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Concrete-hurling Plymouth protestor has charge downgraded in ‘wrong move’

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October 1, 2024
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Christopher Howe admitted throwing lump of concrete during large-scale disorder on August 5

A judge has said a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to reduce a charge of violent disorder to affray, on a man who hurled a lump of concrete at rival protestors in Plymouth on August 5, was “wrong, and seriously wrong”.

Christopher Howe, aged 53 and from Boscawen Place in Plymouth appeared at Plymouth Crown Court today, following his initial arrest a few days after the disorder in the city centre on the evening of August 5.

He was charged initially with violent disorder, but last week he appeared at Plymouth Crown Court where the charged had been amended to affray.

At the time Judge Robert Linford – who has so far presided over all the sentencing hearings of adults involved in the protests – questioned the new indictment and requested the matter go back to the “very senior Crown Prosecutor” who had made the decision to amend in charge.

At the time he passed a restriction barring any reporting of that hearing. The matter returned to court today and saw prosecutor Edward Bailey continue with the amended indictment of affray, to which Howe pleaded guilty.

Mr Bailey told the court that at 8.23pm on August 5 a police officer, working as a member of the police liaison team, which was tasked with “appealing for calm” during the early part of the protest, spotted Howe. Her bodyworn camera captured him throwing an object from the Hoe-side of Royal Parade towards the anti-immigration protestors on the north side of the road.

The court heard she escorted him away from the area, told him his actions were being recorded and contacted a senior officer on her radio for guidance.

Mr Bailey said Howe told officers he was a recovering alcoholic with a mental health disorder. As a result he was cautioned, telling the officers “it was a silly mistake”. He was told to leave the area which he did and the officer noted that Howe was “polite and engaging” throughout the interaction.

However, a few days later the same officer saw Howe entering the Poundland store in the city centre and radioed a supervisor who advised her to arrest him immediately.

Howe told the officer “you told me to walk away and I thought that was the end of it. It was a silly mistake. Will I be sentenced. Is it about the concrete that I threw. What a silly thing to do.”

During interview with police Mr Bailey said Howe admitted being in the city centre from around 11.30am and had been shopping. He later heard the beginnings of the protest but said he was unaware of what it was about. He walked towards it and at different points walked among both groups of protestors.

He told police nothing was thrown at him, but he saw the piece of concrete on the ground after it had landed near him, picked it up and threw it. He told police he did not know why he did it and “threw it without thinking about the repercussions”.

The court heard Howe told police he suffered from psychosis and heard voices although none told him to throw the concrete. He did not believe he was having an episode at that time and he had taken his medication.

Mr Bailey read out a number of submissions about the impact the disorder had on the local community and businesses, noting that the Theatre Royal had to cancel its performance that night and 800 tickets sold had to be reimbursed, costing the theatre around £5,000 plus additional losses due to revenue lost through the sale of merchandise, food and drink.

A representative of Piety Islamic Education Trust said the disorder meant that children’s activities had to be cancelled that afternoon, evening classes and prayers for women were also cancelled and Plymouth’s Islamic community was “left in fear”.

In mitigation, Howe’s advocate Deni Matthews noted that he was of previous good character and a letter from the CPS had explained why the charge of affray had replaced the original charge of violent disorder.

He said it was a short-lived incident, with only one item thrown. He said since 2019 Howe has lost both his wife and his mother in quick succession.

He had been a care worker up until that point but afterwards his mental health had suffered. He had two grown up daughters and two grandchildren and had a partner since the loss of his wife.

Mr Matthews noted that Howe had already spent 52 days on remand and had been allowed to work labouring and gardening while in prison, had achieved a level of trust for his good behaviour and had taken up courses purely to keep busy and active while on remand.

Judge Robert Linford reminded Howe of his words to other offenders who had come before him to be sentenced for violent disorder in Plymouth, stating that there had been “widespread orchestrated public disorder” and adding that police who attended “acted with considerable and commendable restraint in the way that they dealt with those that were intent on trouble”.

He said the impact of the disorder on the city had been “considerable”, with shops, pubs, clubs and the theatre having to close with a substantial loss of revenue, bus routes were disrupted, elements of the community were in fear and the ambulance service was affected.

He said people came into the city centre and “ran amok” throwing stones, fireworks, missiles with the intent of “damaging property and hurting other people” and reminded Howe that he had warned others who had faced him in court that “people who involved themselves in this incident go to prison – it is as simple as that.”

He told Howe he wanted to make it clear he would sentence him for the offence of affray as this was the charge the Crown Prosecution Service had chosen to indict him with “in stark and remarkable contrast to the position of others who have been indicted with a much more serious offence of violent disorder”.

Judge Linford told Howe: “As you know, I have questioned that decision, but the prosecution stand by it. The fact that I believe them to be wrong – and seriously wrong – cannot affect the sentence which I pass on you, because that decision is not any of your doing.”

He explained that Howe was on the Hoe side of the Royal Parade and “in common with others who I have sentenced, were seen to throw an item at the other group”.

Judge Linford said Howe was taken away by a police officer, apologised and was cautioned, claiming it was a “silly mistake”.

He remarked: “It was more than that. It was extremely dangerous. When you were arrested, sometime later, you confessed that was a piece of concrete. I don’t know what CCTV those responsible for this charge saw, but I saw you throw that object and you were part of that group on [the Hoe] side of Royal Parade.”

