A drunk teen who had no memory of throwing missiles at police during a city centre riot has been put behind bars

Jack Anderson, who had been drinking and had taken cocaine, joined in the mass disorder in Sunderland on August 2 last year, that mirrored similar trouble that swept across the UK.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Anderson had a Union Jack flag draped across his shoulders and threw two objects towards the police line.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said Anderson was later arrested and initially made no reply when questioned by the police but added: “He later said he could remember going out in the city centre for a drink but due to the alcohol and cocaine he consumed he had no memory of what he had done after.”

Anderson, 19, of Sherpherd Terrace, Sunderland, admitted riot.

Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to two years behind bars and told him: “You brought shame not only on the flag you draped yourself in but on the city of Sunderland.”

Judge Gittins said he was satisfied Anderson got “swept up” in the violence and has a good prospect of rehabilitation but added that sentences for civil disorder must “punish and deter others from copying”.

Sophie Allinson-Howells, defending, said Anderson was just 18 at the time and had a turbulent home life but has an “exemplary” work ethic, is in employment, has a steady relationship and added: “He is doing all he can to make his life a success.”

Miss Allinson-Howells said Anderson was supported by friends and family members during the court hearing.

The court heard during the widespread trouble in the city that day police officers, dogs and horses were pelted with missiles as areas became unsafe for ordinary members of the public.

Mr Pallister said: “Officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence. Officers were attacked with missiles and verbally abused.

“Four officers required hospital treatment and some are not fit enough to return to frontline duties.

“Police vehicles were targeted and damaged. Several patrol cars needed repairs.”

The court heard the city’s police hub was set on fire, business premises were smashed and shops were looted.

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said in an impact statement police vehicles as well as community buildings and businesses came under attack that day.

Ms Jardine said the violence was met with a £1.517m policing operation and the full psychological cost to officers involved is yet to be known.

Sunderland Echo

A “sensitive young man” who was involved in the Sunderland riot has dodged jailed after he handed himself in to police.

Drunken Liam Wilde was caught on CCTV throwing a missile at police officers and filming the disorder on his phone during wide-spread disorder in the city on August 2, last year.

A protest in the city centre quickly escalated into ugly scenes which saw police officers attacked, businesses damaged and looted and racist language shouted. Hundreds of people have since been arrested and many jailed for their roles in the disorder, which Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable said cost around £1m to police.

On Tuesday, Wilde, of Honister Drive, Sunderland, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for violent disorder. The 25-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that Wilde had been drinking in the city centre when he joined in on the violence in Keel Square. He was captured on CCTV filming the disorder on his mobile phone before throwing a missile at the police line.

Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, said that during the disorder, police officers were injured, and police dogs were hurt by masonry which was thrown by members of the mob. He said: “The defendant was seen walking away from the police line before bending down to pick up an object and throwing it with significant force towards the police line.”

The court heard that following the riot, police circulated images of those involved, with one image identifying Wilde. He later handed himself in to police.

Mr Ahmad added: “In interview he said he had drinks with a friend and had not been aware of the protest taking place, but joined in and carried on drinking. He accepted throwing a stone. He said he regretted his actions and wouldn’t have acted that way had he been sober.”

Sophie Allinson-Howells, defending, said Wilde had no previous convictions and that his involvement in the disorder was “out of character”. She said: “Much can be said for getting caught up in the moment. He observed and then began to film.”

Ms Allinson-Howells said that positive references had also been provided to the court on his behalf, adding: “He is a caring and sensitive young man who is responsible and soft-spoken and is very nervous about being involved in these proceedings.”

Judge Stephen Earl said Wilde had shown “genuine remorse” and handed him a 20 month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and 40 rehabilitation days. He must also pay £187 surcharge.

The Chronicle

A man has been sentenced for affray committed during a violent disorder in Bristol city centre.

Jacob Dolphin, 24, of Weston-super-Mare, admitted the offence and was given an 18-month community order and a fine at Bristol Crown Court on 23 October.

