A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in Manchester city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today.
Two more thugs have admitted their involvement in a sickening mob attack on a black man during violent scenes in Piccadilly Gardens after ‘protesters’ flooded into Manchester city centre. A teenager has also pleaded guilty to violent disorder having being accused of confronting cops trying to control crowds, breaking through a barrier and snatching beer from someone leaving a Sainsbury’s store.
There was large-scale disruption in the city centre last Saturday (August 3) following a demonstration dubbed ‘Enough is Enough’. Counter-protesters also gathered as tensions flared.
A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in the city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today (Saturday, August 10).
Two men – Kane Kelly, 23, of Woodford Road, Failsworth, Oldham; and Daniel Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire – will be behind bars tonight having been remanded into custody after admitting their guilt in relation to the attack on a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens by dozens of thugs.
Earlier this week, other men admitted their role in the sickening assault – including Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford; Joseph Ley, 30, of Hollywood Towers, Stockport; Colin Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight, Manchester; and Anthony Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton, Tameside.
As Kelly and Hanslip appeared in court, prosecutor Karen Saffman said members of the mob shouted ‘kill him’ and ‘stamp on his f*****g face’. District Judge Hogarth described the incident as a ‘racially aggravated assault’.
Ms Saffman described the violent scenes, which were caught on camera, saying: “It’s a group assault on a lone, black male. The group is heard saying, ‘kill him… stamp on his f*****g face’. The male is then dragged away and then falls to the ground.”
The court heard Hanslip was seen throwing security fencing before joining a ‘melee’ alongside Kelly. Kelly appeared to join the ‘group assault’, the court heard. Ms Saffman said the two men were identified in footage from the incident, some of which has been published on YouTube. She described the clip as ‘disturbing’.
Both men will be sentenced at the Crown court on August 16. Addressing Kelly, District Judge Hogarth said: “This is a racially aggravated group assault in broad daylight in full view of the police and it’s well out of the sentencing powers of this court.”
No application for bail was made for Kelly, who has no previous convictions. His family members were in the courtroom when the judge ruled he would be remanded into custody.
Hanslip was also remanded into custody after his application for bail was rejected. Michelle Man, defending, told the court he has no previous convictions, has a well-paid job and lives with his partner, who was in court and was due to go on holiday with him this week.
Teenager Aaron Davy pleaded guilty for his part in the violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens. The 18-year-old’s birthday was days ater the incident on Saturday (August 3), which he was accused of being ‘heavily involved’ in.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard Davy, of Liney Road, Cheadle, Stockport, was part of a large, chanting group who confronted police. Davy, who was wearing a mask, was pushed back from the police line and later broke through a metal barrier to get closer to counter-protesters.
He was then seen with a man snatching a pack of beer from someone leaving a nearby branch of Sainsbury’s. Karen Saffman, prosecuting, told the court, adding: “He was an active part on this day. He wasn’t just a by-stander – he wasn’t just observing.”
Davy was granted bail after the court heard he tried to kill himself last year. Claire Parrott, defending, said: “In reality this is a very, very frightened young man.” Ms Parrott told the court Davy’s family, who were watching the hearing from the public gallery, were concerned about an older ‘friend’ who took the teenager out that day, but said that the teenager went there ‘on his own volition’ and realises the ‘enormity of the situation’.
She added: “He states that he would never put himself in this situation again.” DJ Hogarth granted bail with conditions that require him to live and sleep at his home address with an electronic tag, ensuring he remains indoors between 7pm and 7am.
Davy must also not gather in a group of more than two without an adult family member there. The judge warned Davy he may be arrested if he breaches any of these conditions and put in a cell overnight. She also told the teenager that he may receive a custodial sentence.
Explaining her decision to grant bail to Davy, DJ Hogarth said: “What I’m about to say now makes no promises about how the Crown Court deals with you. This is very serious conduct that has made communities feel frightened and has made the police’s job more difficult.”
Davy will be sentenced by the Crown Court on Friday, August 16.
On Saturday, a 13-year-old boy was the latest child to appear before DJ Hogarth. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he was caught throwing missiles at police outside the hotel – thought to be housing asylum seekers – in Newton Heath. His mum watched from the public gallery.
The court heard he was ‘caught up’ in the violent scenes as the ‘hostile’ and ‘aggressive’ crowd gathered on July 31. The crowd threw glass bottles, bricks and eggs at cops.
