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Nazi sympathiser threatened to ‘slice open’ police

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January 15, 2025
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A man who made graphic death threats to senior police during riots last summer was found to have photographs of himself wearing a swastika armband.

Jack Mason sent emails to officers saying their “throats would be sliced open”, but sent them in the name of Harry Roberts, who murdered three officers in London in the 1960s.

Liverpool Crown Court heard when the 31-year-old was arrested, officers found Nazi symbols on his phone and a meme that said “Don’t blame me, I voted for Hitler”.

Mason, of Grasmere Avenue, St Helens, was jailed for four years and four months after admitting five counts of sending threatening communications between February and August, one count of violent disorder, and possession of cannabis.

‘Pain and suffering’

The court heard Mason had also written about getting hold of guns and said that the violent thoughts he had “gave him sexual pleasure”.

In one email, sent to Merseyside Police deputy chief constable Chris Green, he wrote: “There’s something so beautiful and natural in blood, pain and suffering.”

Nardeen Nemat, prosecuting, said Mason’s mobile phone contained images including swastika flags a photograph of a rainbow flag being burned.

In one email, Mason told an officer: “I will be tasting blood even if it’s not yours.”

Miss Nemat said that in the message to DCC Green, Mason described wanting to make him watch as he mutilated Merseyside Police chief constable Serena Kennedy.
A smiling Serena Kennedy, chief constable of Merseyside Police, who has blonde hair, sits at a brown wooden desk in her black uniform with her police hat and a mug branded with Yorkshire Tea in front of her.

“I shan’t hesitate to seize such an opportunity,” he wrote.

Ms Nemat said Mason had been involved in throwing missiles after disorder flared following the Southport knife attacks, in which three young girls were killed.

He was caught after throwing items at the force in Liverpool on 3 August.

Mason was wearing a mask at the time.

The court heard he had five previous convictions for seven offences, including harassment and sending obscene and menacing messages to two police officers, for which he received a community order in 2023.

Paul Becker, defending, said that the death of Mason’s father had had a significant impact on him and his mental health, and he suffered from anxiety and depression.

Judge David Potter, who also imposed a five year Criminal Behaviour Order on Mason, said he believed he was motivated by racial hatred.

BBC News

Man sentenced to more than four years for disorder and death threats

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January 13, 2025
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A St Helens man has been jailed following disorder in Liverpool in the summer and later threatening to kill police officers.

He was sentenced today Monday 13 January to four years and four months in prison (20 months for death threats and two years eight months for disorder. He was also given a five-year criminal behaviour order.

Jack Mason, 31 of Grasmere Ave St Helens, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder and threatening to kill police officers.

On Saturday 3 August 2024 Mason travelled to Liverpool city centre and took part in disorder by throwing missiles at police and then later threatening to kill police officers by e-mail.

Detectives arrested Mason on 17 September 2024 for his threats to maim and kill police officers. He also threated to kill politicians, members of the armed forces and the media who he stated “…all deserve to die”.

Detectives arrested Mason on 17 September 2024 following his threats to kill, and it was established he had been captured on CCTV at the protest prior to the disorder.

He then applied a mask and threw an item at police on the Strand before smashing bricks, working his way through a crowd and throwing them at police officers. Mason then marched through the streets of Liverpool with a masked mob.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “Mason not only threw bricks at officers during the disorder, he went on to make threats to kill them.

“His behaviour towards officers who turn up to work every day to enter challenging and sometimes dangerous situations to protect the public was, quite frankly, deplorable.

“The contrast between Mason’s behaviour and that of the officers deployed to protect people and property that day could not be starker, and I hope he spends his time behind bars reflecting on his actions.

“This year we continue to arrest, charge and sentence those involved in Merseyside disorder. Mason is now removed from the community that he terrorised by his appalling behaviour.

“The actions of those who took part in the disorder not only seriously injured officers, but also caused harm and fear to people in Liverpool city centre.