He was seen kicking out at officers on five occasions and threw an object outside Bridewell Police Station during the incident on 3 August 2024.

Judge Peter Blair described the violence during the riot as some of the worst seen in the city’s history. Dolphin was fined £900 in addition to a £95 surcharge, and was told to complete 170 hours of unpaid work.

BBC News

A bathroom fitter has been jailed after he smashed his way in through the window of a bank during a city centre riot.

Dane Peace and another man were caught on CCTV using a scaffolding pole to break through the glass front of the NatWest branch in Sunderland, while disorder swept across the city on August 2 last year (2024).

Footage shows the pair repeatedly ram the window before it eventually breaks and Peace kicks at it before he climbs in.

He is then shown roaming around inside the bank, where he stole two pin pads that had no use to him.

During the trouble that day Peace also threw missiles at police and looted a vape shop.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Peace, who runs his own bathroom fitting business, now considers his own drunken behaviour that day to be “pathetic”.

Peace, 30, of Tadcaster Road, Sunderland, admitted violent disorder and two charges of burglary and earlier this week was jailed for two years and four months.

Judge Robert Adams said Peace’s behaviour was “despicable” and added: “You were seen initially confronting police outside Aldi then seen to throw missiles a the police during an altercation outside The Yard building.”

The judge said Peace kicked windows and threw beer kegs outside The Yard office building before he went to the Vape Local shop, which was being looted.

Judge Adams said Peace then smashed his way into the NatWest bank, which he entered on two occasions, and stole two pin pads.

The judge added: “They had no value to you at all but you get them and made off with them. Your finger prints were found on the bank window.”

Mathew Hopkins, defending, said Peace feels “shame and embarrassment” and can offer no good explanation for getting involved.

Mr Hopkins said Peace was grieving his grandfather and had had to move home due to a relationship break down and added: “He started sofa surfing, drinking to excess and a friend invited him to come out to the town.

“He accepts he was extremely drunk when he was there and just started joining in with what other people were doing.”

Mr Hopkins said Peace has never been in trouble before, is “not a political person” and did not join in to target any particular group of people.

The court heard the vape shop raid cost the company £83,000 in stolen stock, damage and lost business.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said during the widespread trouble that day police officers, dogs and horses were pelted with missiles as areas became unsafe for ordinary members of the public.

Mr Pallister said: “Officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence. Officers were attacked with missiles and verbally abused.

“Four officers required hospital treatment and some are not fit enough to return to frontline duties.

“Police vehicles were targeted and damaged. Several patrol cars needed repairs.”

The court heard the city’s police hub was set on fire, business premises were smashed and shops were looted.

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said in an impact statement police vehicles as well as community buildings and businesses came under attack that day.

Ms Jardine said the violence was met with a £1.517m policing operation and the full psychological cost to officers involved is yet to be known.

Sunderland Echo

A bathroom fitter who burgled a bank and a vape shop when he joined in a city centre riot has been put behind bars.

Dane Peace threw missiles at police and targeted two businesses which were looted during mass disorder in Sunderland on August 2 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Peace, who runs his own bathroom fitting business, now considers his own drunken behaviour that day to be “pathetic”.

Peace, 30, of Tadcaster Road, Sunderland, admitted violent disorder and two charges of burglary and has been jailed for two years and four months.

Judge Robert Adams said Peace’s behaviour was “despicable” and added: “You were seen initially confronting police outside Aldi then seen to throw missiles a the police during an altercation outside The Yard building.”

The judge said Peace kicked windows and threw beer kegs outside The Yard office building before he went to the Vape Local shop, which was being looted.

Judge Adams said Peace then smashed his way into the NatWest bank, which he entered on two occasions, and stole two pin pads.

The judge added: “They had no value to you at all but you get them and made off with them.”Your finger prints were found on the bank window.”

Mathew Hopkins, defending, said Peace feels “shame and embarrassment” and can offer no good explanation for getting involved.