Prosecuting, Karen Saffman said: “[The boy] was seen throwing missiles at police and the hostel. He was also seen with a group of youths hitting and kicking a bus with the bus driver and members of the public on that bus.”
Ms Saffman read a statement written by a bus driver who was attacked by the mob. He wrote: “The incident has left me very stressed. It’s made me scared to deal with members of the public because I would never have expected to experience this when I started my shift at the beginning of the day.”
DJ Hogarth told the boy she would adjourn the case and request a report from the youth offending service. He was granted bail with conditions that he lives and sleeps at his home address every night; does leave the property between 7pm and 7am; and does not meet in groups of more than two people without an adult family member present.
Addressing the defendant, DJ Hogarth said: “Very serious things have been happening around you and you joined in. We need to look at how serious that was and what we’re going to do about it.”
The case was adjourned until a hearing on September 17. The boy’s mum was heard saying: “Thank you, thank you so much.”
Others to appear in court on Saturday were:
Anthony Whitelegg, 40, of Mulberry Close, Heald Green, Stockport: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Piccadilly Gardens incident on August 3. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 16
Darren Butler, 41, of Cattlin Way, Oldham: Charged with violent disorder following the incident in Newton Heath on July 31. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13
David Whittaker, 36, of Farnborough Road, Miles Platting, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Newton Heath incident on July 31. Not guilty plea. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13
Colin Brown, 37, of Moorcroft Road, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to Piccadilly Gardens disorder; and robbery. He is alleged to have stolen a woman’s scarf. No pleas entered. Remanded into custody head of Crown court hearing on September 13
Large scale disorder broke out across the country after three young children were killed in Southport
They were days that will live in infamy in Greater Manchester’s history. Division and chaos reigned.
The deaths of three young girls in Southport led to a wave of disorder throughout the UK, and Manchester did not avoid such trouble. Wholly inaccurate claims about the identity and ethnicity of the alleged attacker spread online.
Fuelled by anger and inspired by disinformation, thugs took to the streets intent on causing trouble. Disorder erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath, on July 31, after a Facebook post swirled that afternoon.
“Let’s get them out,” it menacingly declared. Missiles were thrown towards the building, a bus was attacked and its driver injured, and asylum seekers, vulnerable individuals seeking help, were terrorised.
The far-right sought to capitalise on the division and called a demonstration for Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3. The incident soon turned violent. Shocking video footage emerged of a lone black man being attacked by a baying mob.
Thugs then advanced down Mosley Street and stormed a Sainsbury’s store as innocent customers tried to shop. A vape store came under heavy attack, as yobs kicked its windows with a road sign being launched at it.
The following day, the trouble moved to Bolton. Another demonstration had been called by the far-right, with counter-protestors also present. Missiles were thrown as police dealt with mass disorder. Ever since, police have been tracking down and charging rioters.
Over the past three months, dozens of yobs have felt the full force of the law as their cases were speedily brought through the courts. The M.E.N. has extensively covered the ensuing court cases, and have now analysed the sentences handed down since August.
Of those in the dock, 39 were men, six were women and seven were children, the youngest being a 12-year-old boy. Jail sentences totalling more than 80 years have been handed down. The longest single jail sentence was imposed on a ‘violent racist’ for his part in a disgraceful attack in Piccadilly Gardens.
In chronological order from August until this month, here are the 52 rioters who faced justice.
1) James Nelson
James Nelson (Image: GMP)
Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two months in prison on August 6 and ordered to pay £4,999 compensation at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Edge, 34, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 12 months in prison on August 13 at Bolton Crown Court.
Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and 10 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years and two months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and two months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and eight months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Kelly, 24, of Woodford Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and five months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and breaching a suspended sentence. Sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence, on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Parker, 26, of Douglas Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and exposure. Sentenced to 32 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Brookes, 42, of Frogmore Avenue, Hyde, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court
Warren Gilchrest (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.
Upton, 54, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison on August 22 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ryan, 55, of Collin Avenue, Gorton, Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Bridgeford, 50, of Canon Street, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Charnock, 31, of Edward Street, Farnworth, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 27 at Bolton Crown Court.
Whitworth, 30, of Costabeck Walk, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on August 28 at Manchester Crown Court.
Simpson, 57, of Deerfold, Chorley, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on August 28 at Bolton Crown Court.
Mott, 28, of Barton Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft from a shop and criminal damage. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on September 1 at Manchester Crown Court.
Potter, 39, of Bolton Road, Aspull, Wigan. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on September 4 at Bolton Crown Court.
