Tag Archives: Mark Bridgeford

Large scale disorder broke out across the country after three young children were killed in Southport

They were days that will live in infamy in Greater Manchester’s history. Division and chaos reigned.

The deaths of three young girls in Southport led to a wave of disorder throughout the UK, and Manchester did not avoid such trouble. Wholly inaccurate claims about the identity and ethnicity of the alleged attacker spread online.

Fuelled by anger and inspired by disinformation, thugs took to the streets intent on causing trouble. Disorder erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath, on July 31, after a Facebook post swirled that afternoon.

“Let’s get them out,” it menacingly declared. Missiles were thrown towards the building, a bus was attacked and its driver injured, and asylum seekers, vulnerable individuals seeking help, were terrorised.

The far-right sought to capitalise on the division and called a demonstration for Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3. The incident soon turned violent. Shocking video footage emerged of a lone black man being attacked by a baying mob.

Thugs then advanced down Mosley Street and stormed a Sainsbury’s store as innocent customers tried to shop. A vape store came under heavy attack, as yobs kicked its windows with a road sign being launched at it.

The following day, the trouble moved to Bolton. Another demonstration had been called by the far-right, with counter-protestors also present. Missiles were thrown as police dealt with mass disorder. Ever since, police have been tracking down and charging rioters.

Over the past three months, dozens of yobs have felt the full force of the law as their cases were speedily brought through the courts. The M.E.N. has extensively covered the ensuing court cases, and have now analysed the sentences handed down since August.

Of those in the dock, 39 were men, six were women and seven were children, the youngest being a 12-year-old boy. Jail sentences totalling more than 80 years have been handed down. The longest single jail sentence was imposed on a ‘violent racist’ for his part in a disgraceful attack in Piccadilly Gardens.

In chronological order from August until this month, here are the 52 rioters who faced justice.

1) James Nelson

Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two months in prison on August 6 and ordered to pay £4,999 compensation at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Teenager in pink balaclava jailed for his part in shameful disorder in Bolton – and handed massive compo bill

2) Mathew Edge

Edge, 34, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 12 months in prison on August 13 at Bolton Crown Court.

Balaclava-clad thug who turned up at Bolton protest armed with hammer made ‘very bad stupid mistake’

3) Paul Smith

Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and 10 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.

He thought he’d disguised himself in the chaos – but one smiling photo was all it took to bring him down

4) Joseph Ley

Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years and two months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.

Racist brute launched sickening attack on lone black man during far-right protests

5) Oliver Chapman

Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.

‘I’ve done some silly spinning kick’: Man jailed after making ‘terrible mistake’ in front of police

6) Daniel Hanslip

Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and two months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

7) Colin Demulder

Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and eight months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

8) Kane Kelly

Kelly, 24, of Woodford Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and five months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

9) Anthony Livesey

Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and breaching a suspended sentence. Sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence, on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

As a soldier he served his country distinction, but his downfall was significant

10) Lynden Parker

Parker, 26, of Douglas Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 19 at Manchester Crown Court.

He launched a vape at an asylum seeker hotel during disorder before ‘celebrating’ in the pub

11) Thomas Ward

Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and exposure. Sentenced to 32 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.

Rioter exposed his genitals to police before throwing plank of wood at officers

12) Graham Brookes

Brookes, 42, of Frogmore Avenue, Hyde, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.

Rioter exposed his genitals to police before throwing plank of wood at officers

13) Dane Freeman

Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court

Man launched bottles at police and smashed up bricks during disorder outside asylum seeker hotel

14) Warren Gilchrest

Warren Gilchrest (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.

The dark past of thug who filmed brutal Piccadilly Gardens attack – and the disturbing discovery at his home

15) Lee Upton

Upton, 54, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison on August 22 at Manchester Crown Court.

Topless thug tried to hide his face during Piccadilly riots… it didn’t work

16) Carl Ryan

Ryan, 55, of Collin Avenue, Gorton, Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.

Rioter who joined mob attack on lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens sobs as he’s spared jail

17) Mark Bridgeford

Bridgeford, 50, of Canon Street, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.

