Matthew Hodgekinson made offensive chants during the city centre riot

Jobless Matthew Hodgekinson was caught on CCTV throwing missiles at a mosque as Hanley descended into anarchy. The 33-year-old has been jailed for more than two years for his part in the city centre riot.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he shouted abuse at counter-protestors in Town Road on August 3, telling them to “pack your bags and f*** off home”. And Hodgekinson – who has a skull and cross bones tattoo on his face – was also heard chanting in support of Tommy Robinson.

Prosecutor Fiona Cortese said: “On CCTV footage the defendant is seen by the mosque in Town Road picking up an item. It’s not sure whether that item was thrown, but he then picks up two more items and throws them towards the mosque.

“The defendant goes to the counter protest shouting ‘F***ing cowards’, ‘Pack your bags and f*** off home’. He walks quickly towards a police officer and is pushed back.

“He was arrested on September 4. During interviewing, the defendant admitted throwing the two items and admitted to throwing more. He also said he was shouting ‘Stop the boats’ and chanting Tommy Robinson’s name.”

Hodgekinson, of High Street, Halmerend, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Stuart Muldoon, mitigating, told the court how his family know a different side to Hodgekinson’s character, and said although he’s unemployed he helps people in the community with gardening.

He added: “Mr Hodgekinson didn’t know there was a mosque there, and he said he threw the items towards the counter-protest because they were attacking him.”

Jailing him for 27 months, Judge Graeme Smith said: “On July 29 last year a horrific attack took place at a dance studio in Southport. Tragically three young girls were stabbed to death and others were injured. A young man was sentenced recently for 52 years.

“Regrettably, false information circulated online in particular about this man’s immigration status and ethnicity. A number of protests took place in the days following the incident, one of which took place on August 3 in Hanley,.

“[People] are allowed to protest through public demonstration, but that does not include violence. Town Road in the centre of Hanley is close to a cinema, restaurants and shops, and members of the public were out shopping, eating and enjoying their leisure time which was impacted by the disorder which lasted for several hours.

“Police officers were deployed to prevent violent disorder. Although some people conducted protests peacefully, many did not. Missiles were thrown – including you – weapons were brandished, and police officers and members of the public were injured. There were widespread acts of violence which resulted in serious fear, distress and disorder, as well as costs to the community.

“You were first seen outside Hanley Town Hall shouting and chanting – that did not amount to violent disorder, you were entitled to hold those views and shout those things, however when you reached Town Road the disorder spread. You are seen on CCTV throwing missiles – a very dangerous act. A number of people were hit, not necessarily by you. I have no idea if your missiles hit or not, but members of the public and police officers were injured.

“There was hostility towards religious groups, mainly Muslims, and you say you didn’t know the mosque was there and you didn’t shout anything about Muslims, your problems seem to be with immigration.”

Stoke Sentinel