Chadwick, 34, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and six months in prison on September 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
McGlade, 24, of Oldham Street, Manchester. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft and criminal damage. Sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on September 10 at Manchester Crown Court.
Footage has emerged appearing to show a group of demonstrators smashing up a vape shop amid protests in Manchester city centre on Saturday (August 3). (Image: Submitted)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and obstructing a police constable. Sentenced to a ten month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and assaulting an emergency worker. Sentenced to a 12 month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to two counts of violent disorder at Newton Heath on July 31 and Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Riot police in Bolton last Sunday (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. Sentenced to an 18 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Andrew Phillips (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Phillips, 28, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.
Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.
Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Grange, 20, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and possession of a class B drug. Sentenced to two and a half years in prison on September 14 at Manchester Crown Court.
Pearson, 53, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Jibson, 45, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Ryan Leckey was jailed for 16 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Leckey, 24, of Lightbowne Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
Darren Butler was jailed for 17 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Butler, 42, of Cattlin Way, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to criminal damage and violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to a 12 month intensive youth rehabilitation order on September 19 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on September 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month community order on September 23 at Manchester Crown Court.
Sadiq, 21, of Bentinck Street, Farnworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on September 25 at Bolton Crown Court.
Richard, 56, of Kingsland Close, Miles Platting. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on September 25 at Manchester Crown Court.
Smith, 42, of Farnborough Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.
Keenan, 50, of Glen Grove, Middleton. Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.
Miller, 38, Kennington Avenue, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 15 months in prison on September 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on October 3 at Manchester Crown Court.
Whitelegg, 40, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Davy, 18, of Liney Road, Cheadle. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Burgess, 20, of Regent Square, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Dunkerley, 37, of Marlborough Drive, Failsworth, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 7 at Manchester Crown Court.
Johnson, 33, of Criterion Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred in Stockport on August 5. Sentenced to two years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court on October 10.
A beauty therapy student turned up to a riot in a yellow dress and bought eggs that were handed out to teenagers and launched ‘as missiles’ towards police during violent disorder in Newton Heath. Destiny Waugh, 19, walked to a Shell garage near to where the scenes of disorder were unfolding, on Oldham Road on July 31 this year, and bought two cartons of six eggs, Manchester Crown Court heard. (Image: GMP)
Waugh, 19, of Risbury Walk, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months at Manchester Crown Court on October 15.
Andrew Phillips and David Green have both been jailed for 31 months
One wore sunglasses and held a half-drunk pint of beer in his hand as he shouted in the faces of police. He had earlier kicked a man as he was down on the ground.
The other stamped and kicked on the leg and ribcage of the same man as officers tried to protect him. Both have now been jailed for over two-and-a-half years for the ‘deplorable’ attack.
Andrew Phillips, 28, and David Green, 41, are the latest rioters to be sentenced for their part in a group attack on a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens last month.
Disorder and chaos spread across the towns and cities in the UK following the tragic killing of three children in Southport. Misinformation spread online as to the identity of the alleged attacker, leading to a number of protests and violent disorder with missiles thrown at police and racist behaviour.
Duncan Wilcock, prosecuting, told Manchester Crown Court that during a protest in Manchester city centre, a man was set upon, first by ‘one or two’ men before he fell to the ground. Phillips then kicked the man as he was on the ground, Mr Wilcock said.
“Mr Green was then seen to be stamping on his leg and his ribcage,” he added.
“Two officers bravely came to the rescue of the man before other officers attended. One of the officers lay on top of the man as he was being attacked, in order to protect him.”
“Frankly, it was a cauldron of disorder,” the prosecutor added. The court heard that the black male was arrested ‘for his own protection’ then swiftly de-arrested. The two officers were also injured in the melee, it was said. Both men were identified following an appeal by Greater Manchester Police.
Green was said to have previous convictions for battery and assaulting a police officer; and Phillips had previously been handed a football banning order after getting involved in a ‘football-related’ large-scale disturbance at Great Portland Street station in London.
Representing them both, Laura Broome said both men took responsibility for the ‘utterly appalling’ incident.
“Both ask me to convey their remorse to the court,” she said. Of Green, she said he had ‘struggled with alcohol for a long period of time’ and had been drinking in the city centre at the time.
He began a conversation with a group of males who encouraged him to join them in the protest. He has little recollection of his behaviour,” Ms Broome said.
She added that he felt ‘ashamed and embarrassed’ and has since lost his job after the video was posted online.
For Phillips, she said he was also drinking at the time, and had ‘little recollection’ of the offence. “He describes the shame he feels in watching that footage,” the barrister said.
