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Barrister claims disorder outside hotel housing asylum seekers was ‘less about racism’ and ‘more about’ anti-government sentiment

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October 20, 2024
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Violence that erupted in Newton Heath after Southport stabbings was ‘less about racism’ and ‘more about a general feeling about the government’, a defence barrister has claimed

A barrister claimed violent disorder that erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in north Manchester was ‘less about racism’ and was ‘more about’ anti-government feeling.

The comments were made during the sentencing of a balaclava-wearing thug who was part of a ‘mob’ who attacked a bus in Newton Heath. Kemmy Grange, 20, was part of the disorder that took place outside a Holiday Inn on Oldham Road on July 31 during a wave of violence that swept the country following the deaths of three young girls in Southport.

Manchester Crown Court heard the Newton Heath protest on July 31 was organised via Facebook in a post that read ‘Let’s get them out. 6pm today,’ followed by three clenched fist emojis and a St George’s flag.

During the disorder racist chants were heard, bricks and bottles were hurled at police and the hotel and a passing bus was attacked. A resident of the hotel, which was housing families and children among others, was injured after he was hit by flying glass.

During mitigation, defence barrister Richard Dawson said: “This was less about racism and more about a general feeling in the community about how the government was managing this community and immigration into this community.”

Judge John Potter replied: “Are you seriously telling me this was some kind of anti-government protest? I completely disagree. Racist chants were made towards the Holiday Inn and the bus. Nobody stood up and said ‘let’s get this government out’.”

Mr Dawson replied: “This individual was not there because of any underlying racist characteristics.” While the violence was ongoing Grange was captured on CCTV riding a bike on nearby Fletcher Street where he was seen to stop and pocket some ‘debris’ he picked up from the floor.

The court was shown CCTV footage from the number 83 bus, in which Grange could be seen wearing a balaclava, black top and black shorts attempting to ‘impede’ the vehicle. During the CCTV the windscreen was smashed, and shouts of ‘Take the bus’ could be heard.

The driver, who was injured after being assaulted through a side window, can be heard asking if the passengers are alright before telling them to get off the bus and ‘go to the police quickly’.

In a victim impact statement the driver said the attack had left him ‘stressed’ and ‘scared’. He was praised by Judge Potter for his ‘commendable bravery’.

Police footage was also shown to the court showing Grange among a group of males who could be seen hurling bricks and other missiles towards officers, although it was accepted the defendant hadn’t thrown anything. Grange was later identified by police after being caught on camera outside a pub without a face covering.

He was arrested at a house in Moston where police found £200 of cannabis in a kitchen cupboard.

Mr Dawson defending, said Grange had an ‘undiagnosed neurological disorder’ and was a ‘young man who had a somewhat troubled upbringing’. He added: “Plainly this was a disgraceful and highly inappropriate course of conduct. He is deeply ashamed and offers a sincere apology.”

Grange, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, admitted violent disorder and possession of a class B drug. Appearing via video link from Forest Bank prison in Salford he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and given a five year criminal behaviour order.

Judge Potter said the violent disorder in Newton Heath was ‘organised via lies and racist comments spread on Facebook’. The judge told Grange he ‘took part in the attack’ on the bus and was seen to ‘impede’ the vehicle ‘in an attempt by the mob to make it stop, no doubt the intention being those on board should be attacked’.

Judge Potter said while he accepted Grange had not thrown any missiles his presence at the disorder ‘was designed to encourage such lawless behaviour’.
Manchester Evening News

Topless thug tried to hide his face during Piccadilly riots… it didn’t work

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October 20, 2024
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Lee Upton is the latest to be jailed

A topless thug punched a man before behaving in a ‘loutish’ manner during large-scale disorder in Piccadilly Gardens.

Lee Upton, 54, is the latest to be jailed for his part in the trouble that broke out in the city centre on August 3 when a far-right demonstration was held, with counter-protestors also attending. Upton was caught on camera punching a man while a ‘heated debate’ was ongoing between the two sides.

He was pushed away then began to loiter at the back of the crowds. Manchester Crown Court heard that he then moved down Mosley Street, where thugs were attacking the front of a vape shop, and a Sainsbury’s store was looted.