Mr Hopkins said Peace was grieving his grandfather and had had to move home due to a relationship break down and added: “He started sofa surfing, drinking to excess and a friend invited him to come out to the town.

“He accepts he was extremely drunk when he was there and just started joining in with what other people were doing.”

Mr Hopkins said Peace has never been in trouble before, is “not a political person” and did not join in to target any particular group of people.

The court heard the vape shop raid cost the company £83,000 in stolen stock, damage and lost business.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said during the widespread trouble that day police officers, dogs and horses were pelted with missiles as areas became unsafe for ordinary members of the public.

Mr Pallister said: “Officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence. Officers were attacked with missiles and verbally abused.

“Four officers required hospital treatment and some are not fit enough to return to frontline duties.

“Police vehicles were targeted and damaged. Several patrol cars needed repairs.”

The court heard the city’s police hub was set on fire, business premises were smashed and shops were looted.

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said in an impact statement police vehicles as well as community buildings and businesses came under attack that day.

Ms Jardine said the violence was met with a £1.517m policing operation and the full psychological cost to officers involved is yet to be known.

Sunderland Echo

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Two men who joined in a city centre riot then brandished a gun and knife during a racist confrontation with pub doormen have been put behind bars.

Lewis Stubbs and Tony Hall pelted missiles at police and burgled a vape shop that was trashed during the mass disorder in Sunderland last August.

In February this year the pair were drinking at the Old Skool bar in the city when bouncers asked them to leave and they reacted with racist abuse then produced weapons during a terrifying stand-off.

At Newcastle Crown Court today Stubbs was jailed for 40 months and Hall got locked up for 56 months.

Prosecutor Neil Pallsiter said during the riot on August 2 Stubbs threw a can at a cop’s head, joined the crowd outside a police hub that was vandalised and threw a plastic chair towards officers.

Mr Pallister said Hall was more heavily involved in the trouble and threw a glass bottle, bins and a parasol towards police lines.

Hall also joined the crowd outside the police hub and both men looted the vape shop.

Mr Pallister said on February 10 this year the men had been asked to leave the Old Skool pub and became aggressive with two doormen.

Stubbs then grabbed a hat from one of the bouncers and put it down his trousers.

Both then shouted racist abuse at the workers and Hall smashed a bottle on the ground while Stubbs knocked off the other bouncer’s glasses.

Mr Pallister said: “Hall said ‘go ahead and stab him’ and they saw Stubbs move his hand towards his jacket and took out a knife.”

One of the doormen heard people shouting ‘gun, gun, gun’ and saw Hall pointing a gun towards him.

The court heard the police were called and arrested Stubbs and Hall nearby. A gas powered BB gun was found in some bushes.

One of the doormen said in an impact statement he was “angry because of the racist language” and added: “I have never seen a gun before, that was the first time I have ever seen one and it made me feel a bit strange.”

The other doorman said he left the city for a week after the confrontation and added in his statement: “I felt like I had to be careful when going out and about.”

He said he worked less shifts after the incident and added: “I spent a lot of time at home, scared to be outside. The males’ friends came after and said we were snitches.”

Stubbs, 25, of Front Road, Ford Estate, Sunderland, admitted two charges of racially aggravated harassment, two of racially aggravated assault by beating, having a bladed article, violent disorder and burglary.

Jason Smith, defending, said Smith had a traumatic childhood, spent time in care and used drink and drugs to cope.

Hall, 31, of Pensher Street, Sunderland, admitted racially aggravated harassment, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing cannabis, riot and burglary.

Nicholas Lane, defending, said it was “drunken, loutish behaviour” while Hall was getting over a relationship break-up and added: “If he had been sober he wouldn’t have done it.”

Sunderland Echo

Shay Henson, of Sunderland, threw missiles at police and burgled a vape store during shameful scenes last August

A “mindless and stupid” teenager who took part in a mass riot and burglary has been locked up. Shay Henson was just 18 when he took part in violent scenes which brought shame on Sunderland last August.