She said he has been suspended from his job, where he has worked for 11 years, and expects he will be dismissed after the sentencing hearing.
“He feels he has, in his own words, ‘thrown it down the drain,” Ms Broome said on his behalf.
“Because he is the author of his own misfortune,” the sentencing judge replied.
Jailing them both for two years and seven months, Judge Patrick Field KC said Phillips’ behaviour was ‘unpleasant, aggressive and deplorable’. And of Green, he said his actions were ‘cowardly’.
“By your actions, I have no doubt both of you encouraged others to engage in public disorder. You each caused terror and discomfort to the man of the assault and fear and distress to others present,” he added.
Both Phillips, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, and Green, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, were handed criminal behaviour orders banning them from entering certain areas of Manchester city centre for three years. They both pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Shaun Holt, of Oak Road, Stockport, also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and will be sentenced on October 3.
A judge has given the number of a local law firm to a man who live-streamed himself using racist language amid a riot outside an asylum hotel and told him to get a lawyer before his sentencing.
Judge Maurice Greene warned Aaron Johnson he was “in a serious position” after the 32-year-old from Stockport pleaded guilty to inciting racial hatred.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court previously heard he had repeatedly referred to migrants in a derogatory manner during a broadcast to “millions of people” during disorder in Stockport on 5 August.
Judge Greene adjourned his sentencing to 19 September.
‘Put your case’
Johnson, of Criterion Street, Stockport, admitted the charge earlier this month.
Magistrates were told he had also been aggressive to hotel staff, exposed residents to danger while using racist language and citing the Southport knife attack.
Misinformation spread online after the deaths of three young girls at a holiday club dance class on 29 July led to riots across the UK.
At Manchester Crown Court, Judge Greene told Johnson: “I really think you ought to have a solicitor so you can put your case and what you want to say.”
A former soldier in the British Army is among the latest thugs to be jailed over a ‘sickening’ attack on a lone black man during large scale disorder in Manchester city centre.
Daniel Hanslip, 33, served for eight years, completing tours of Afghanistan as well as spells in Canada, Germany, and Cyprus.
He sat in the dock alongside Colin Demulder, 36; Kane Kelly, 24, and Anthony Livesey, 31, after the four men all pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the shocking attack in Piccadilly Gardens.
Judge John Potter told Hanslip: “You served your country with distinction. Your downfall by your stupid and crass involvement in this violence has been significant.”
Manchester Crown Court heard that a planned far-right demonstration was held in Piccadilly Gardens on the afternoon of August 3, with a significant police presence.
The judge said that following the tragic killing of three children in Southport, ‘lies were deliberately spread’ which ‘emphasised the supposed nationality, ethnicity and religion of the alleged attacker’.
Judge Potter told the four defendants: “Each of you had voluntarily attended at that gathering, no doubt knowing full well its purpose.”
The shocking attack on a lone black man was caught on camera and posted online.
Judge Potter said it depicted a ‘shocking example of mob violence’.
Another man, Joseph Ley, 30, from Stockport, who has already been jailed, instigated the violence.
Prior to the attack, Hanslip picked up a metal fence and threw it to the floor in a bid to breach a cordon which had been erected. He went on to punch the black man ‘numerous times’ and gripped him in a headlock, before trying to kick him in the head and then punching him again.
Demulder had earlier climbed over a metal fence and joined in the attack. He ran forward and punched the victim to the face.
Kelly punched him and pinned him to the ground as others attacked him. Livesey had earlier antagonised police officers as he swigged from bottles of alcohol. He tried to punch the man before stamping on his head as he fell to the floor.
Hanslip was jailed for two years and two months, Demulder for two years and eight months and Kelly for two years and five months.
Livesey was sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence order imposed a year ago for harassment, stalking, witness intimidation and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.
Judge Potter said: “It is a quite sickening attack, from which your victim appears, in my judgement, to have been fortunate to escape very serious injury.”
Ian McMeekin, mitigating for Hanslip, said the defendant regarded his behaviour as ‘thuggish and inexcusable’. He said Hanslip served in the Army from the age of 16 to 24, and has since worked for a gas distributor.
Mr McMeekin said Hanslip was not a member of any organisation and worked with colleagues regardless of ‘colour, class or creed’.
Richard Flook, mitigating for Kelly, said the defendant had travelled into Manchester to buy a birthday present for his father, but that he had met some friends from football and got ‘caught up’ in the disorder.