He noted the “considerable” mitigation available to Howe, including his age, his lack of any previous convictions, his “genuine” remorse, his mental health issues and the loss of close loved ones.

He also noted that he was not a part of group activity. He said Howe had a “good work ethic” and said he hoped Howe was successful in returning to work in the care industry.

He added: “This incident aside, you are an utterly and completely decent member of society.” He also added that Howe pleaded guilty “at the earliest possible opportunity”.

Judge Linford said his starting point, under the sentencing guidelines, was two years, reduced to 16 months due to the early guilty plea.

However, he said that with regards to Howe’s sentence he had to “stand back and look at sentences received by others”.

He said there were others who pleaded guilty to violent disorder who received sentences longer than 16 months, remarking “I’ve got to do justice – I’ve got to reflect that you’ve had the good fortune to have been charged with an offence with a less severe maximum sentence.”

As such he said he would reduce the sentence to 10 months and Howe would serve four months before being released with the rest of the term spent on licence.

In closing Judge Linford said he would lift reporting restrictions, adding “this sentencing exercise may be reported”.

Plymouth Herald

Further sentences handed out following Plymouth disorder

By
September 1, 2024
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A further two people have been sentenced for their involvement in the violent disorder which descended onto the streets of Plymouth earlier this month.

So far, a total of 25 people have been charged and 19 people have been sentenced for their part in the unrest which gripped the city on the evening of Monday 5 August.

With what started out as two planned protests in the city turned into violent disorder with bottles and bricks being launched in all directions, with much of the violence aimed at police officers who had put themselves in-between the two opposing protest groups.

Jamie West, aged 34 of Park Avenue, Devonport, was also sentenced today to 20 months in prison for his role in the incident. West was captured on CCTV footage at the top of Royal Parade, after the protest had surged from the central part of the city centre to the top. He was seen picking up items and throwing them at officers and members of the public while shouting abuse.

Paul Braidwood, aged 44 of Ward Place, Plymouth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Truro Crown Court on 21 August and received 20 months in prison. The court had heard how Braidwood, who had been wearing a mask across the bottom of his face, had been part of a group of approximately 50 people walking up the Royal Parade towards an opposing group who had also congregated in the area.

Braidwood spouted verbal abuse at an officer before pulling them to the ground and punching them in the face. While on the floor, the officer was then kicked in the head by another individual before being helped up by colleagues.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “These convictions feature men from each opposing group who decided to resort to violence that night.

“The sentencing reflects the seriousness of the incident and the real threat that our communities faced.

“Today’s outcome sends a clear message that we don’t discriminate, if you break the law, threaten public safety, and harm communities, we will pursue you and bring you to justice.

ACC Longman added: “We remain proud of what our officers achieved that night in bringing the disorder under control and I wish to thank the public for their ongoing support in our pursuit of justice.”

Devon and Cornwall Police

Rioters, looters and ‘keyboard warriors’ – everyone jailed this week over UK protests – Part two

By
August 19, 2024
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Reece Greenwood, Sunderland (two years and six months)

A father-to-be who live-streamed himself shouting racial slurs during riots in Sunderland has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for violent disorder. Reece Greenwood, 31, posted footage on Facebook of himself “actively encouraging” the rioters and “verbally abusing police officers repeatedly”.

He shouted encouragement as others threw missiles at officers and could be heard making racial and religious remarks such as “f****** Muslim bastards” and “whose streets, our streets” – a phrase “synonymous with the English Defence League”, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

A judge was told scenes of people throwing rocks and readying beer kegs to throw seemed to buoy Greenwood, and he was heard laughing on the footage. He also filmed a mob vandalising a police vehicle.

Riley Adey, Sunderland (two years)

A teenager filmed waving from the top of an overturned car was locked up for his role in riots in Sunderland. Riley Adey, 19, was part of a group that attacked police during a “protest that soon turned to widespread violence” in the city on August 2.

He was filmed repeatedly throwing missiles at officers, including a vape, a brick and a scaffolding pole, Newcastle Crown Court heard. He was also seen standing and waving on top of an upturned vehicle after it had been set alight and taking a fire extinguisher from a damaged building.

Prosecutor Omar Ahmad said stolen fire extinguishers were sprayed at officers, obscuring their vision, although there was no evidence Adey had been responsible for that. Adey was sentenced to two years’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Judge Paul Sloan KC said Adey had “brought shame on the city” by taking part in an “orgy of mindless mindless, destructive violence”.

Paul Smith, Manchester (two years and ten months)

A man who threw bricks at police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for two years and 10 months. Paul Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Manchester, was sentenced for violent disorder on Thursday morning at Manchester Crown Court.

In footage shown in court, Smith can be seen throwing bricks and a bottle towards police officers and vehicles during the disorder outside the Holiday Inn hotel in Manchester on July 31. Prosecutor Philip Hall said of Smith’s demeanour on the footage: “He’s smiling and appears to be taking some delight from the event.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge John Potter said: “On July 29, an appalling and tragic attack took place in Southport. Three children lost their lives and numerous other children and adults were seriously injured in a knife attack.

“Shortly after that attack, lies were deliberately spread via leaflets, the internet and social media as to who may have been responsible. This material emphasised the supposed nationality, ethnicity and religion of the alleged attacker. Inspired by the ignorance of racism, mobs gathered in towns and cities throughout the country intent on retribution.”