“The sentencing results we have seen so far for disorder shows how seriously the courts take this matter. Mason now finds himself at the beginning of xxx jail term.

“We continue to review footage and information and will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.

“Merseyside Police have to date arrested 165 people, charged 125 and sentenced 92 for a total of 195 years four months.

Merseyside Police

93rd person sentenced in connection with Violent Disorder in Merseyside

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January 13, 2025
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We are welcoming the sentencing of the 93rd person in connection with Violent Disorder in Merseyside last summer.

Thomas Price, 21, of Hewitt Avenue, St Helens, was sentenced to 20 months at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 13 January.

Price was found to have committed Violent Disorder on Saturday 3 August in Paradise Street, Liverpool City Centre. He was captured on CCTV throwing stones along with other missiles at a Police line whilst present with a large group of people.

A total of 165 arrests have now been made, with 125 charged and 93 people sentenced to a total of 197 years.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “Price handed himself in last December after seeing himself on one of our appeals (see above). Like many others before him, he will now face the consequences of his disgraceful actions.

“The behaviour of Price and others in Liverpool City Centre was utterly shameful, and brought further pain to communities in mourning the tragic events in Southport just days previously.

“Today’s outcome should show those who have yet to be identified that we will not rest until we put each and every offender before the courts. The gallery of those we would still like to speak to can be found below, and I’d encourage anyone who recognises those pictured to come forward at the earliest opportunity.”

Merseyside Police

Pair launched wheelie bin at police during Bolton disorder

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August 25, 2024
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Two men from a “mob intent on disorder” launched an “industrial sized wheelie bin” at riot police as violence gripped Bolton town centre.

Marcus Foster, 24, and Stephen Barrow, 54, had both been on Nelson Square on Bradshawgate on August 4 amid “grotesque, racist, far-right” inspired disturbances across the country.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Foster had been seen with a group of men around the square in front of a group of police in riot gear.

Prosecutor Duncan Wilcock said: “He had an object in his hand, and he threw that object towards the line of police officers attempting to disperse the protesters.”

Mr Wilcock said this “narrowly” missed the head of a mounted officer.

Both Foster and Barrow, who appeared before the court via video-link from prison, were then seen to push a “large wheelie bin full of rubbish” towards the line of officers.

Mr Wilcock said an officer tried to stop the bin with his foot before more came forward to help him.

Both Foster and Barrow had been “wearing disguises” on that day in Bolton

In the days after the outbreak of violence police began to trawl through CCTV footage to find the identity of the people involved.

Foster was arrested on Wednesday, August 7 after video footage caught him throwing a “missile” at police while Barrow was arrested at his home in St Helens on Saturday August 10.

Mr Wilcock said: “The officer commented at that stage that he didn’t seem surprised by the officer’s attendance.”

Having been identified, both were brought before the courts and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Foster, who has 16 previous convictions for 33 offences including dangerous driving, assault, possession of a knife and attempted wounding with intent, confessed to violent disorder.

Barrow, who has 21 previous convictions for 25 offences including affray and football related public order offences, admitted to the same crime.

Mr Wilcock read out a community impact statement from Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry of Greater Manchester Police.

He said that the protests had apparently been sparked by the horrific recent stabbings in Southport and were promoted by “groups identified as far-right in regards to their ideology.”

The statement said that Muslim, Jewish and other communities across Greater Manchester had been deeply alarmed by the disturbances, with many people fearing to go to town centres.

Muslim officers had been fearful about going out to work while police staff of all backgrounds had been put under huge stress, while firefighters had had to work overtime.

The statement said: “The unprecedented levels of violence my officers have experienced is unacceptable.”

Isabelle Haddad, defending Barrow, of Dilloway Street, St Helens, said that he had earned credit for his guilty plea and was remorseful for his actions.

She said: “He tells me he regrets what he did that day and he assures me he is not part of any far right group.”

Ms Haddad said that Barrow had now lost his job but accepted he had “only himself to blame.”

Niamh McGinty, defending Foster, of Oswald Street, Chorlton, said he also deserved credit for pleading guilty and that he was “realistic” about his fate.