Alex Beevers, mitigating for Livesey, described the trouble as ‘inexplicable lunacy’, and ‘offending for which he is deeply ashamed’. Livesey is a ‘trusted employee’ as a tarmacer with ‘managerial oversight,” the barrister said.
Rachel White, mitigating for Demulder, said the defendant had described his behaviour as ‘childish and disgusting’. She said his involvement was ‘thankfully short-lived’.
Hanslip, of Central Avenue, Shipley, Bradford; Demulder, of Birch Lane, Longsight; Kelly, of Woodford Road, Failsworth; and Livesey, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton; all pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Three men have become the latest to be jailed for their part in the disorder that gripped the region earlier this month.
Bolton town centre, central Manchester and Newton Heath were all hit by disorder in the days between Wednesday July 31 and Sunday August 4.
Radcliffe man Oliver Chapman, 23, Paul Smith, 21 and Joseph Ley, 30, all pleaded guilty to their parts in the disturbances at previous hearings and police say more are likely to follow them.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Naismith said: “We are continuing to investigate, locate and trace those who were intent on committing unnecessary violence and remain focused on keeping our communities safe whilst bringing swift justice alongside the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Our ongoing work across several operations has led to 102 suspects being identified, with 73 of those being charged and as the days pass more will start to be convicted for their actions.”
Chapman, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, pleaded guilty to violent disorder for his actions outside Sainsburys supermarket on Mosley Street in Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3.
Brought back before Manchester Crown Court on Thursday, August 15, he was jailed for one year and eight months.
Smith, of Keynsham Road, Manchester, also confessed to violent disorder for his role in the disturbances on Oldham Road, Newton Heath, on Wednesday, July 31.
He was jailed for two years and 10 months and given a seven-year community behaviour order.
Ley, of Hardman Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after taking part in the disturbances at Piccadilly Gardens on Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3.
He was jailed for three years and two months.
DCI Naismith said: “We are still maintaining patrols in key areas to ensure we can respond quickly to any ongoing disorder that may arise and would like to thank the public for their continued support and co-operation as we conduct further enquiries.
“Acts of mindless violence will not be tolerated, and we hope this result sends a clear message that any outbreak of disorder will be dealt with robustly.
“If you were involved in violent disorder expect a knock on the door if you haven’t had one already.”
More than 1,100 people now arrested over far-right violence, with almost 650 charged, say police chiefs
A 15-year-old boy has become the first person to be charged with riot following recent disorder in several cities.
Prosecutors said the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, would appear at South Tyneside Youth Court.
Rioting carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – double that of violent disorder.
He joins a 20-year-old involved in the Southport riot, as well as one of the thugs who attacked a Black man in Manchester, who are also facing jail.
Tom Neblett, 20, from Southport, was jailed for 30 months on Thursday after scaling a van and throwing bricks and other projectiles at police.
Meanwhile, Joseph Ley from Stockport, was among a large group of white males who attacked a Black man in Manchester city centre on 3 August.
The 30-year-old is being sentenced for violent disorder at Manchester Crown Court, along with two other rioters.
On Thursday, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 1,127 people had been arrested so far, with 648 charged, following the days of violence across England and Northern Ireland.
20-year-old who climbed onto van and threw brick at police jailed for 30 months
A 20-year-old who climbed on to a van and repeatedly launched projectiles at police officers in Southport has been locked up for 30 months.
Tom Neblett, aged 20, attended a vigil for the previous day’s stabbing at a dance class in which three girls were killed, but he later joined a 1,000-strong group who “without any evidence or justification” attacked a nearby mosque and then police officers who gathered in response, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Neblett threw a brick at the passenger side window of a police carrier while the driver was still inside before colleagues in riot gear removed him as he shielded his head with his hands.
He was also seen on CCTV footage at the “very forefront” of the missile throwing as he picked up a smoke flare and hurled it towards the line of officers. He later scaled a white van and repeatedly threw more bricks and pieces of paving slabs at the police carrier and officers, the court heard.
Judge Dennis Watson KC told Neblett that a pre-sentence report had shown “a different side to you, the yob who was throwing missiles repeatedly” but he added: “The effect of your actions will have been to encourage others to have been involved and do likewise. Those actions cannot be viewed in isolation and should not be underestimated.”
A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in Manchester city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today.
Two more thugs have admitted their involvement in a sickening mob attack on a black man during violent scenes in Piccadilly Gardens after ‘protesters’ flooded into Manchester city centre. A teenager has also pleaded guilty to violent disorder having being accused of confronting cops trying to control crowds, breaking through a barrier and snatching beer from someone leaving a Sainsbury’s store.