Oliver Chapman, Manchester (one year and eight months)

A man who carried out a “spinning kick” against a shop window during disorder in Manchester has been jailed for 20 months. Oliver Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced for violent disorder.

Prosecutor Philip Hall said Chapman was “part of a group seen kicking shop fronts” in Manchester city centre on August 3. During a police interview, Chapman admitted kicking a shop front, saying: “I’d done a silly spinning kick to it.”

Judge John Potter told Chapman that he had taken part in an “incident of lawlessness” and “violently kicked a glass door”. The judge added: “You decided to align yourself with a large group of individuals who were intent on causing violence.”

Philip Hoban, Leeds (eight months)

A self-styled paedophile hunter has been jailed for eight months at Leeds Crown Court after admitting racially abusing protesters who gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city. Phil Hoban, 48, was a prominent figure in an anti-immigration demonstration in the centre of Leeds on Saturday August 3, where he could be seen shouting at hundreds of rival protesters and leading the chanting.

The anti-immigration demo in Leeds city centre was part of a series across England but, despite some scuffles with police, it did not turn violent in same way as others in Hull and Liverpool on the same day. Father-of-three Hoban is the founder of Predator Exposure – a group which set-up sting operations against men who made contact with fake profiles of teenage girls they set up online.

In 2019, Hoban was one of group of six from Predator Exposure who went on trial accused offences including false imprisonment following sting operations against two men. But they were all acquitted by a jury after telling the court they were engaged in lawful citizens’ arrests.

Hoban, of Northcote Crescent, Leeds, was jailed on Thursday after previously admitting causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.


Joseph Ley, Manchester (three years and two months)

A man who punched and kicked a black man in the face during disorder in Manchester has been jailed for three years and two months. Joseph Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport, was sentenced for violent disorder.

Ley was also given a sentence of two months, to run concurrently, for possession of an offensive weapon – an extendable baton – that was found at his home.

Prosecutor Philip Hall said footage obtained by police showed “a black male being confronted by a group of white males” in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on August 3. Mr Hall said the attack was “motivated by racial hatred” and Ley was the “first to instigate physical violence” against the man, punching and kicking him in the face.

Ley, a father-of-two, was heard on footage saying: “You got a problem with us English, bro?’” In the footage, members of the crowd can also be heard shouting “kill him” and “stamp on his f****** face”.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge John Potter told Ley: “Your actions in Piccadilly Gardens amounted to nothing more or less than mindless violence inspired by your bigoted and racist views. You took a leading role in the attack – being the first person who instigated any violence. You are a violent racist offender who has access to weapons capable of causing very serious harm.”

Defending, Emily Calman said Ley had “thought he was attending an event to celebrate British culture”.

Kevin Searle, Weymouth (one year and nine months)

A father-of-one who poured a can of cider over a police officer during a protest in Weymouth has been jailed for 21 months. Kevin Searle, of Weymouth, Dorset, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker during the demonstration on August 4.

Matthew Mortimer, prosecuting, told Bournemouth Crown Court that the 40-year-old had been fishing during the day and had drunk six cans of cider before, as he was walking home, he heard the noises of the protest and decided to join in.

He said: “The defendant stated that he met people at the protest that he had not seen for a while and got caught up in the moment. He described the atmosphere as being hyped up, almost like being at a football match.”

He said Searle was part of the anti-immigration group which was faced by a counter-demonstration and police had formed a cordon to keep the groups apart. Mr Mortimer said: “The defendant was an attendee of the protest and was amongst two other males who were aggressively pushing and shoving the police officers present. It appeared that they were intent on breaking through the cordon.”

He described how the officers had to draw their batons and were forced to push the protesters back. He continued: “Whilst the defendant was attempting to push through the cordon, he was heard to hurl verbal abuse. The defendant had a can of cider in his hand and as the crowd surged forwards he was seen to pour the contents over (a police officer).”

Mr Mortimer said the defendant told police in interview that he did not know why he joined the protest and he was not a “violent or racist” person. The court heard that Searle had previously appeared in court 32 times for 52 offences including three offences against the person and six offences of public disorder and the current offences were in breach of a community order.


Ian Vetier, Weymouth (one year and six months)

A house husband was locked up for 18 months for violent disorder for taking part in a “far-right” protest in Weymouth despite the efforts of his wife to coax him away. Father-of-three Ian Vetier, of Weymouth, pleaded guilty to the offence at Bournemouth Crown Court in relation to the demonstration on August 4.

Richard Tutt, prosecuting, said that the 36-year-old played a “prominent” role among the group he described as the “Enough is enough” group which had gathered to confront a larger Stand Up To Racism group. He described how police officers feared for their safety as they attempted to control the protest group who were shouting and swearing aggressively at them.

He added that the police attempted to stop the “far-right group” as it attempted to march towards the counter-demonstration despite such a march not being “planned or agreed” with the police. He said that an officer “noticed two males pushing and shoving against one of the police sergeants who was then pushing back and the two males were trying to get past the cordon”.

He added: “One of those males was identified as Ian Vetier and he is noticeable as he is one of a few males who was shirtless and was holding a Union Jack flag in his right hand.” He added: “Mr Vetier can be seen and heard shouting ‘It’s a free country mate’, and a little later he was saying words to this effect: ‘You f****** wrong ‘un, back them f****** ragheads, c**** mate, the lot of them.” The protest group then started chanting collectively ‘Who the f*** is Allah?’