She said: “He essentially maintains he was in the was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Ms McGinty told the court that Foster, a would-be professional boxer, accepted he was involved in “an appalling display of violence towards police who were only trying to de-escalate matters.”

But she said Foster had told her: “it was not racist motivation from his perspective.”

The Honorary Recorder for Bolton Judge Martin Walsh accepted that both had earned credit for their guilty pleas.

But he reminded the court of their “utterly misguided and totally unjustified” actions after protests broke out after the tragic events in Southport.

Addressing the men, Judge Walsh said: “Each of you were part of a mob that was intent on carrying out serious violent disorder.”

He added: “The context within which the incident of violent disorder occurred is also a seriously aggravating feature and cannot be ignored.

“Much of the violence was motivated by those seeking to promote a grotesque, racist, far-right political agenda.”

Judge Walsh jailed Foster for three years and Barrow for 28 months.
Bolton News

Man threw 14 bottles at police officers then said it wasn’t him

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August 20, 2024
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Andrew Jackson became embroiled within violent scenes in Southport following fatal stabbings


A man hurled 14 bottles at police before casually walking away from the scene, but tried to run when officers came knocking at his door two weeks later.

Andrew Jackson became embroiled within violent scenes which unfolded in Southport following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Da Silva Aguiar.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Tuesday, that the incident on the evening of July 30 lasted for several hours, with around 50 police officers being injured and damage caused to vehicles, residents’ property and a mosque on St Luke’s Road which was “the focus of the violence”. The 41-year-old defendant, of Ramford Street in St Helens, was one member of a crowd of around 1,000 who gathered in the area at around 8pm.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, described how Jackson was seen on CCTV filming the disorder before taking bottles from a wheelie bin in an alleyway and launching them towards PCs and force vehicles. He was captured on the footage throwing a total of 14 missiles over the course of several minutes before walking away from the scene.

Officers subsequently arrested him at his home address on August 12 after he had “initially tried to run”. A quantity of cannabis “consistent with personal use” was also seized from the property.

Under interview, Jackson “denied being any part of the violent disorder”. He has a total of 26 previous convictions for 51 offences dating back to 1999 and including possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, theft, motoring matters and breaching court orders.

Julian Nutter, defending, told the court: “Of course, it is wholly reprehensible behaviour. His anger appeared to be directed at the police. The police were not shown to be injured or their equipment damaged by what he did. In real terms, while his character can hardly be described as being good, this sort of reprehensible behaviour is out of character.”

Jackson admitted violent disorder and possession of cannabis. Appearing in the dock with a shaved head and sporting a grey Berghaus t-shirt, he was jailed for 32 months.

Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: “Following the tragic events which took place in Southport on the 29th of July this year, serious disorder in the form of vandalism, intimidation and violence which was motivated by religious and racial hatred spread across Merseyside and the UK. There is an overwhelming obligation on the courts to do what they can to ensure the protection of the public.

“Consequently, those who choose to participate in disturbances of the magnitude that have occurred recently – causing injury, damage and fear to law abiding members of the community – must expect to receive severe sentences, intended both to punish them and deter others. This particular incident is made all the more serious by the fact that it took place soon after and nearby to the events of the previous day, undoubtedly adding to the distress already felt by the local community.”

Liverpool Echo

Police find two samurai swords in rioter’s house

By
August 14, 2024
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Three men appeared in Magistrates’ Court this morning accused of taking part in violent disorder

A man was caught with a samurai sword after throwing items at police during the violent disorder in Southport. Joshua Jones, 31, of St Mark’s Road, in St Helens, appeared before District Judge Paul Healey on Wednesday morning charged with violent disorder and possession of a samurai sword, on different occasions. He pleaded guilty to both charges.