There was large-scale disruption in the city centre last Saturday (August 3) following a demonstration dubbed ‘Enough is Enough’. Counter-protesters also gathered as tensions flared.
A string of men and boys have been hauled to Manchester Magistrates’ Court this week, with 16 so far admitting their crimes following the ugly scenes in the city centre; disorder outside a hotel in Newton Heath; and trouble in Bolton. More defendants appeared before District Judge Lucy Hogarth today (Saturday, August 10).
Two men – Kane Kelly, 23, of Woodford Road, Failsworth, Oldham; and Daniel Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire – will be behind bars tonight having been remanded into custody after admitting their guilt in relation to the attack on a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens by dozens of thugs.
Earlier this week, other men admitted their role in the sickening assault – including Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford; Joseph Ley, 30, of Hollywood Towers, Stockport; Colin Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight, Manchester; and Anthony Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton, Tameside.
As Kelly and Hanslip appeared in court, prosecutor Karen Saffman said members of the mob shouted ‘kill him’ and ‘stamp on his f*****g face’. District Judge Hogarth described the incident as a ‘racially aggravated assault’.
Ms Saffman described the violent scenes, which were caught on camera, saying: “It’s a group assault on a lone, black male. The group is heard saying, ‘kill him… stamp on his f*****g face’. The male is then dragged away and then falls to the ground.”
The court heard Hanslip was seen throwing security fencing before joining a ‘melee’ alongside Kelly. Kelly appeared to join the ‘group assault’, the court heard. Ms Saffman said the two men were identified in footage from the incident, some of which has been published on YouTube. She described the clip as ‘disturbing’.
Both men will be sentenced at the Crown court on August 16. Addressing Kelly, District Judge Hogarth said: “This is a racially aggravated group assault in broad daylight in full view of the police and it’s well out of the sentencing powers of this court.”
No application for bail was made for Kelly, who has no previous convictions. His family members were in the courtroom when the judge ruled he would be remanded into custody.
Hanslip was also remanded into custody after his application for bail was rejected. Michelle Man, defending, told the court he has no previous convictions, has a well-paid job and lives with his partner, who was in court and was due to go on holiday with him this week.
Teenager Aaron Davy pleaded guilty for his part in the violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens. The 18-year-old’s birthday was days ater the incident on Saturday (August 3), which he was accused of being ‘heavily involved’ in.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard Davy, of Liney Road, Cheadle, Stockport, was part of a large, chanting group who confronted police. Davy, who was wearing a mask, was pushed back from the police line and later broke through a metal barrier to get closer to counter-protesters.
He was then seen with a man snatching a pack of beer from someone leaving a nearby branch of Sainsbury’s. Karen Saffman, prosecuting, told the court, adding: “He was an active part on this day. He wasn’t just a by-stander – he wasn’t just observing.”
Davy was granted bail after the court heard he tried to kill himself last year. Claire Parrott, defending, said: “In reality this is a very, very frightened young man.” Ms Parrott told the court Davy’s family, who were watching the hearing from the public gallery, were concerned about an older ‘friend’ who took the teenager out that day, but said that the teenager went there ‘on his own volition’ and realises the ‘enormity of the situation’.
She added: “He states that he would never put himself in this situation again.” DJ Hogarth granted bail with conditions that require him to live and sleep at his home address with an electronic tag, ensuring he remains indoors between 7pm and 7am.
Davy must also not gather in a group of more than two without an adult family member there. The judge warned Davy he may be arrested if he breaches any of these conditions and put in a cell overnight. She also told the teenager that he may receive a custodial sentence.
Explaining her decision to grant bail to Davy, DJ Hogarth said: “What I’m about to say now makes no promises about how the Crown Court deals with you. This is very serious conduct that has made communities feel frightened and has made the police’s job more difficult.”
Davy will be sentenced by the Crown Court on Friday, August 16.
On Saturday, a 13-year-old boy was the latest child to appear before DJ Hogarth. The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after he was caught throwing missiles at police outside the hotel – thought to be housing asylum seekers – in Newton Heath. His mum watched from the public gallery.
The court heard he was ‘caught up’ in the violent scenes as the ‘hostile’ and ‘aggressive’ crowd gathered on July 31. The crowd threw glass bottles, bricks and eggs at cops.
