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Ex-soldier used dog as weapon in asylum hotel riot

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October 4, 2024
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An ex-serviceman “weaponised” his dog during major unrest outside a Rotherham hotel, a court has heard.

Christian Hemus took his “ordinarily docile” pet to the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on 4 August and used it to intimidate police officers.

The 35-year-old, who previously served in the Army, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and production of cannabis at an earlier hearing.

Hemus, of Clarney Place, Barnsley, was jailed for three years at Sheffield Crown Court and made the subject of a criminal behaviour order for 10 years.

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, told the defendant his decision to bring his pet to the riot had been “an act of animal cruelty”.

“You not only terrified police officers and others you must have terrified the animal too,” he said.

“You used that innocent creature as a tool of violence and threatening behaviour.”

Three other men were also sentenced by Judge Sarah Wright at the same court on Thursday for their roles in the disorder.

Joshua Lane was filmed throwing masonry, wood and rocks at police officers guarding the hotel, which was temporarily home to about 200 asylum seekers.

The 27-year-old was also recorded picking up a metal barrier with others and pushing it against the police line.

The court heard the defendant had been in breach of a 15-month suspended sentence for stalking, battery and criminal damage at the time.

Lane, of Park Road, Brierley, was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail for violent disorder and given a consecutive sentence of 10 months for breaching his suspended sentence.

Michael Shaw, 26, was jailed for two years and six months.

Shaw, of Pagnell Avenue, Thurnscoe was filmed being pushed to the ground by officers after being obstructive, and kicked out at them in retaliation.

The defendant, who previously served in the armed forces, was later seen next to a bin that had been on fire.

Passing sentence, Judge Wright told him it was the actions of the mob overall that had made the offending so serious.

Ricky Cotton, of Broadwater, Bolton-upon-Dearne, “stupidly” got drawn into a period of violence, Judge Wright told the court.

The 32-year-old threw two items, believed to be a vape and an empty beer can, towards a line of police as a “violent mob” challenged them.

His defence barrister claimed he did not throw the items with “any force, any venom”.

Cotton, who was a carer, was concerned his terminally-ill grandfather would die while he was in prison.

Sentencing him to two years and four months, Judge Wright told him: “Your grandfather will suffer because of your actions.”

BBC News

Hanley rioter ‘up for a fight’ ends up seriously injured

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October 2, 2024
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Now he’s behind bars

A man who goaded a group in Hanley city centre and was left seriously injured has been jailed. Daniel Bagguley, aged 31, became involved in the violent disorder which wreaked havoc in the city on Saturday, August 3.

He later tried to break through the police lines and shouted at officers. Now Bagguley has been jailed for 26 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Prosecutor Dylan Wagg said the incident happened on August 3 in the aftermath of the stabbings of three girls in Southport on July 29. Mr Wagg said Bagguley was involved in the disorder.

Mr Wagg said: “He was in a large group shouting things including, ‘We want our country back’, and, ‘You are protecting nonces’. He goaded a group of individuals. A fight took place in the centre of town. He received an injury to his wrist and had his mobile phone stolen.

“Later on he went to Tesco Extra in Hanley to see a first aider. He said to the security guard, ‘It will take more than one P*** to get me mate’ “Bagguley was seen in Cannon Place shouting at officers and attempting to push through the blockade.

“On Potteries Way he shouted in a group with his arms in the air. His involvement continued on Town Road. There was nothing to suggest he was throwing missiles but he had a continued presence right at the front of the police lines.”

Bagguley, of Ashfields New Road, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Jason Holt, mitigating, said: “He saw a significant number of people running towards him with weapons.

“It is said he gets involved in a fight. I have to accept he acts in an inappropriate manner. He had his wrist broken in the attack. He is not proud to be before the court again. He had no weapons and threw no stones.

“It is arguable his demeanour was goading the group that attacked him and fighting back to defend himself. He suffered serious injury as a result.”

Jailing Bagguley, Judge Graeme Smith said: “You did not use any weapons or throw any missiles. It is said you did not intend to protest. But you became involved. You continued that involvement for a lengthy period of time as you moved with the crowd through the centre of Hanley to Town Road.

“At some point you foolishly goaded a group in the middle of the pedestrianised area of Hanley. You were clearly up for a fight. You came off worse. That itself was a violent disorder.”