Upton, who was not involved in either incident, was seen on footage shirtless, having wrapped his T-shirt around the lower part of his face. In the footage he is seen to make a gesture as if he were holding an ‘imaginary rifle’, prosecutor Philip Hall said.

Mr Hall claimed that Upton made a ‘Nazi salute’. Upton’s lawyer said he denied this, and the judge said he was not sure that he had done so.

Upton was later arrested after being spotted by police in Altrincham town centre. “You were part of an unruly, threatening and on occasion violent mob that congregated in Piccadilly Gardens and then moved along Mosley Street,” Judge Patrick Field KC told Upton.

“You were seen to strike a blow with your fist to the face of a man who was arguing with others as two opposing groups came together. It is perhaps in your favour that that blow didn’t lead to widespread violence at that point.

“That perhaps says more about your victim and the people around him, than it says about you. This was on any view nasty, unpleasant and loutish behaviour, but I have to acknowledge that it is significantly less serious than other behaviour that I have seen displayed in respect of that day.”

Prosecutors pointed to the fact that he covered part of his face with his T-shirt. “It was an incompetent attempt to avoid detection,” the judge said.

Upton, who has 62 previous offences on his record, was sentenced to 14 months in prison after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Defending, Laura Broome said Upton takes ‘full responsibility’ for his behaviour and is ‘ashamed’ of his actions.

She said Upton became homeless following the death of his mother, and that he sleeps on the streets or sometimes at a hotel. Upton, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe, was also handed a criminal behaviour order banning him from a certain area of Manchester city centre, which will last for three years.

Manchester Evening News

Man jailed for violent disorder in Southport

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October 18, 2024
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A man who threw missiles at police and their vehicles in Southport has been jailed for two years, two months today (Friday 18 October).

Lawrence Howarth, 33 years, of Carnoustie Close, Manchester was convicted of violent disorder in Southport where he was identified throwing objects at officers and at a police vehicle.

He was jailed today at Liverpool Crown Court.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “The actions of those involved in the disorder in Southport – including Howarth – left more than 50 officers injured, windows smashed, garden walls destroyed and local residents in fear.

“Howarth will now have time in a prison cell to reflect on his decision to bring chaos and destruction to our streets.

“We have now seen 73 people sentenced to a total of 156-and-a-half years in prison for the part they played in disorder in Merseyside, with 131 arrested and 93 of those charged.

“We continue to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”

We would encourage anyone with information to contact us via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Our latest gallery can be found here: CCTV appeal to help identify 74 people as part of investigation into violent disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police

Merseyside Police

Ex-Army teen who stood on wall making ‘racist speech’ during riot is jailed

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October 18, 2024
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Evan Wilkins-Doyle said he is ‘disgusted’ and ‘ashamed’ of his behaviour during the Hartlepool riot

A teenager who volunteered with a charity helping refugees shouted racially aggravated abuse at the summer riot in Hartlepool.

Evan Wilkins-Doyle appeared before Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced after admitting to a charge of violent disorder on the night of rioting in the town on July 31. Rachel Masters prosecuting, told the court crowds has gathered following social media posts about protests and by 8pm the mood had turned violent.

She said the defendant was part of the crowd and showed the court CCTV footage of him standing on a wall addressing others. His speech included “Islam is getting further and further into our f****** country”, “don’t let them take our land off us” “step forward, step forward”. Ms Masters said he was trying to surge the crowd forward.

The prosecutor said Wilkins-Doyle, 19, of The Spinney, Hartlepool, had handed himself in to the police and said he had gone because he thought it was going to be a peaceful protest. Stephen Constantine, defending, told the sentencing hearing that the teenager is of previously good character and has spent a lot of his time doing good in the local community and helping others.

He said Wilkins-Doyle had even volunteered for a charity with his mum helping refugees. “The defendant made a speech, or whatever it can be called, for about 20 second and got off the wall,” the court heard.

“You could be forgiven for not understanding why he climbed on that wall and said the things he said. What he said was clearly entirely at odds with the way he has presented himself throughout the rest of his life. It is impossible to explain it.”