Prosecuting, Karen Saffman said: “[The boy] was seen throwing missiles at police and the hostel. He was also seen with a group of youths hitting and kicking a bus with the bus driver and members of the public on that bus.”
Ms Saffman read a statement written by a bus driver who was attacked by the mob. He wrote: “The incident has left me very stressed. It’s made me scared to deal with members of the public because I would never have expected to experience this when I started my shift at the beginning of the day.”
DJ Hogarth told the boy she would adjourn the case and request a report from the youth offending service. He was granted bail with conditions that he lives and sleeps at his home address every night; does leave the property between 7pm and 7am; and does not meet in groups of more than two people without an adult family member present.
Addressing the defendant, DJ Hogarth said: “Very serious things have been happening around you and you joined in. We need to look at how serious that was and what we’re going to do about it.”
The case was adjourned until a hearing on September 17. The boy’s mum was heard saying: “Thank you, thank you so much.”
Others to appear in court on Saturday were:
Anthony Whitelegg, 40, of Mulberry Close, Heald Green, Stockport: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Newton Heath incident on July 31. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 16
Darren Butler, 41, of Cattlin Way, Oldham: Charged with violent disorder following the incident in Newton Heath on July 31. No plea indicated. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13
David Whittaker, 36, of Farnborough Road, Miles Platting, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to the Newton Heath incident on July 31. Not guilty plea. Remanded into custody ahead of Crown Court hearing on September 13
Colin Brown, 37, of Moorcroft Road, Manchester: Charged with violent disorder in relation to Piccadilly Gardens disorder; and robbery. He is alleged to have stolen a woman’s scarf. No pleas entered. Remanded into custody head of Crown court hearing on September 13
Joseph Ley, 30, of Hollywood Towers, Stockport, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder; and possession of a baton. Mr Lynch said Ley was involved with a large group of white males who surrounded black male on Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.
Ley was heard to say: “You got a problem with us English, bro?”. He then grabbed the man with both hands around his neck and pushing him to the floor. He then punched the man in the face.
“The complainant tried to stand up, this defendant forcefully kicked him to the left side of the face,” Mr Lynch said. Ley kicked the man again, knocking him to the floor. A crowd began to gather around to ‘cheer and clap’ and another man appeared to throw a metal fence towards the man, which thankfully missed him. Ley then kicked the man again before another man punched him.
Others joined in the attack, with comments heard such as: “Kill him… Stamp on his f***ing face.” The man was chased by some members of the group whilst the crowd could be heard chanting: “Save our kids, save our kids.”
Police officers then surrounded the victim completely in order to protect him from further attacks, the prosecutor said. Ley was later arrested, with officers finding a baton at his house in Stockport.
He was said to have previous convictions for violence, the court heard. Applying for bail, defence lawyer Simon Morton said his client handed himself into the police when he was aware they had been to his address. “He was cooperative and fully transparent,” he said.
Remanding him into custody, District Judge Joanne Hirst said: “This was shameful and frightening civil disorder in which a man was attacked by you due to his race.” Ley will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 15.
Liam Ryan wiped tears from his face as he was led to the cells below
A man who caused terror when he live-streamed an asylum seeker hotel has admitting stirring up racial hatred, as more people accused over the unrest in Greater Manchester appeared in court today (August 7).
Aaron Johnson, 32, was among a second tranche of suspects who appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court this morning following the unrest which took place in Bolton and Manchester city centre over the weekend.
A second man, Liam Ryan, 28, wept as he admitted violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens. Disorder hit towns and cities across the country, including in Greater Manchester, followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance club in Southport last week.
Incorrect rumours – that the suspect in the stabbings was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a small boat – spread on social media and appears to have fuelled the unrest.
Aaron Johnson, 32, of Criterion Street, North Reddish, Stockport, pleaded guilty to an offence of distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred, contrary to the Public Order Act when he appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court this morning.
The court heard that on August 5 Johnson attended outside a hotel in Stockport where it is believed that asylum seekers were staying. Members of staff became aware of his presence, and it later became clear that he was live streaming on YouTube.
“Members of staff started to become concerned for the welfare of the asylum seekers. They spoke with the defendant and he became aggressive towards them,” prosecutor Laura Peers told the court.
“He started saying that people staying in the hotels had been throwing bricks at white people, for which there was no evidence.” Johnson became more aggressive towards staff and threatened to ‘smash their face in’.
The police were called and he was arrested. His livestream was obtained by police, in which he was heard to call the people inside the hotel derogatory and racist names, and further racist language towards them, according to the prosecution.