Richard Martin, defending, said that Vetier had shown remorse for his actions and had pledged not to attend another demonstration in the future. The court heard that Vetier was a “house husband” who had previously been convicted of three counts covering seven offences of dishonesty between 2013 and 2016.

Judge William Mousley KC told the court that Vetier’s wife could be seen in video footage shown to the court trying to “coax him away from his prominent position”. Mr Martin responded: “She was supportive of him but she is the one left carrying the consequences of what her husband did.”

Michael Whitehead, Rotherham (two years and eight months)

A man who shouted “you’re not fit to wear the badge” at police officers guarding a hotel housing asylum seekers which was being attacked in Rotherham has been jailed for two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed.

Michael Whitehead, 27, shouted and chanted to a mob at the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday August 3. More than 60 officers were injured as they battled hundreds of people outside the hotel in the Manvers area of the town, with some gaining entry to the building and trying to set it alight with a burning bin.

According to the CPS, Whitehead’s chants included “You’re not fit to wear the badge” to the officers and “Let’s go f****** mental, Let’s go f****** mental” to the mob.

Whitehead admitted violent disorder and was jailed on Thursday.

Paul Dixon, Nottingham (four months)

A father-of-one has been jailed for four months after admitting punching an Asian man at a protest where he chanted racial insults. Paul Dixon, 35, was recorded shouting “paedo” and “Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah” while attending a protest in Nottingham on August 3 before he punched an unknown Asian man during an altercation.

The railway safety supervisor, of Broadwood Road in Bestwood, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to the charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. After the defendant was identified by police from a YouTube video, he was arrested on Wednesday and was found in possession of cannabis, which he also pleaded guilty to on Thursday.

Graham Heathcote, defending Dixon, said the defendant had been out drinking with friends on the evening of the protest but he had “no interest” in joining.

Sentencing Dixon, district judge Sunil Khanna said: “You did not want to get involved in the demonstration but you clearly did. This incident escalated in violence. I also have to bear in mind that it did not get any worse but there was a chance it could have.”


Billy Pemberton, Rotherham (two years and four months)

A painter and decorator was caught on video with a mob which was attacking a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham. Billy Pemberton has been jailed for two years and four months after a court heard how he was filmed in a group which was throwing missiles at a small group of cornered police guarding the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday August 3, but there was no evidence he threw anything himself.

Pemberton, 31, of Rosehill Road, Rawmarsh, was also spotted in a group which was chanting “who the f*** is Allah?” and admitted picking up a baton dropped by a police officer which he took away from the scene.

Sheffield Crown Court heard earlier this week how Pemberton was “utterly dejected and remorseful” and faced losing his business, which employs three people. He was jailed on Thursday after admitting violent disorder.

Aaron Bradshaw, Ben Judge, and Jonathan Ambrose, North East (up to three years)

Four people, including a 28-year-old man who threw bricks, stones and wood at police, were jailed for taking part in unrest in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Aaron Bradshaw, from Hartlepool, was captured on footage a number of times throwing missiles at officers during disorder on July 31, Cleveland Police said. The force said he “played a significant role” in the rioting and “demonstrated aggressive behaviour”.

At one point, he was in possession of a police-style baton and lashed out at the officers attempting to assault them, the force added. Bradshaw was jailed at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday for two years and eight months.

Ben Judge, 28, also from Hartlepool, was jailed for three years. The force 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.

Ben Judge, 28, also from Hartlepool, was jailed for three years. The force 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, 33, also 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.

Kerry Gove, Andrew Ball and Grant Braidwood, Plymouth (18 months and 32 months)

Two men and a woman have been jailed for their roles in a protest in Plymouth which created fear and anxiety in the local community. Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 – all from Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court having pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the demonstration in the Devon city on August 5.

Ball and Braidwood were both give prison terms of 32 months, while Gove was jailed for 18 months.

Holly Rust, prosecuting, described how Ball had been “aggressive towards officers, swearing at them, squaring up to them and poured a can of drink over them”. She said that police pushed him to the ground as he was attempting to reach a counter-demonstration.

The court heard that Ball has appeared in court previously on 51 occasions for 93 offences including racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress and for public order offences. Chris Cuddihee, defending Ball, said: “He had too much to drink and was swept up in the atmosphere, he doesn’t seek to justify his behaviour and he is genuinely remorseful.”

The court heard that Braidwood had been in court previously on 27 occasions for 62 offences including assault and assaulting a police officer and public order offences. Mr Cuddihee, who also represented Braidwood, said that he was a “devoted father to four children” and had autistic spectrum disorder which meant he had “tunnel vision and was unable to stop himself”.

In a separate hearing, Ms Rust said that Gove had asked police “Are you British?”, had been seen to climb on railings and had pushed and kicked out at a police officer’s shield. Deni Matthews, defending Gove, said she was of previous good character and added: “She expressed her own disgust at what had been said, there was clear expression of disgust at her own behaviour.”

David Wilkinson, Hull (six years)

A member of a “baying mob” that forced three Romanian men from their car during riots in Hull was jailed for six years. David Wilkinson, 48, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage after playing a “prominent role” in the violence and disorder that gripped the city on August 3.

