crowd started shouting ‘illegals out,’ ‘we want our community back’ and ‘f*** off’. He added the police were “massively outnumbered” and the situation was “rapidly getting out of hand”.

In mitigation the court heard the act was “out of character” for the new dad who felt remorse for what he had done. Sentencing Fisher, Judge Lickley said the occupants of the hotel were the “real target” of Fisher’s actions which were fuelled by hostility over race and religion.

Fisher was sentenced to 29 months’ imprisonment for both offences. He will be released from prison after serving half of his sentence and will spend the rest on licence, the judge said.

Jordan Murray, David Buckle and Jermaine Glover, Hull (up to three years)

(Left to right) Jordan Murray, David Buckle and Jermaine Glover were involved in riots in Hull (Image: Humberside Police)

Three men were jailed for offences including arson and violent disorder after rioting in Hull.

Jordan Murray, 26, of Grasby Road, Hull, who looted a Greggs outlet and threw a metal bench at police was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to violent disorder, possession of class B drugs and two counts of burglary.

Hull Crown Court heard he played a “significant role in the large-scale disorder” and was at the front of a group confronting police in the city centre on August 3 and “behaving in an aggressive manner towards officers throughout”.

David Buckle, 39, of Southgate Way, Hull, was part of a crowd that pursued a BMW carrying three Romanian men, although the court heard he was not one of the mob that forced them out of the vehicle. Buckle was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

The court heard he was prominent in a group of people confronting a protective police line outside a hotel known to house asylum seekers, with prosecutor Jeremy Evans saying he was “aggressive and abusive, throwing missiles at officers”.

Jermaine Glover, 23, of Cranswick Grove, Hull, who took part in an arson attack at a garage owned by a foreign national, was jailed for two years after admitting violent disorder and arson. The court heard he barged into a police line and “behaved in an aggressive manner towards officers, shouting, gesturing, helping others push bins at officers and throwing missiles”.

Tommy Callaghan, Southport (two years and two months)

Tommy Callaghan, 32, was jailed for two years and two months (Image: Merseyside Police)

A gas engineer who joined in racist chants and threw objects at police in Southport has been jailed for two years and two months. Tommy Callaghan, 32, of Platt Bridge, Wigan, appeared via videolink from HMP Altcourse at Liverpool Crown Court, where footage was played showing him wearing a fluorescent yellow T-shirt and sunglasses in a “large and aggressive mob” on July 30.

Judge Denis Watson KC said: “You were one of those who was chanting ‘who the f*** is Allah’, with your left arm and fist raised as you chanted and gesticulated in rhythm. You were then part of the mob who surged forward at the police line. Then you picked up part of a brick, threw it at police, then picked up a second missile even before the first had landed.”

Peter White, defending, said Callaghan had put his business, through which he employed three people, and the mortgaged home he shared with his partner and nine-month-old daughter at risk. He said Callaghan had travelled to Southport, about 25 miles from his home, to attend a vigil for the victims of the stabbing in the town.

He did not have a reason for why he had consumed alcohol once there and said he had no racially or religiously prejudiced beliefs but had “gone along with the mob”.

James Martin, Scarborough (two years and two months)

James Martin, 18, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated harassment based on race or religion, possessing an article with the intent to cause property damage, and obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

A teenager who marched outside an Islamic centre with firelighters in his pocket while waving an England flag has been jailed for two years and two months. A court heard James Martin, 18, was “going to lose everything because of one night of stupid behaviour” on August 8 in Scarborough.

Martin was in a group of four who marched outside the Islamic centre on Roscoe Street while people were inside praying just after 10pm. York Crown Court heard he had been swearing and shouted words to the effect of “what a stupid time to pray, have they got nothing better to be doing?” and “let’s be proud of our flag”.

When he was arrested to prevent a breach of the peace, police found firelighters in his pocket. Martin, who has no previous convictions, will lose an apprenticeship in bricklaying as a result, the court heard.

Peter Lynch, Rotherham (two years and eight months)

Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch (Image: PA)

A 61-year-old grandfather who was filmed repeatedly screaming abuse at riot police who were trying to push him back from a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Peter Lynch was at the front of a mob which gathered outside the Manvers hotel on August 4, shouting “scum” and “child killers” at police, Sheffield Crown Court heard on Thursday. He was pictured holding a placard asserting the corruption of MPs, judges, the media and the police.

But body-worn camera footage was shown to the court of him screaming “you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them” at police with riot shields and “scum”.

Lynch – who suffers from diabetes, thyroid issues, angina and has recently had a heart attack – was then filmed repeatedly challenging officers as they tried to push him back with shields, screaming “protect my children” repeatedly and yelling: “We are on the streets now to protect our kids”.

Lynch, of Burman Road, Wath-upon-Dearne, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing.