Jailed, the ‘cowardly’ rioter who kicked and punched a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens

18) Niall Charnock

Charnock, 31, of Edward Street, Farnworth, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 27 at Bolton Crown Court.

Rioter draped in England flag barged into ‘neutral zone’ and ‘launched plastic bottle’ at police in Bolton

19) Lewis Whitworth

Whitworth, 30, of Costabeck Walk, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on August 28 at Manchester Crown Court.

Laughing rioter who served time for dealing cocaine and heroin joined baying mob outside asylum seeker hotel

20) Nigel Simpson

Simpson, 57, of Deerfold, Chorley, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on August 28 at Bolton Crown Court.

Thug who went to Bolton town centre carrying St George’s flag claimed he never meant to riot

21) Charlie Mott

Mott, 28, of Barton Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft from a shop and criminal damage. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on September 1 at Manchester Crown Court.

He claimed he had gone shopping at Sainsbury’s – CCTV told a very different story

22) Dane Potter

Potter, 39, of Bolton Road, Aspull, Wigan. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on September 4 at Bolton Crown Court.

Tree surgeon who claimed he ‘found himself in middle’ of riot holds head in hands as truth comes out

23) Scott Chadwick

Chadwick, 34, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and six months in prison on September 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

He knows what he did was ‘beyond stupid’, now he’s paying the price

24) Kye McGlade

McGlade, 24, of Oldham Street, Manchester. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft and criminal damage. Sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on September 10 at Manchester Crown Court.

Violent mob screamed ‘they’re taking our jobs’ as they stormed Sainsbury’s during Piccadilly Gardens riot

25) 14-year-old boy

Footage has emerged appearing to show a group of demonstrators smashing up a vape shop amid protests in Manchester city centre on Saturday (August 3). (Image: Submitted)

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and obstructing a police constable. Sentenced to a ten month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Parents’ horror at son’s actions after going into town for first time by himself

26) 15-year-old boy

Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and assaulting an emergency worker. Sentenced to a 12 month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Cocky teenager who thought it was all a big joke shamed by his mum with one-word put-down

27) 12-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to two counts of violent disorder at Newton Heath on July 31 and Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Mum who missed 12-year-old rioter son’s court date slapped with £1,200 fine – the same price as her holiday to Ibiza

28) 16-year-old boy

Riot police in Bolton last Sunday (Image: Manchester Evening News)

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. Sentenced to an 18 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Boy faces justice after he’s seen pulling terrifying weapon from trousers

29) Andrew Phillips

Phillips, 28, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.

The cowards left ashamed after watching their ‘unpleasant, deplorable’ actions back

30) David Green

Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.

The cowards left ashamed after watching their ‘unpleasant, deplorable’ actions back

31) Kemmy Grange

Grange, 20, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and possession of a class B drug. Sentenced to two and a half years in prison on September 14 at Manchester Crown Court.

Barrister claims disorder outside hotel housing asylum seekers was ‘less about racism’ and ‘more about’ anti-government sentiment

32) Tracy Pearson

Pearson, 53, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

Partners in crime…the couple separated for first time in 25 years after being locked up for their part in ‘deplorable’ riot

33) Michelle Jibson

Jibson, 45, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.

Partners in crime…the couple separated for first time in 25 years after being locked up for their part in ‘deplorable’ riot

34) 13-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

‘You’ll be paying it back’: The mums filled with shame as their arrogant sons are taken down a peg in court

35) 14-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

‘You’ll be paying it back’: The mums filled with shame as their arrogant sons are taken down a peg in court

36) Ryan Leckey

Ryan Leckey was jailed for 16 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Leckey, 24, of Lightbowne Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.

Business owner went to the pub to celebrate – then took his balaclava off

37) Darren Butler

Darren Butler was jailed for 17 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Butler, 42, of Cattlin Way, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.

Business owner went to the pub to celebrate – then took his balaclava off

38) 17-year-old boy

The boy pleaded guilty to criminal damage and violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to a 12 month intensive youth rehabilitation order on September 19 at Manchester Magistrates Court.

‘I’m not having that, I wasn’t born yesterday…’: Judge’s explosive rant at boy’s pathetic rioting excuse

39) Liam Ryan

Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on September 20 at Manchester Crown Court.