The stream was viewed by millions of people. Ms Peers said this posed a significant danger to those inside the hotel, as the stream was uploaded to Johnson’s YouTube Channel and was viewed millions of times. He has one previous conviction for a public order offence at a football match, the court heard.
David Philpott, mitigating, said: “He knows full well he has done wrong.” The case was adjourned to August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.
District Judge Jane Hamilton said Johnson had ‘no reason’ to attend the hotel.
He said: “You were taking pictures through the window of people who were trying to sleep and also made reference to the children who were murdered in Southport. That had nothing to do with asylum seekers or anybody else.
“The male who did that was born in this country. There was no reason whatsoever for this offence to occur.” Johnson was remanded into custody.
Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following an incident on August 3 in Manchester city centre. He swung punches at rivals during the trouble in Piccadilly Gardens and wept throughout his appearance in court.
Ms Peers said Ryan had previous convictions for involving himself in large scale disturbances, particularly at football matches, and was subject to a football banning order. “The defendant lives in Bradford and it is believed he travelled to the city centre with the purpose of taking part in the events,” she said.
“He played an active role in the violent disorder. He was seen swinging a punch towards the male, which did not connect. He then punched him again a number of times making contact whilst the crowd were shouting in the background.”
Mitigating, Mr Philpott said Ryan took full responsibility for his actions.
“He would like to apologise and have the chance to write a letter to the male concerned expressing his regret and remorse,” he said. Mr Philpott added that Ryan, a window fitter, had issues with alcohol.
Remanding Ryan in custody, District Judge Hamilton said: “You are a person who involved themselves in large scale disturbances and this in particular was a large scale disturbance. Not only that, you travelled from Bradford to Manchester, across the Borders, to involve yourself in this offence.
“Bearing in mind this disorder is ongoing, I find you would commit further offences if I granted you bail.”
Ryan wept throughout the hearing, and wiped tears from his face as he was led to the cells below. His case was adjourned until August 14 when he will appear at Manchester Crown Court.
A string of other accused appeared in court and either entered no plea or denied the charges against them.
Shaun Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Cheadle, Stockport, appeared in court charged with violent disorder following an incident on August 3 in the city centre. He did not enter any pleas to the offence.
Prosecutor Laura Peers said that at around 1pm there was a number of large scale disturbances which took place around Piccadilly Gardens. Applying for bail on behalf of Mr Holt, David Philpott, defending, said the delivery driver was also the sole carer for his ill daughter.
District Judge Hamilton remanded Mr Holt into custody. He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.
Andrew Phillips, 27, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, appeared in court charged with violent disorder in relation to the trouble in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. He did not enter any plea to the offence.
Applying for bail on behalf of Mr Phillips, Michelle Crossland, said he had a stable job in full time employment as a mechanical engineer. District Judge Hamilton remanded the defendant in custody before his next appearance at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.
David Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, appeared in court charged with violent disorder in relation to the incident in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. He did not enter any plea at this stage. DJ Hamilton remanded Mr Green into custody. He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.
Matthew Wilson, 31, of Parrock Street, Rossendale, Lancashire, has pleaded not guilty to three offences of racially aggravated assault. It is alleged that he was involved in an incident in the city centre on August 5. He denies involvement.
The court heard he had also allegedly made racist and homophobic comments. He was remanded into custody and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.
As he was led to the cells, Mr Wilson punched the glass of the dock a number of times and shouted derogatory terms at the judge.
District Judge Hamilton hauled the defendant back into court after the lunchbreak asked him to apologise for his outburst or spend the next seven days in custody for contempt. At first the defendant remained silent and said: “Yeah, go on then.”
Probed to give a ‘proper apology’ by the judge, he said: “I’m sorry for punching the glass.”
Duty solicitor Mr Philpott said: “I saw him earlier over the lunchtime adjournment. He apologises. He is mentally frustrated by recent events.”
The case was concluded and Mr Wilson will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.
Alex Fraser, 20, of Leicester Road, Salford, pleaded not guilty to three racially aggravated public order offences. It is alleged that he was involved in an incident in the city centre on August 5. He denies involvement.
The court heard he had also allegedly made racist and homophobic comments. Applying for bail, his solicitor Richard Birtwistle said he was staying at a hostel in Stockport at the time, and has some mental health challenges.
DJ Hamilton remanded Mr Frazer, who looked visibly upset, into custody and he will next appear before Manchester Crown Court on September 11. Manchester Evening News
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