He was caught on camera wearing a balaclava and throwing missiles at police, including a plant. He was also one of the those who stole vapes from a vape shop after entry had been gained by force.

Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: “He was in the city centre during the disorder, wearing a red jacket and a face covering. He is seen repeatedly throwing missiles towards the police during various points of the disorder.”

Mr Ahmad said a vape store was burgled during the riot and Henson was one of those who gained access and stole vapes. The store was said to have lost more than £83,000 as a result of the break-in.

Henson, 19, of Padgate Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to riot and burglary and was sent to a young offenders institution for 32 months. Judge Edward Bindloss said what happened in Sunderland that day mirrored what had happened in other cities and towns in the preceding days.

He told Henson: “You and others brought shame upon the city of Sunderland. Each individual act, whatever might be its character on its own, inflames and encourages others to act in a similar fashion. You saw others and that encouraged you and your behaviour encouraged others.

“Those who participate in mass disorder must expect long sentences of custody, intended not just to punish but to deter others from copying their examples. I accept you were caught up in the moment and, lacking maturity, were unable to walk away.”

Robin Turton, defending, said: “He recognises what he did was mindless, stupid and wrong. He presented well to the probation officer, as polite and thoughtful.” Mr Turton said Henson had been out with friends and got “wrapped up in the adrenaline of the incident” and “herd mentality”. He added that Henson was concerned for the impact on his mother of the situation he had placed himself in.

The Chronicle

Shane Amer, of Sunderland, has become the latest yob to be locked up for rioting in Sunderland

A rioter threw missiles including a beer keg at police during scenes which brought shame on Sunderland. Shane Amer has become the latest mindless yob to be locked up for turning the city centre into a no-go zone for members of the public on August 2 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Amer was not driven by any ideology but joined in when the mass disorder broke out while he was out drinking. Prosecutor Neil Pallister said he was seen with others participating in a series of acts amounting to riot.

Mr Pallister told the court: “The video compilation shows the defendant, who was wearing a blue jacket and grey trousers, throwing missiles at the police line outside The Yard building. He then goes on to commit further acts of violence, throwing missiles at the police during an interaction outside Aldi and he threw numerous missiles at the police outside The Yard building.

“He and others were throwing items including rocks, traffic cones and a heavy floor support stand, towards the police line. He and others threw metal beer kegs towards the police. He threw one at head height towards an officer, who had to duck out of the way.

“He was seen with others kicking at windows at The Yard building and they kicked and pushed a bin towards the same building.

“He took a leading role. He came across a parked police vehicle and used a metal beer keg to try to smash the unoccupied police vehicle. He then rolled the keg along the ground, having covered his hands with clothing he was wearing, presumably to try to remove fingerprints and DNA evidence.

“He was part of a large group advancing towards the police line, pushing a picnic table towards the police out of the front of the Empire theatre.”

Amer, 29, of Shrewsbury Crescent, Sunderland, who has ten previous convictions, including six for theft and four for burglary, pleaded guilty to riot. He was jailed for three years and two months.

Judge Gavin Doig said Amer and others had “brought shame on the city of Sunderland” and he said each individual act “inflames and encourages others to behave in a similar fashion”, meaning the overall picture has to be considered when passing sentence.

Cole Cockburn, defending, said: “He did not plan to be there. His involvement was not ideological. He went out with friends and found himself in scenes of escalating disorder.

“His actions were not the worst witnessed that night. At the time he was abusing cocaine and alcohol but he is now sober of those although he has substituted this was occasional cannabis use.

“He acknowledges the terror those officers must have felt and is very ashamed to have played a part. He feels he has embarrassed himself and his family and his one-year-old son. He is ashamed because his son would one day know his dad went to prison.

“He has mental health problems. He thinks that stemmed from a previous addiction to crack cocaine.

The Chronicle

A man has been jailed for three years and four months for taking part in a violent protest at a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Jamie Lee Turvey was in a crowd that shouted abuse and hurled objects at Potters International Hotel in Aldershot, Hampshire, in July 2024.