Yob who travelled to Manchester to ‘join in’ with riots moaned jail was ‘frightening’

40) Nevey Smith

Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month community order on September 23 at Manchester Crown Court.

Mum, 21, pushing her baby in a pram slammed for ‘extraordinary’ decision

41) Zakaria Sadiq

Sadiq, 21, of Bentinck Street, Farnworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on September 25 at Bolton Crown Court.

‘He says it was a moment of madness on his part’

42) Thomas Richard

Richard, 56, of Kingsland Close, Miles Platting. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on September 25 at Manchester Crown Court.

Spitting racist thugs ‘violated, degraded and dehumanised’ woman caught in middle of Piccadilly Gardens ‘protest’

43) Vanessa Smith

Vanessa Smith (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Smith, 42, of Farnborough Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.

A pram, a gran and a shameful family day out in Newton Heath

44) Lindsay Keenan

Lindsay Keenan (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Keenan, 50, of Glen Grove, Middleton. Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.

‘What on earth brought on this?’: Mum-of-two loses job following ‘appalling and deplorable’ scenes

45) Steven Miller

Miller, 38, Kennington Avenue, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 15 months in prison on September 27 at Manchester Crown Court.

‘We’re protecting our kids…’ rioter told he displayed ‘extraordinary level of ignorance’

46) Shaun Holt

Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on October 3 at Manchester Crown Court.

The smirking paedophile hunter now in jail

47) Anthony Whitelegg

Whitelegg, 40, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

“They were frightened and terrified”: A trip to Wetherspoons ended in jail

48) Aaron Davy

Davy, 18, of Liney Road, Cheadle. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

“They were frightened and terrified”: A trip to Wetherspoons ended in jail

49) Daylan Burgess

Burgess, 20, of Regent Square, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.

Climbing up scaffolding, storming Sainsbury’s and trying to smash a window… all ‘a bit of fun’

50) Laurence Dunkerley

Manchester Crown Court (Image: ABNM Photography)

Dunkerley, 37, of Marlborough Drive, Failsworth, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 7 at Manchester Crown Court.

He drove past a baying mob and parked in front of watching cops before grabbing a bottle of beer and joining in

51) Aaron Johnson

Johnson, 33, of Criterion Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred in Stockport on August 5. Sentenced to two years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court on October 10.

‘Wake up d***heads… it’s a civil war’: YouTuber jailed for stirring up racial hatred outside asylum seeker hotel

52) Destiny Waugh

A beauty therapy student turned up to a riot in a yellow dress and bought eggs that were handed out to teenagers and launched ‘as missiles’ towards police during violent disorder in Newton Heath. Destiny Waugh, 19, walked to a Shell garage near to where the scenes of disorder were unfolding, on Oldham Road on July 31 this year, and bought two cartons of six eggs, Manchester Crown Court heard. (Image: GMP)

Waugh, 19, of Risbury Walk, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months at Manchester Crown Court on October 15.

Read More

She turned up to a riot wearing a yellow dress and holding a box of eggs – then ended up in court

Manchester Evening News

PICTURED: The rioters, thugs and criminals locked up in Greater Manchester this week

By virginiagolden

September 1, 2024

Uncategorized

Prison terms are continuing to be handed out to those involved in the civil unrest earlier this month

More rioters have faced justice for their part in the civil unrest across Greater Manchester earlier this month.

Prosecutors have charged over 520 people following disorder across the UK, with the CPS saying they are ‘working around the clock’ with police to ‘deliver swift justice.’ In Piccadilly Gardens, a thug involved in an attack on a lone black man was jailed for 28 months.

In Bolton, two men were jailed for hurling missiles at the police as they tried to separate two rival factions during the disorder. And in Newton Heath, one man was handed 18 months in jail after he joined in with disorder outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers whilst on his way home from the pub.

Niall Charnock

A rioter barged through a police barrier into a ‘neutral zone’ before launching a ‘plastic bottle’ at police officers during large-scale violent disorder in Bolton.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Niall Charnock, 31, was captured on video footage shared online ‘throwing a missile’ at officers and breaking down the barrier during protests in the Greater Manchester town on August 4.