Hull Crown Court heard the driver of a BMW was left in fear for his life when more than 100 “angry” men descended on him and his two cousins and attempted to drag them from the car, punched him in the head and tried to strike him with a metal bar. In footage of the incident, the three “terrified” men in the vehicle could be seen getting out with their hands raised in a gesture of surrender before fleeing to a nearby hotel, the court heard.

Wilkinson was captured in the video damaging the windscreen of the car, which suffered £1,500 of damage. The court heard at other points during the day of disorder Wilkinson spat, threw missiles and pushed wheelie bins at a police line protecting a hotel known to house asylum seekers. He appeared to be holding nunchucks – a martial arts weapon – at one point, it was said.

During an attack on a garage in which nine cars were damaged, Wilkinson was seen trying to set fire to a bin on top of a pile of tyres which were already alight, sending plumes of black smoke through the shutters of the workshop, where a group of people were sheltering.

Paul Wiliams, Sunderland (two years and two months)

A 45-year-old man threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during rioting in Sunderland. Paul Williams was jailed for two years and two months at Newcastle Crown Court.

A judge was shown video of Williams, 45, of Esdale, Sunderland, acting aggressively towards lines of police during the widespread disorder in the city centre on August 2. The court heard how he shouted “put your shields down and let’s go, let’s f****** go” and took his shirt off as he squared up to police, running at the line of riot shields.

Sophie Allinson, defending, said her client was not aware of any protest and had gone into Sunderland city centre to collect takeaway food after a spot of gardening in the sun. Ms Allinson said it was “utterly bizarre” that he then “changed his behaviour in the most disgraceful fashion”, becoming the “front-runner” of the mob.

The barrister said her client, who admitted violent disorder, has no political opinions around immigration and was “entirely unaware of the basis of what started this”, saying his “moment of madness” was down to having drunk eight cans of lager.

Steven Love, Travis Whitelock and Corey Holloway, Hull (up to three years and four months)

Three men who took part in a barrage of verbal and physical abuse towards police during riots in Hull have been jailed.

Steven Love, 41, who hurled an empty bin at a protective line of officers, was sentenced to 40 months in prison as a judge told him he was “lucky not to be charged with riot” after his central role in the disorder.

Travis Whitelock, 23, was jailed for two years after also playing a “prominent role” that included pushing a street litter bin onto a burning pile of rubbish and shoving a large wheelie bin at police.

Corey Holloway, 20, was detained for 18 months in a young offenders institution after throwing a traffic cone at police and behaving in a “violent and aggressive manner”.

All three pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

John Honey, Hull (four years and eight months)

A man pictured looting a branch of cosmetics chain Lush while wearing a “distinctive” England flag T-shirt during riots in Hull has been jailed for 56 months. John Honey, 25, helped attack a BMW carrying three Romanian men, targeted a garage leaving nine vehicles damaged, and pushed bins at police lines during the disorder on August 3.

Honey pleaded guilty to violent disorder and three charges of burglary at Lush, an O2 store and Shoezone. He also admitted racially aggravated criminal damage over the BMW incident, and damaging nine other cars during an attack on a garage.

A sentencing hearing earlier in the week was adjourned after a prison probation officer said Honey had asked him “if he wanted his autograph because he was famous”, which the court heard could have undermined Honey’s claim of being “genuinely remorseful”.

But after hearing that Honey had developmental issues due to his “difficult start in life”, Judge John Thackray KC said his alleged comment “does not have the significance it would otherwise have”.

The judge told Honey: “I’m not going to hear any evidence about comments which you may or may not have made in the prison setting. I’m not going to give them any relevance. If your defence say that there is now genuine remorse, I’ll accept that submission.”

Roger Haywood, Blackpool (two years and six months)

A 41-year-old man was jailed for 30 months for his part in disorder in Blackpool on Saturday August 3. Roger Haywood encouraged a group of men, women and children to follow him to various locations, including the Cenotaph and Blackpool Tower, while the resort was busy with visiting families.

He repeatedly verbally abused police officers and then attempted to pull up the shutters of a store in the Hounds Hill shopping centre before he assaulted a member of its security team, said Lancashire Police. He was later arrested on the same evening and assaulted an officer as they attempted to restrain him.

Haywood, of Yew Tree Road, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault.

Sarah Gallagher, district crown prosecutor for CPS Northwest, said: “When a violent mob descended on Blackpool on August 3, Roger Haywood took a leading role in the disorder, encouraging others and behaving aggressively towards members of the public and police officers. This vile behaviour cannot go unchallenged. Those taking to the streets, taking part in violent conduct and spreading fear in our communities must face the consequences of their actions.”

Manchester Evening News

Latest rioters plead guilty to violent disorder after far-right protest in Plymouth

By
August 15, 2024
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A woman and two men are the latest people to have pleaded guilty to violent disorder following a far-right anti-immigrant protest in Plymouth.

Devon and Cornwall Police said that Kerry Gove, aged 34, of Maker View; Andrew Ball, aged 49, of Lisson Grove, and Grant Braidwood, aged 40 and of Elliott Road, all admitted violent disorder. They are all in prison on remand to await sentencing.

Gove, Ball and Braidwood appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court this morning, Thursday, August 15. All three pleaded guilty to violent disorder in connection to a far-right protest which took place in the city centre on Monday, August 5.

Devon and Cornwall Police released a statement which said: “Three people have pleaded guilty to violent disorder, in connection with events in Plymouth on Monday 5 August.