Matthew Putson, Middlesbrough (two years and eight months)

Matthew Putson, 27, was one of the “main instigators” of violence during widespread disorder in Middlesbrough, a court heard (Image: Cleveland Police)

A 27-year-old was one of the “main instigators” of violence during widespread disorder in Middlesbrough, Teesside Crown Court heard. Matthew Putson, of Palmer Street, was with a group who were making racial slurs before he kicked a police officer but he was dragged away by others before he could be arrested during trouble in the town on August 4.

With his face disguised, he was later seen to have climbed up some traffic lights before he picked up bottles, bricks and stones and threw them at police over a period of around an hour.

Putson admitted violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker and Judge Francis Laird KC jailed him for 32 months, saying: “The public are rightfully outraged by this behaviour on our streets.”

Michael Campbell, Hull (one year and eight months)

Michael Campbell, 56, admitted violent disorder in Hull city centre on August 3 (Image: Humberside Police)

A grandfather was jailed for 20 months after he used a bicycle to fend off a police dog during a “hate-fuelled” riot. Michael Campbell, 56, was only in Hull city centre to buy himself a suit for a funeral when he became involved with the violence on August 3, Kingston-Upon-Hull Crown Court heard.

The ship loading supervisor, of Hull, used his bike as a “makeshift cordon to deflect police officers” and “fend off a police dog”, before the animal bit him on the leg, the court was told.

During the 12 hours of “mob violence”, 11 police officers were injured and huge financial damage was caused when rioters gathered outside the Royal Hotel, Judge John Thackray KC said.

Sentencing Campbell, the judge described him as a “family man” whose behaviour had been “out of character”.

Luke and Paul Sissons, Rotherham (three years)

Paul Sissons
Paul Sissons was part of a group that violently rocked a police van (Image: PA)

Two brothers who were at the forefront of rioting outside a Rotherham hotel housing more than 200 asylum seekers have each been jailed for three years at Sheffield Crown Court. Luke and Paul Sissons were involved in a range of violent incidents at the Holiday Inn Express on August 4, including an attack on a police dog van and violent confrontations with riot officers.

Paul Sissons – who is a tunnelling team leader on the HS2 project – was filmed over a period of nearly four hours, first in a mob shouting at police and chanting “Tommy Robinson”. Sissons, of Two Gates Way, Barnsley, was then captured as part of a group that violently rocked a police van with officers and a dog inside, and was later seen throwing missiles at a group of cornered officers.

Body-worn camera footage was also shown to the court on Friday of the 37-year-old angrily kicking and pushing at riot shields as officers tried to push the crowd back.

Luke Sissons
Luke Sissons has been jailed for three years alongside his brother (Image: PA)

His brother Luke Sissons, 34, of The Green View, Shafton, Barnsley, was also part of the mob rocking the van and footage was shown of him at the front of group goading officers with riot shields who were pinned against the hotel wall.

Daniel Mennell, Jackie Miller and Jarrod Farrah, Hull (up to two years and three months)

(Left to right) Daniel Mennell, Jackie Miller and Jarrod Farrah took part in disorder in Hull (Image: Humberside Police)

Three people who took part in disorder in Hull earlier this month have been jailed.

Daniel Mennell, 36, was handed a 27-month jail term at Kingston-Upon-Hull Crown Court after he threw missiles at police. He was also seen taking a selfie with a stolen police riot shield during the violence on August 3.

The drunk labourer, who was prominent at the front of the riot, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

“Hostile” Jackie Miller, 57, was jailed for eight months for a racially aggravated public order offence after she unleashed a “diatribe towards police officers”. In the presence of her 15-year-old daughter, Miller told officers: “A P*** lad killed two, three girls and yet you’re having a go at us. They don’t look after their own.”

Judge John Thackray KC told Miller she had used “truly disgraceful words”.

Jarrod Farrah, 32, was jailed for two years and made the subject of a criminal behaviour order for violent disorder after he behaved aggressively towards police by “lunging” at them. He told his family in the public gallery “love you all” as he was led out of the dock to start his sentence.

Judge Thackray said it had been “depressing and horrifying” to watch footage of the disorder.

Rory Allington-Mott, Southport (three years and three months)

Rory Allington-Mott
Rory Allington-Mott, 34, smiled as he took part in the unrest in Southport (Image: PA)

A man who threw objects including bricks and a wheelie bin at police during disorder has been jailed for three years and three months. Rory Allington-Mott, 34, of Newport in Shropshire, was shown in footage released by police appearing to smile as he took part in the unrest in Southport on July 30.

He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to violent disorder, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said. In the video, he was seen to throw bricks, a wheelie bin, a plastic box and what appeared to be a picture frame towards police vans and officers.

A hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court earlier this week was told Allington-Mott had been convicted in April last year of religiously or racially aggravated criminal damage and served 24 weeks after a suspended sentence was activated.