On July 30, the night violence erupted in Southport, Jones travelled to Sussex Road in the town as rioters targeted a mosque. Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard how Jones had been seen on CCTV throwing items at the police, which looked to be either glass or brick. Alex Farrow, prosecuting, also said Jones had been hostile towards police, who were at the cordon outside the local mosque, while wearing a face covering.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and a search of his property was also made. Police located two samurai swords at the address. Jones, who has previous convictions, was denied bail and was remanded in custody for sentence at Crown Court on August 20.

Jones was one of three men who appeared in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court today (August 14) accused of being involved with the violent disorder in Southport earlier this month. Jonathan Duerden, 31, of The Crescent, in Colne, Lancashire, also appeared before Judge Healey charged with violent disorder. He pleaded guilty to the charge and will appear in Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on August 20.

The court heard how Duerden was seen at the Southport incident on July 30 on CCTV leaning down to the ground, picking up a brick and throwing it at a police car. Jones was denied bail.

Another man, Andrew Jackson, 41, of Ramford Street, in St Helens, was accused of violent disorder, he pleaded not guilty. He was also charged with possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis), to which he pleaded guilty. During police interview Jackson denied that a person caught on CCTV during the disorder was him. No application for bail was made and Jackson was remanded in custody.

Liverpool Echo

St Helens hammer raider locked up for three years

By
July 25, 2016
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Clayton Blinston tried to rob Booze Buster but fled empty handed

Clayton Kevin Blinston, 31, of Morgan Street, St Helens

Clayton Kevin Blinston, 31, of Morgan Street, St Helens



A man who held up an off licence with a hammer was today jailed for three years.

Clayton Kevin Blinston, 31, of Morgan Street, St Helens pleaded guilty to the “brazen and vicious” attempted armed robbery, which saw him threaten a cashier with a hammer.

Blinston went into the Booze Buster branch on Higher Parr Street at around 1.05pm on Monday February 1, before taking the hammer out of his pocket and demanding the shop assistant hand over cash. He fled the off license empty handed.

The armed thief today pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon at Liverpool Crown Court , and was sentenced to three years behind bars.

DC Lisa Milligan said: “This was a brazen and vicious robbery in which Blinston made repeated threats towards the shop assistant while brandishing a hammer.

“The victim showed great courage and did exactly the right thing by calling police straight away and Blinston fled the scene on foot without taking anything. However following police investigations and media coverage, he was identified and later arrested and charged.

“Blinston is now behind bars for a considerable length of time and can no longer steal from a local business. The significant sentence handed down should send a clear warning to other criminals who think it is acceptable to target local shops in Merseyside and wrongly believe they will get away with it. They won’t.”

Liverpool Echo

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Final far-right thug jailed for beating up anti-fascist demonstrators

By
September 27, 2013
EDL, English Defence League, Infidels, Jailed, violent disorder
Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith

The final man out of a group of seven far right sympathisers who beat up anti-fascist demonstrators in Liverpool was jailed after failing to turn up at his original hearing.

Nathan Smith, 21, was jailed for 14 months after admitting violent disorder and given an extra month for breaching his bail conditions.

On Thursday six men, said to be members or sympathisers of far right groups including the British National Party (BNP), were jailed for between nine and 17 months after they attacked a group of people headed for a benefit gig at News From Nowhere on Bold Street in July 2012.

Smith, of North Road, St Helens, failed to attend and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Police picked him up at his home later that evening.

Patrick McLoughlin, defending, told the court that he had got his dates mixed up despite his mum being present at court on the right day.

He said Smith, an almost-qualified central heating engineer, originally from Huyton, had found his life going in a “reverse direction” after his parents split up and found support in the “family of the BNP”.

Smith was one of the men in the thick of the fighting which crashed into cafe Tabac on Bold Street on July 6 last year and was caught on camera punching and kicking at least two victims, one of whom was on the floor.

Judge Robert Trevor Jones, said: “The violence that was accepted yesterday when I sentenced your co-accused was unplanned but of course it was always going to be a volatile situation with a confrontation between two groups with opposing views.”

He added that Smith was “fairly and squarely” involved in the fighting.

Liverpool Echo