“They have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court tomorrow, Friday 16 August.

“Kerry Gove, aged 34, of Maker View, Plymouth, Andrew Ball, aged 49, of Lisson Grove, Plymouth and Grant Braidwood, aged 40, of Elliott Road, Plymouth.”

The National Police Chief’s Council has said 1,127 people have been charged across the UK following a number of riots since July 29. It said there has been 1,127 arrests and 648 charges in relation to the ongoing disorder.

Plymouth Herald

Judge savagely puts Plymouth rioter in his place

By
August 13, 2024
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“let’s see what you’ve cost the country”

Two more men who took part in the violent disorder in Plymouth city centre last week have all been jailed with the sentencing Judge rounding on one of them claiming they were in no position to determine “who should or should not be in this country” having cost the public purse over the years.

John Cann, aged 51 of Patna Place, Plymouth and Ryan Bailey, aged 41 of no fixed abode, Plymouth, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Monday and appeared at Plymouth Crown Court this morning where they heard their fate.

Cann and Bailey were first to appear to be sentenced and prosecutor Lewis Aldous noted how Cann had been seen on police video footage on his mobility bike on the north side of Royal Parade, first bending down and picking up an item and throwing it at the counter-protestors. He was then shown later picking up firework and hurling it just before it went off.

He told police during his interview following his arrest that he went into the city with a friend to view the protest, thinking it would “kick off because an immigrant had killed some girls”.

He insisted he held no animosity towards police and that his own nephew was an officer. He confirmed he was on medication, but had also been smoking cannabis. He told police he was not a racist and that he did light the firework with a cigarette he was smoking.

The court was told he had 26 convictions for 170 offences.

Mr Aldous said Bailey had been caught on camera picking up a can and throwing it with the contents spilling out and was heard shouting along with the chants of “refugees not welcome here”. During police interview he initially denied the offence, but later admitted hurling the can, saying that somebody had thrown it at him first.

The court heard Bailey had 24 convictions for 39 offences, including a public order offence and in 2020 was sentenced for two years for a robbery. He also had previous for drugs offences and being drunk and disorderly in 2018.

In mitigation, Bailey and Cann’s advocate Feleens Grosvenor said Cann had a history of “largely non-violent” offences. He insisted he had no alignment with the far right, did not hide his face and was “disgusted with himself” was sorry and had written a letter to police to apologise. He claimed he was injured while having a “peaceful discussion” with an officer and police helped him up when he fell and hit his head.

She noted that he had diagnoses for PTSD and anxiety, suffered a deprived upbringing, was placed in care since the age of six years old and in 1992 fell 95 feet and severely damaged his leg, resulting in him being in a coma for a short while, and the requirement of a prosthetic leg since 2010. She noted he was also a heroin user but had been clean for three-and-a-half years.

Ms Grosvenor said Bailey had apologised for his actions and was ashamed. She said he claimed to not previously been aware of the protests, did not have a long history of violence and had not offended since 2020. On the night he claimed to have been hit by the can and made a “spontaneous decision” to throw it back. She said Bailey had shown genuine remorse, suffered anxiety and depression and was taking medication for both. In addition he had been homeless for a year and was currently being house in a hostel, but would lose the place there if jailed.

Judge Robert Linford reiterated his statements from previous sentencings for the violent disorder, noting the huge disruption and anxiety it caused the city, resulting in the closure of pubs, clubs, shops, a medical centre and the theatre and the costs to the public transports services, health services and emergency services.

Again he said he emphasised that “the word is going to go out from this court that people who behave in this way are going to go to prison and going to go for some considerable time”.

He told Cann he deliberately lit and threw the firework which was an “extremely dangerous thing to do” and he could have hit anyone which would have meant him facing “far more serious charges than these.”

To Bailey he said he was “in the midst of the disorder, chanting along moronically with the other members of this mob”.

He told Cann that during police interview he “spouted the dangerously inaccurate nonsense that was behind these incidents of disorder countrywide” pointing out that he told police during his interview that the protests were about “an immigrant that had killed girls”.

Judge Linford noted that the judge in Liverpool who dealt with the alleged perpetrator of the attacks “took the unusual step of naming him in an attempt to show people that the person in question was not an immigrant – but they [other rioters] and you didn’t really care about that. It was just an excuse to go out and have a go at people with whose views you disagree.”

Judge Robert Linford then rounded on Cann telling him that according to his police interview he discussed with them “about the better use of taxpayers’ money and why people were having to pay to keep these people in this country after committing such heinous crimes.”

Judge Linford then launched a stinging rebuke to Cann saying: “So let’s look at how the taxpayer have been funding your activities over the last 38 years – let’s see what you’ve cost the country: you’ve got 10 aliases, four fictitious birth dates, you’re 51 years of age, you’ve been convicted of 170 offences, you been convicted of theft, arson, taking cars, handling stolen goods, obtaining by deception, burglary, dangerous driving and possessing bladed articles. In all over the years that you’ve been visiting the criminal justice system you’ve received sentences totalling 357 months in prison, many of them concurrent.

“In other words, nearly 30 years. That Mr Cann is what you’ve been costing this country and you sit there in that interview and saw fit to be critical of others. You have no right whatever to say who should or should not be in this country.”