He said his clients’ family members are all astonished and the defendant has said he is “disgusted” and “ashamed” by his actions. Mr Constantine said: “Those are the words he used to describe himself and he is at a loss as to explain why he acted in such a way.

“This type of behaviour is alien to him and his family.” The barrister said it is something his client never wants to repeat or put his family through again.

Judge Francis Laird said Wilkins-Doyle had suffered heartache following the death of his step-father and disappointment in being medically discharged from the army and unable to pursue the careers he wanted. He said: “The combination of these factors did affect you greatly.”

He said he found the words he used on that evening did make the crime racially aggravated. But, he took into account all the positive things he had been told about him and his early guilty plea and sentenced him to 14 months in prison.

Gazette Live

Man, 23, is latest to be sentenced over Southport violent disorder

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October 18, 2024
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Man, 23, is latest to be sentenced over Southport violent disorder

A 23 year-old man has been sentenced for his involvement in violent disorder in Southport on July 30. Harry Holmes Moore, of Zetland Street, Southport, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, October 17).

Moore was sentenced to 22 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity days. A 27 year-old man from Wigan has also been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in Southport and has been conditionally bailed.

So far, 131 people have been arrested, and 72 people sentenced to a total of 154 years and four months. The latest people to be charged with violent disorder include a 13-year-old girl from Anfield, while 20-year-old Harry Conway, of Vivian Drive, in Birkdale, who hurled missiles at police, was given one year and eight months in a Youth Offender Institution. He was sentenced for his role in violent disorder in Southport after he was identified on CCTV footage.

Police are asking for anyone with information to contact them via their Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The latest gallery of people they would like to speak to relating to the disorder can be found here: CCTV appeal to help identify 74 people as part of investigation into violent disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police.

Liverpool Echo

Man jailed for role in Rotherham hotel riot

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October 17, 2024
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A man who a court was told had “joined the mob” of rioters who descended on a hotel housing asylum seekers in South Yorkshire has been jailed for his part in the violent disorder.

Nathan Annables, 25, threw missiles at police and entered the Manvers Holiday Inn Express on 4 August to arm himself with a chair which he then used to “repeatedly” hit a hotel window before throwing it, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

He also tried to kick a police van when it was driven through the crowd, and he joined in with chanting aimed at asylum seekers in the hotel.

On Wednesday, Annables, of Manor Drive, Goldthorpe, in Barnsley, who had earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was jailed for three years.

Sentencing Annables, the judge, Her Honour Sarah Wright, told the court that he had “joined in” what was a “terrifying” ordeal for the asylum seekers and staff in the hotel.

People inside the building were “crying and panicked” by what they could see unfolding outside and on social media, and they could smell fires burning, Judge Wright said.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hollis had earlier said that four police dogs and a horse were physically hurt during the violence at the hotel.

People in the surrounding area were left worried by what they had seen happen in the “protracted attack on police and occupants of the hotel”, with local residents scared the violence would spread and fearing for their lives, she said.

Ms Hollis told the court that tensions had mounted outside the hotel “well before physical violence broke out”.

Annables was seen on police bodycam footage arriving before midday drinking a bottle of alcohol and he was still there “hours later”, she said.

Ms Hollis said Annables was seen on video footage ripping wooden planks from a nearby perimeter fence to throw at police.

He also picked up a “rock or lump of concrete” and threw it at officers before attempting to kick a police van.

The court was told that Annables then went inside the hotel to arm himself with a chair to smash a window before throwing it, and he joined in with chants of “Yorkshire, Yorkshire”.

Ms Hollis said that in his first police interview, Annables told officers he had not joined in the disorder, however he later pleaded guilty to his role in the violence.

The judge told Annables she was sentencing him to three years because of the part he played in the violent disorder, “perpetrated by a mob of which you were part”.

Meanwhile, at Sheffield Youth Court on Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy was handed a 12-month referral order and ordered to pay £400 in compensation to South Yorkshire Police for his role in the violence at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers.

The judge said he had given that sentence because the boy had had a difficult background, however he added that the teenager had been at the “forefront” of the violence that day.