Louis McGrother, Middlesborough (one year and eight months)

Louis McGrother, 22, admitted violent disorder (Image: Cleveland Police)

A “well-balanced young man” who kicked out at a police officer and set fire to a wheelie bin during widespread disorder in Middlesbrough has been jailed for 20 months. Louis McGrother, 22, of South View Terrace, Middlesbrough, was filmed joining in attacks on police in the town on August 4, Teesside Crown Court heard.

When footage of his offending was published by the media, he handed himself in to police, bringing with him the clothes he wore that day, said Rachel Masters, prosecuting.

Joel Wootten, defending, said McGrother went along to the protest at the Cenotaph intending only to join a peaceful protest.

McGrother admitted a charge of violent disorder and Judge Francis Laird KC jailed him for 20 months. The judge said he had read references from his employer, partner and mother which described “a well-balanced young man who takes his family responsibilities seriously, and who has a good work ethic”.

David Hann, Sunderland (eight months)

David Hann, 58, admitted causing racially aggravated fear of violence (Image: Northumbria Police)

A former member of the English Defence League (EDL) who shouted “dirty Muslims” outside a mosque, along with other abuse, during widespread disorder in Sunderland has been jailed for eight months.

David Hann, 58, of Ryhope Street South, Sunderland, admitted causing racially aggravated fear of violence and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for his part in the trouble on August 2.

Judge Paul Sloan KC, sentencing, said Hann, was present at various locations that night and was seen gesticulating towards police officers and hurling racist abuse outside a mosque.

The judge accepted the unemployed defendant had learning difficulties, suffered from depression, did not have contact with his children and was no longer a member of the EDL. But Hann continued to hold racist and Islamophobic views, the judge said.

Jack Fowler, Sunderland (two years)

Jack Fowler, 24, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court (Image: Northumbria Police)

A man holding a flag of St George who confronted police during widespread disorder in Sunderland has been jailed for two years. Jack Fowler, 24, of Northbourne Street, Newcastle, admitted violent disorder and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for his part in the trouble on August 2.

Judge Paul Sloan KC, sentencing, said Fowler, who was drunk and masked that night, was seen at one point running away when police horses were used to disperse the “mob”.

At another location, he beckoned others forward towards police lines, and soon after beer kegs were thrown at officers, the judge said. The court heard that Fowler said: “This is going to be all summer, everywhere.”

The judge sentenced the unemployed defendant to two years in jail, having heard he was in a relationship and has a baby daughter.



Manchester Evening News

The court heard that Louis McGrother went out to join a peaceful protest but ‘the mob mentality took hold and he got carried away’

A Middlesbrough rioter who wheeled a lit waste container at a line of police, has been jailed.

Louis McGrother, 22, was captured shouting and kicking out at the police, before he got hold of the plastic bin. Along with other rioters, McGrother lit the the plastic Biffa waste container and pushed it at the police corden on Linthorpe Road.

He was captured on bodycam footage as officers held up their shields to protect themselves, after the riot turned violent and missiles were thrown at the police, on the evening of August 4. The police corden was formed to try and stop rioters breaking away onto Clarendon Road.

Days later, on August 12, McGrother walked into a police station and handed himself in. He had seen himself on the video that police released to the media; it showed McGrother, clearly visible in green shorts and a blue jumper, pushing the bin alongside other rioters. McGrother took the clothes he was wearing in the footage into Middlesbrough police station.

He refused to answer police questions but later pleaded guilty violent disorder. He has one previous conviction for four driving offences, after he crashed into a Ford Focus on the M11 in June 2022. McGrother was banned from the roads at the time and he failed to stop after the crash or report the accident.

A warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to turn up to court in Essex, and he was handed a community order. On Friday afternoon, McGrother’s partner and his mother watched from the public gallery as Teesside Crown Court heard that he was taken into prison on remand after appearing at Teesside Magistrates on August 13.

In mitigation, Joel Wootton said that McGrother had gone to the pre-arranged meeting point at the Cenotaph to take part “…in a peaceful protest. “The mob mentality took hold” Mr Wootton said, “he got carried away.”

McGrother’s barrister said that his client felt a “great deal of regret” after seeing himself in the footage “acting the way he was. He knows he has let everyone in the town down. He has a great amount of affection for Middlesbrough.”

The court heard that McGrother’s employer wrote a character reference for him – although he has now lost his job. His mother and his partner also submitted references to the court, which said that he is a “well-balanced man who takes his family responsibilities seriously; and that he has a good work ethic.” McGrother helps to care for his partner’s child.

Judge Francis Laird KC told him: “You were acting aggressively towards a line of police officers – kicking out at them. Then you, along with others, set light to a wheelie bin and pushed it towards the police corden.

“I accept that losing your liberty and your job will not only hit hard on you, but also on those you care about. You chose to take part in an organised and large scale disorder. Eight police officers were injured; police cars were damaged; there was large scale damage to houses and to public buildings.”

McGrother, of South View Terrace, Middlesbrough, was jailed for 20-months.

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