To Bailey, Judge Linford said he had 29 convictions for 39 offences, including theft, criminal damage, possession of drugs, supply of class A drugs, threatening behaviour, breach of a Domestic Violence Protection Order and robbery “and you were chanting with therest of that rabble about immigration”

“You two were in no position to judge anybody”.

Judge Linford accepted the pair had pleaded guilty at the earlier opportunity and handed Cann a three year jail sentence and Bailey a 30 month jail sentence. He said they would serve half before being released on licence.

Plymouth Herald

‘Steaming drunk’ man caught up in Plymouth violence

By
August 13, 2024
Uncategorized

He has landed himself in jail

A judge questioned the case against a protestor who pleaded guilty to violent disorder after watching a number of videos supplied by the prosecution.

Gary Harkness, aged 51 of North Road West, Plymouth had previously pleaded guilty at Plymouth Magistrates’ court to the charge of violent disorder on August 5 in Plymouth city centre, accepting his role in the large scale disorder.

He was remanded into custody and appeared along with three other men before Judge Robert Linford who heard from prosecutor Lewis Aldous who said Harkness was prolific throughout the evening and on numerous occasions was captured on CCTV or BodyWornVideo cameras ‘front and centre’ as police attempted to push crowds back. He was abusive towards officers and made a “nuisance of himself”.

He was alleged to have pushed back at a dog handler causing the dog to go towards him.

However, after showing two videos in evidence Mr Aldous was interrupted by Judge Linford who accepted Harkness was clearly present and in the front row but went on to query the charge itself.

He said people were entitled to protests and throw their arms around, “but as long as they’re not using threatening behaviour it’s not an offence, is it?”

Prosecutor Lewis Aldous went on to show a third video showing Harkness near the Minster Church being pushed back by a dog handler and putting his hand up towards the officer.

Judge Linford then called for a halt to proceedings, cleared the court and went into chambers to carry out discussions with the prosecution.

After around half an hour the court returned and a third video was shown whereupon Harkness’s advocate Zoe Kuyken said her client accepted he made the comments “f*** off, come on”, had pushed at a riot shield, and waved his arms about but while he accepted was a threat of unlawful violence but did not accept was that he was physically violent on any occasions and thus this was his basis of plea.

Mr Aldous explained that Harkness had been at work and was walking home and did not know about the protest. He admitted he had been drinking a lot and could not remember much about the incident but had seen the news, claiming he thought it would be a vocal but not violent incident.

The court heard that between him and a friend they had drunk “17 or 18 cans” of alcohol and “three quarters of a bottle of tequila between them”. The court was told Harkness admitted to being a “binge drinker” and was “steaming drunk and absolutely annihilated and didn’t really know what he was doing”.

He claimed he saw the placards, but had no political allegiance himself, was “not a racist”, was ex-military and suffered from PTSD. The court was told he had nine convictions for 14 offences including a 2018 conviction for possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a controlled drug.

Ms Kuyken said Harkness had gone to help a man on the floor when he was pushed by police and pushed back at the shield. He denied taking part in a “violent altercation” but accepted he did make the comments accused of him. He still struggled with drink, suffered PTSD from his time in the army where he particularly worked with dogs and worked helping a friend’s waste management role, which he had now lost due to photographs of him at the disorder appearing in the media. His fiancé was at the back of the court and Ms Kuyken said Harkness regularly helped his elderly mother but this was no longer going to be possible.

Judge Linford said he accepted Harkness’s explanation that he did not align himself with either faction but became involved and the consequence was he pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He said the plea accepted that he threatened unlawful violence. He said he had watched the CCTV and the case was opened as if he was “a prolific” but while he agreed Harkness was “prolifically vocal” he was unable to hear threats and as such he could not be satisfied that he was issuing racist threats.

He said that of the people he had sentenced so far “you are the person that provides me with the most difficulty because it cannot be levelled that you hit anyone, neither have you thrown anything, neither is it said that you spat at anybody”, but Harkness accepted he was party to the disorder and that “anybody party to this disorder has to receive a custodial sentence”.

As such, noting the mitigating and aggravating factors – including his PTSD “as a result for service to this country” and that he was “one of the least involved that I have had to sentence” – Judge Linford handed Harkness a jail sentence of 12 months of which he would serve half before being released.

As he was led away Harkness said: “I apologise for my outburst, sorry again your honour”.

Plymouth Herald

Four sentenced for violent disorder in Plymouth

By
August 13, 2024
Uncategorized

Four people have been sentenced for their parts in violent protests in Plymouth City Centre earlier this month.

John Cann, Ryan Bailey, Gary Harkness and Amer Walid all previously admitted offences of violent disorder at Plymouth Crown Court.

Cann, 51, who threw a lit firework was told by the judge told he had “no right whatsoever to say who should and shouldn’t be in this country”.

Sentencing him to three years in prison, Judge Robert Linford said Cann had been “spouting the sort of dangerous inaccurate nonsense that was behind these incidents”.

‘Costing this country’

The court heard Cann, of Patna Place, who has 26 convictions for 170 offences, referred in a police interview after his arrest to the cost to taxpayers of immigrants and said he thought the protest was “because an immigrant had killed some girls”.

The judge said the “person in question was not an immigrant but they and you didn’t care, it was just an excuse”.

Judge Linford said he wanted to talk about the cost to the taxpayer of Cann’s activities, saying he had 10 aliases, four fictitious birthdates and 170 offences for which he had been sentenced to 357 months in prison for – most of which had run concurrently.