Demonstrators and counter-protesters clashed outside Bolton town hall earlier this month as missiles were thrown at police. Chief Constable Stephen Watson previously said the ‘orchestrated criminality’ had nothing to do with lawful protest. Charnock was jailed for 26 months.

**Mark Bridgeford**

A grandfather has been jailed for joining a mob attack on a lone black male – the latest rioter to face justice for the sickening violence that erupted in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Footage played in a court showed ‘cowardly’ Mark Bridgeford, 50, from Salford, was part of a mob of white men who attacked a lone black male in the square as a protest and counter protest erupted in violence.

The grandfather-of-five admitted he shouted at riot cops who moved in to protect the man ‘sort your own f***ing country out’ after he had punched and kicked his victim.
Bridgeford, of Canon Street in Salford, nodded to the judge as he was jailed for one year and eight months after pleading guilty to one offence of violent disorder.

A thug who launched a ‘hammer fist’ at a lone black man during unrest in Greater Manchester has pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Mark Bridgeford, 50, of Delaney Heights, Salford, has been warned he faces a lenghty sentence — A rioter barged through a police barrier into a ‘neutral zone’ before launching a ‘plastic bottle’ at police officers during large-scale violent disorder in Bolton.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Niall Charnock, 31, was captured on video footage shared online ‘throwing a missile’ at officers and breaking down the barrier during protests in the Greater Manchester town on August 4.

Demonstrators and counter-protesters clashed outside Bolton town hall earlier this month as missiles were thrown at police. Chief Constable Stephen Watson previously said the ‘orchestrated criminality’ had nothing to do with lawful protest. Charnock was jailed for 26 months.

**Mark Bridgeford**

A grandfather has been jailed for joining a mob attack on a lone black male – the latest rioter to face justice for the sickening violence that erupted in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Footage played in a court showed ‘cowardly’ Mark Bridgeford, 50, from Salford, was part of a mob of white men who attacked a lone black male in the square as a protest and counter protest erupted in violence.

The grandfather-of-five admitted he shouted at riot cops who moved in to protect the man ‘sort your own f***ing country out’ after he had punched and kicked his victim.
Bridgeford, of Canon Street in Salford, nodded to the judge as he was jailed for one year and eight months after pleading guilty to one offence of violent disorder.

Nigel Simpson

A rioter who was captured on CCTV launching an ‘item’ at the police told a court: “I was picking things up, officer.” Appearing on videolink from HMP Hewell, Nigel Simpson, 57, was jailed for over two years after footage captured him during the protests in Bolton on August 4.

At one stage he charged at counter protesters before running away whilst holding an England flag. He was then seen with a group who were hurling various items in the direction of the police, before he bent down and ‘collected’ items from the floor. He then launched a ‘missile’ at the cops, hitting one who turned round to see where it came from. Judge Walsh jailed Simpson, of Deerfold, Chorley, for 28 months.

**Lewis Whitworth**

A convicted drug dealer who took part in a ‘frightening’ attack outside a hotel which housed asylum seekers has been jailed.

On his way home from the pub, Lewis Whitworth, 30, a trainee mechanic, kicked a bus and joined a baying mob which hurled missiles and abuse at asylum seekers outside the premises close to his home in Newton Heath.

**Charlie Mott**

A lawless looter encouraged others to ransack a Sainsburys during widespread disorder in Manchester city centre.

Charlie Mott, 28, was captured on CCTV footage wearing a face covering as he gestured to a large group of rioters to go into the store on Mosley Street. He then followed them in, and stole numerous items.
As others stole large amounts of alcohol, one man was seen to run out of the store carrying bunches of bananas. A judge described it as ‘delinquent behaviour’ which ‘took advantage’ of the unrest.

Mott, of Eccles, was jailed for 18 months.

Manchester Evening News

Jailed, the ‘cowardly’ rioter who kicked and punched a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens

By virginiagolden

August 28, 2024

Uncategorized

Mark Bridgeford, 50, a grandfather, joined a mob attack in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3

A grandfather has been jailed for joining a mob attack on a lone black male – the latest rioter to face justice for the sickening violence that erupted in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Footage played in a court showed ‘cowardly’ Mark Bridgeford, 50, from Salford, was part of a mob of white men who attacked a lone black male in the square as a protest and counter protest erupted in violence.