The 17-year-old had joined in with the crowd, throwing missiles and kicking out at police, the judge said.

The boy told the court he would “just like to say I’m sorry for what I’ve done”, adding that he regretted his actions.

BBC News

Grandmother who was part of ‘baying mob’ during Hull riot is jailed

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October 16, 2024
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She was ‘at the front of a large group behaving in a threatening way’

A rabble-rousing grandmother who helped stir up trouble during “12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” in Hull city centre has been jailed for two years.

Julieanne Kay was walking around with a piece of wood in her hand while large numbers of police were being confronted outside a hotel that was housing asylum seekers.

She was present when fires were started at a garage and a “baying mob” surrounded a car that had three “terrified” men inside it, Hull Crown Court heard.

Kay, 47, of Lorraine Street, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3.

Judge John Thackray KC said that Kay played a prominent role at the front of a group of people who were confronting police outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, where asylum seekers were living at the time. She made a comment about “banana boats” and she was part of racist insults that were hurled during the disturbance.

She pushed a large blue bin towards police and she was walking around holding a piece of wood. Kay was near her boyfriend, David Wilkinson, 48, of Lorraine Street, who had nunchucks with him. He was jailed for six years at a hearing in August for violent disorder, attempted arson and causing racially aggravated criminal damage.

Judge Thackray told Kay: “You were at the front of a large group behaving in a threatening way, waving and beckoning at the crowd. You tried to damage a litter bin that was screwed to the ground. You were kicking and pulling at it.”

Kay was also present when fires were set at a garage and when a BMW car was surrounded by a “baying mob” while three “terrified” occupants were inside. “You were part of that episode,” said Judge Thackray.

Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that Kay had three children and three grandchildren. “She is incredibly embarrassed to find herself here today and she is appalled by her behaviour,” said Miss Scott.

“She got carried away with all of this.” Kay was involved in some unpleasant behaviour but she claimed that she was carrying the piece of wood not as a weapon but more as a crutch.

She “mirrored” the behaviour of her boyfriend, David Wilkinson, and she became “carried away in an entirely unpleasant way” during the trouble.

“She is incredibly remorseful and incredibly embarrassed,” said Miss Scott. “She has already served three months of a prison sentence.

“A Class A drugs addiction has blighted most of her life. Her Class A drugs addiction started when she was injected with drugs by a partner. She has managed her mental health by turning to Class A drugs.”

Kay had been clean of drugs for five or six years and her most recent previous conviction was from 2009. At the time of the offence, she had split up with her boyfriend of 26 years for about four weeks. “She was struggling to come to terms with the break-up,” said Miss Scott.

Judge Thackray said that Kay’s actions were “part of 12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” that had caused “immeasurable harm” and left a huge financial cost.

“I am not satisfied that your risk can be managed in the community or that you can be rehabilitated in the community,” said Judge Thackray. “Ultimately, only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence.”

Hull Daily Mail

Man, 20, caught on CCTV made no attempt to conceal what he was doing

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October 16, 2024
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Harry Conway appeared not to care who saw him as he made no efforts to conceal his identity

A man who made no attempt to hide his identity when he hurled missiles at police officers has been sentenced.

Harry Conway, aged 20, of Vivian Drive, in Birkdale, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 15 October, to one year and eight months in a Youth Offender Institution.

He was sentenced for his role in violent disorder in Southport after he was identified on CCTV footage throwing missiles at officers.

Footage shows Conway involved in the appalling scenes on Tuesday 30 July and at various points he throws missiles in the direction of officers and police carriers.

He made no attempt to conceal his identity as he stood at the forefront of the group, acting aggressively towards officers and throwing various objects.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “The despicable actions of those involved that day left more than 50 officers injured and Conway was heavily involved in the disorder.

“Thanks to a team of officers who trawled many hours of CCTV and social media footage, Conway was identified as part of a large group who were throwing various missiles towards officers.

“We continue to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”We would encourage anyone with information to contact us via Public Portal Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Liverpool Echo

She turned up to a riot wearing a yellow dress and holding a box of eggs – then ended up in court

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October 15, 2024
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Destiny Waugh walked to a petrol station to buy eggs before handing them out to youths who ‘used them as missiles’

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.