“That Mr Cann is what you’ve been costing this country,” Judge Linford said.

“You have no right whatsoever to say who should and shouldn’t be in this country.”

The court heard Ryan Bailey, 41, of no fixed abode, Plymouth, who also admitted violent disorder, was seen picking up a can and throwing it and also chanting about immigrants not being welcome.

Feleena Grosvenor, defending Bailey and Cann said both were remorseful and had written letters apologising for their actions.

She said Bailey’s letter said: “I’ve reflected on my part of Monday and I’m ashamed of my actions towards the police and the other side. I’m very sorry, I wish I’d never walked down the street that way.”

Sentencing Bailey, who the court heard had 24 convictions for 39 previous offences, to 30 months in prison, Judge Linford said of the anti-immigration chants that he was “in no position to judge anybody”.

“The word is going to go out from this court that that people who behave in this way are going to go to prison and going to go to prison for a considerable time,” he added.

‘Obnoxious racism’

Gary Harkness, 51, of North Road West, who the court heard has nine previous convictions for 14 offences, was sentenced to 12 months for his part in the disorder.

Lewis Aldous, prosecuting, said Harkness could be seen at least eight times on bodyworn camera footage “front and centre” of the far-right protestors, and he later told police he had been drinking and was “steaming drunk and absolutely annihilated”.

Judge Linford said Harkness, who served in the Army and suffered from PTSD, had “encouraged others” but had not hit, thrown or spat at anyone.

A fourth man, Amer Walid, 24, of Central Park Avenue in Plymouth, was sentenced to 20 months for violent disorder.

Mr Aldous said Walid had been to a mosque before going to the protest on the side of Royal Parade.

Mr Aldous said he had thrown “four missiles in the direction of the opposing crowd” and had been shouting “things like ‘Allahu Akbar’”.

Zoe Kuyken, defending, said Walid, who worked in a car wash, “was particularly offended to have alcoholic beverages thrown at him when he doesn’t drink for religious reasons”.

“His religion is incredibly important to him,” she added.

Judge Linford told him: “You have never been in any trouble in your life and what you should have done was simply rise above their obnoxious racism.”

BBC News

16-year-old Plymouth girl pleads guilty at Youth Court to violent disorder

By
August 12, 2024
Uncategorized

Prosecutor Claire Tresidder explained to the court how the girl – who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions on people under the age of 18 – was seen by police throwing two items items including a vodka bottle.

The girl, who sat in the dock while her parents sat in the well of the courtroom at Plymouth Magistrates’ court, had no previous convictions.

Her advocate, Graham Kinchin said his client’s case was similar to that of another youth who appeared last week.

District Judge Stuart Smith said this was a “serious matter” and “many many people” are being sentenced across the country in relation to the disorders.

He said he would adjourn sentencing to allow for the Youth Justice Service to prepare reports.

He granted the girl conditional bail with an 8pm to 6am daily curfew until the sentencing hearing at the Youth Court on September 5.

Plymouth Herald

John Cann pleads guilty to violent disorder

By
August 12, 2024
Uncategorized

John Cann, aged 51 of North Road West, Plymouth has pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Monday August 5.

After hearing the charge Cann, flanked by two security officers in the dock, replied “Oh yeah, I’m guilty” before putting his hands up in the air.

Prosecutor Claire Tresidder said police footage showed Cann on the “city centre” side of Royal Parade and was “seen to be on a bike”. This was actually a form of mobility scooter as Cann has a prosthetic lower leg.

Ms Tresidder said Cann was seen to pick up items from the floor and throw them in the direction of the counter protestors. She said according to footage from police Cann was also seen to throw a firework which landed on the counter-protestors’ side and run from where it landed.

The court was told that Cann did have previous convictions, the most recent being possession of an offensive weapon in 2019.

District Judge Stuart Smith said Cann had accepted his role in the “very significant” disorder which occurred on that day. He added: “Violent thuggery is not going to be tolerated” but his own sentencing powers were not sufficient.

As such Cann would be remanded into custody and would appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Tuesday August 13 for sentencing.

Plymouth Herald

Gary Harkness pleaded guilty to violent disorder

By
August 12, 2024
Uncategorized

Harkness, aged 51 and of North Road West, Plymouth pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Monday August 5.

Prosecutor Claire Tresidder said Harkness was standing on the House of Fraser side of Royal Parade and was seen “to be standing at the front of the group constantly throughout the incident”, “making offensvie hand gestures towards the Civic Centre group”. She said he was being “abusive approximately eight times” and there were “two physical altercations with police”.

The court was told Harkness was seen “making w***** gestures” towards counter-protestors. Harkness was also seen attempting to break through police lines and reach the counter-protestors.

Ms Tressider said on occasions police had to push Harkness away and at one point he pushed a police dog handler and then attempted to grab the dog handler’s “hand or baton” and walked towards the dog handler “in an aggressive fashion”.

The court heard Harkness had previous convictions the latest being in 2018 which was for possession of a prohibited weapon and drugs offences.

His advocate told the court that Harkness “doesn’t hold right wing views or affiliation” and that he “regrets being there” on the night. He said Harkness was seen “amicably chatting” to people on the “anti-fascist” side of the road.

District Judge Smith said the powers of the Magistrates’ court was insufficient and as such Harkness would be remanded into custody ahead of a sentencing hearing at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday.

Plymouth Herald