The grandfather-of-five admitted he shouted at riot cops who moved in to protect the man ‘sort your own f***ing country out’ after he had punched and kicked his victim.

Disorder hit towns and cities across the country, including in Greater Manchester, followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club in Southport last month. Incorrect rumours – that the suspect in the stabbings was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a small boat – spread on social media and appears to have fuelled the trouble.

Prosecutor Duncan Wilcock told Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday: “On the 3rd August this year there were large-scale protests in Piccadilly Gardens here in the city centre resulting from the tragic events in Southport where three young girls were killed and several others were injured. Rumours circulated online as to who was responsible for that and as a result of that we know far-right protests were arranged around the country in Bristol, Rotherham, Liverpool and here in Manchester.”

The protest in Manchester was alongside a ‘rival protest’ in Piccadilly Gardens, said Mr Wilcock.

Bridgeford was seen on footage later gathered by the police in the area for at least two hours, the court was told. A lone black male came into the area where the far-right protest was taking place and a ‘fight broke out’ which resulted in the black male on the ground, said Mr Wilcock.

“This defendant was one of those people who were throwing punches towards the male with clenched fists and the male goes to the floor,” said the prosecutor. The male was then ‘surrounded’ by members of the mob who kicked him to his legs while he was on the ground, said Mr Wilcock.

Bridgeford was captured on the footage listening to ‘heated discussions’ which were taking place and ‘makes no attempt what-so-ever to leave the scene’, the court heard. “He appears to be there willingly,” said Mr Wilcock.

Bridgeford was then captured running out of the Gardens towards Mosley Street before grabbing a rucksack being worn by an Asian male and ‘dragging him backwards’, the court heard.

Footage was played in court which showed riot police moving in to protect the black male from the baying mob after he was attacked.

Bridgeford was identified as one of the rioters by the subsequent police investigation and when he was eventually interviewed on August 16 he told officers he had gone into Manchester on August 3 to visit Metro Bank and to buy flowers for the grave of his late daughter for the first anniversary of her death.

The court heard Bridgeford had not been in trouble with the law for nine years although he had 12 previous convictions to his name, including for battery, harassment and taking a vehicle without consent.

Emily Calman, defending, pointed out her client had admitted his crime ‘at the first opportunity’ and added he had only gone into Manchester that afternoon for flowers for his daughter’s grave. She said her client was ‘swept up’ in the trouble as there had been talk at the protest of ‘saving daughters and saving children’.

“It brought about a considerable amount of emotion on Mr Bridgeford’s part,” said Ms Calman, who went on that at some points the footage showed the defendant ‘trying to help people away from the violence’.

The lawyer said Bridgeford ‘will live to regret’ his part in the disorder on a day when he had planned to ‘remember his daughter’. Her client had made no attempt to disguise himself at the scene nor to deny his involvement during his police interview, the court was told.

Ms Calman pointed out there had been a ‘considerable gap’ since her client, who has five grandchildren, had last been in trouble with the law. Since then he had ‘beaten alcoholism’ and had been ‘working on himself’ to address mental health problems, she said.

Judge Patrick Field KC said ‘one suspects it may well have been’ a racially aggravated attack but he said he would not sentence the case as such as the burden of proof had not been met to the ‘criminal standard’.

The judge told the defendant: “You became involved in ugly and mindless violence and behaviour for which one trusts you are properly ashamed. You became part of of an assault on another man in Piccadilly Gardens. It was all part of a mass gathering that’s been described as a protest although the purpose and the nature of the protest remains unclear to me.

“A group of men surrounded and attacked another man kicking and punching him and it was all accompanied by shouts of encouragement from others. You specifically became willingly involved in what’s going on, punching the black man to his back and when he fell to the ground you kicked him. Those were cowardly punches and indeed cowardly kicks.”

Bridgeford, of Canon Street in Salford, nodded to the judge as he was jailed for one year and eight months after pleading guilty to one offence of violent disorder. No friends or family members were present in the public gallery when he was sentenced.

Manchester Evening News