Crowds had begun gathering outside the Holiday Inn earlier that evening, which reportedly housed asylum seekers, before the situation ‘escalated’, with bottles, bricks and eggs launched at hotel grounds and police as racist slurs were also shouted, the court was told.

During the incident, a bus was also attacked, with innocent passengers forced to ‘flee to safety to behind the police lines’ Mr Gavin Howie, prosecuting, said. He said that there was ‘no evidence’ that Ms Waugh took part in those incidents specifically.

However, the court was shown CCTV images of Ms Waugh walking along Oldham Road towards a nearby Shell Garage at around 7.18pm. It is there that she was captured buying two cartons of eggs and paying with cash, before walking back to the scene holding a white carrier bag, the court heard.

“The best course of action here would have been for her to keep walking and not to return,” Mr Howie said. “She [is seen] helping herself to two cartons of six eggs. She purchases those with cash and then returns to the scene where a number of youths were gathering.

“She approaches a group of boys and hands them the eggs, which were used as missiles and launched towards police officers stood at the entrance gate. This is a classic case of aiding and abetting – delivering the ammunition into their hands.”

The court heard that Ms Waugh, ‘kept herself out of the way’ and ‘didn’t actively engage in the throwing of the eggs’. She left the scene a short time later.

The court was told how Destiny, who works part time as a cleaner and is a student in beauty therapy, told police that she had stumbled across the large group of protesters as she walked along Oldham Road that evening.

“She claimed she had no idea why the crowd were there and was not fully clued up on the Southport attacks,” Mr Howie added.

“Ms Waugh’s involvement was relatively short however her actions encouraged teenage boys to take part, in turn, providing encouragement to others for this to escalate.”

Ms Waugh handed herself in to police on September 7 after her picture was shared as part of a public appeal to identify suspects involved. She later plead guilty to the charge of violent disorder.

Defending, Ms Verity Quaite said Destiny had no previous convictions and said she had been left ‘disgusted with herself’ over her actions.

“She essentially provided the eggs, didn’t throw them herself and was there for a relatively short amount of time,” Ms Quaite said. “The court can be confident she will not appear before the courts again.

“She has shown a considerable amount of immaturity here; she has been incredibly foolish and she said she feels disgusted with herself.”

Sentencing, Judge Alan Conrad QC described Ms Waugh’s actions as ‘extremely stupid’. He said: “In July of this year, there were terrible and tragic events in Southport following which there was an outpouring on social media, including a large amount of false and inflammatory postings, leading to widespread and hate-filled incidents of violent disorder

“It is that context which makes cases such as this so serious. You purchased eggs which you passed on to youths for them to be used as missiles. There is no evidence you did anything further. After you handed them over, you left the scene. You were extremely stupid in acting as you did.

“You are 19 years of age, with no previous convictions and indeed the information I have shows you to be of positive character in terms of your studies and work ethic. You are well regarded by others and surrendered to the police when you became aware you were wanted.”

Ms Waugh, of Risbury Walk, Manchester, was sentenced to 16 months in young offenders institute, suspended for 18 months. She must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £150 in costs.

Manchester Evening News

Man jailed for throwing beer keg during disorder

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October 15, 2024
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A man has been jailed for 28 months after hurling objects at officers and throwing a metal beer keg at a police vehicle during a city’s disorder.

Jack Nichols, 22, of Wells, Somerset, pleaded guilty to violent disorder for his actions on 3 August, and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday.

The unrest occurred when protesters and counter protesters gathered near Castle Park in Bristol city centre.

Det Ch Insp Tom Herbert said: “Like too many people on that day, Nichols chose to behave in a way that was completely unacceptable.”

“And as many others already have, he has now received a prison sentence,” he added.

CCTV and body-worn video footage showed Nichols as part of the group in Castle Park, on Bristol Bridge and at Redcliffe Roundabout.

He is seen throwing objects towards police officers, with one hitting a police dog handler, before later throwing a metal beer keg at a police vehicle.

He is the 33rd person to be sentenced following the disorder.

BBC News