The 35-year-old, of Montgomery Road, Farnborough, was previously found guilty of violent disorder following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The incident was part of the rioting that swept across England in the days after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport.

More than 200 people gathered at the hotel on 31 July, the court previously heard.

A small group entered the car park, kicked footballs against windows, damaged blinds and a perimeter wall, set off flares and threw bicycles into a skip.

Turvey forcefully opened a hotel gate, removed bricks from a wall and approached windows to swear at the hotel residents, police said.

He is the last of eight people – including a 13-year-old girl – to be sentenced over the violence, and has received the longest jail term as the only defendant to plead not guilty.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “We know that the majority of people who attended this protest in Aldershot were respectful, however Turvey was part of a smaller group that chose to act in an aggressive and intimidating manner.

“This should serve as a warning to anyone else considering trying to bring mindless violence to our streets and that the minority who seek to cause disorder will face the full force of the law.”
BBC News

Jack Fowler, of Elswick, jailed for violent disorder during the Sunderland riot last year, was behind the wheel of a stolen Land Rover when police tried to pull him over

A road menace who reached 90mph in a 30 zone before writing off two cars has been jailed.

Jack Fowler, jailed last year for his part in a riot in Sunderland, led police on a pursuit which was so dangerous officers repeatedly had to pull out of it for the safety of other road users.

On May 30 last year, he was spotted at the A189 at Moor Farm Roundabout in a Land Rover Discovery which had been stolen from outside a house in Newcastle three days earlier. When police tried to pull it over, its speed increased to more than 100mph.

Fowler refused to pull over and made several dangerous manoeuvres, going through red lights and on the wrong side of the road as he headed towards Gosforth. His driving was so dangerous, officers aborted the pursuit at that stage. A short time later, he was spotted in a bus lane on the Great North Road, doing 90mph in a 30mph zone.

He then crossed onto the opposite carriageway and started driving into oncoming traffic. Such was the danger, police again pulled out of the pursuit.

Another officer then took over and observed Fowler continuing along the Great North Road at twice the speed limit. A pedestrian stepped out to cross the road at one stage and had to quickly step back when they saw the speeding Land Rover approaching.

At Regent Centre, another pedestrian with their back to the car and about the cross the road, fortunately, saw it coming in time.

Then near the Redheugh Bridge, in Newcastle city centre, Fowler forced his way between two cars, pushing them out of the way and causing significant damage to all three vehicles.

Police again ended the pursuit due to the danger it posed to other road users. The Land Rover was later spotted by another officer and was then found abandoned.

Fowler and a passenger had fled on foot with the police helicopter closing in. They were found hiding on a flat roof and were coaxed down. Inside the car, police found a machete and a knife.

The Land Rover, worth £13,670, was written off, as was one of the cars he rammed – a Jaguar worth £2,664, with the owner having to pay out £3,000 for a replacement car. The other car he hit, a Nissan Qashqai sustained £14,768 of damage.

In a victim impact statement, the owner of the Land Rover said they were without a car for four months, which caused particular difficulties as they have four children. The children were also left scared to go to bed in case they were burgled again.

Fowler, 25, formerly of Northbourne Street, Elswick, who has 35 previous convictions, including for violent disorder in Sunderland on August 2 last year, and who is currently serving a four year sentence for drugs offences, admitted dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and possessing a machete and a knife. He was jailed for 22 months but to run alongside the four-year sentence not consecutively to it. He was also banned from driving.

Recorder Andrew Latimer told him: “When you drive this way you are putting yourself at risk and also ordinary members of the public who are never expecting speeding motorists.”

Kate Barnes, defending, said Fowler had a daughter in 2023 and was struggling to adapt to parenthood at the time of the offending. She added: “He has grown up significantly since.

“He is now drug free and has held down important jobs in the prison. This was a period of time when he was not making good decisions.

The Chronical