Stoke Sentinel

Boy threw burning missiles at police during riot

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October 2, 2024
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A balaclava-clad 14-year-old boy who hurled burning missiles and stones at police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been sentenced.

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, threw a wheelie bin onto a fire and shouted racist abuse while outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on 4 August.

The teenager, who admitted violent disorder and arson at an earlier hearing, was given a year-long intensive referral order at Sheffield Youth Court.

District Judge Marcus Waite told the teenager he was “pretty shocked” by his actions and said he would have been imprisoned had he been older.

Footage played in court showed the boy throwing various missiles at police, including items that had been set alight.

CCTV footage captured him filling up his pockets with stones from nearby residential driveways and later throwing them at officers.

Judge Waite told the defendant: “Other than one case, that’s the worst behaviour that I’ve seen and that to be done by a balaclava-ed up 14-year-old, I have to say is pretty shocking.

“If you were five years older, you’d go to prison for years.”

The boy was one of five teenagers who appeared before Judge Waite on Wednesday in connection with the rioting in Manvers.

The violence outside the hotel, which was housing more than 200 asylum seekers at the time, lasted for hours and left more than 50 police officers injured.

Another boy was filmed destroying a fence and arming himself with a plank of wood which he used to hit out at police officers’ riot shields, the court heard.

The youth, who was 16 at the time, was also part of a group who kicked a police van and tried to tip another over.

The youth, who previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was also given a 12-month referral order.

A third boy, aged 15, became aggrieved when one of his friends was detained for throwing a plank of wood, resulting in him throwing stones at officers and shouting abuse.

The court heard the boy had harboured no political motivations and attended the scene after becoming “intrigued” by a police helicopter circling the area.

He admitted violent disorder and was handed the same sentence as the other youths.
Three police officers and two police dogs can be seen in front of a fire. A group of men is standing on a grass verge next to it.

A fourth boy, aged 15, also threw stones at police and armed himself with a cone after “feeling pressured into it”, Judge Waite was told.

The teenager, who admitted violent disorder, was also handed a year-long referral order.

A 16-year-old girl pleaded guilty to violent disorder on Wednesday and is due to be sentenced at the youth court later in October.

BBC News

First-time buyer went to Hanley to sort a mortgage – now he’s in jail

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October 1, 2024
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Joseph Pointon launched a drain pipe, threw a brick and dismantled a roundabout during the Hanley riot

A first-time buyer who went to Hanley to arrange a mortgage for a house became involved in ugly scenes of violent disorder. Joseph Pointon, aged 23, allowed his curiosity to get the better of him when he saw a group being aggressive towards police in Hanley on Saturday, August 3.

He ripped off a plastic drainpipe and launched it at police. He dismantled parts of a roundabout at Town Road and threw a brick which connected with an officer’s riot shield.

Now Pointon has been jailed for 28 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. Prosecutor Dylan Wagg said Pointon was seen in Cannon Place with others being stopped by the police cordon.

Mr Wagg said: “He was seen to rip a big piece of drainpipe off the side of a house and launch it at the police line. He later dislodged a metal pole from the roundabout at Town Road but it was not thrown. He was involved in dismantling parts of the roundabout.

“He threw a sizeable brick towards a police officer which connected with a riot shield. He picked up a scaffolding pole and attempted to launch it towards the police line.”

Pointon, of Kingsfield Road, Biddulph, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Andrew Turnock, mitigating, said Pointon has no previous convictions and acted out of character. He was in Hanley to visit a mortgage broker with his partner to arrange finance to buy their first home.

Mr Turnock said: “He was looking forward to a bright future. Since his arrest all that has unravelled. He has had to come to terms with the upset and anxiety he has caused to his family. They are all distressed, shocked and upset.

“This was not an intentional involvement. His grave error of judgement was to see the crowds of almost exclusively men being violent in the stand-off with the police. His curiosity was triggered and he went to see what was going on.

“He got very quickly overtaken by the group mentality. It became a stand-off between the crowd and the police. Shortly after the defendant threw the missiles. It was outrageous disorder against the police. He got swept away.

“He ripped off a drainpipe, threw a stone and dismantled a roundabout, behaviour that is utterly out of character. His family have seen the footage. They can’t believe it is the same person. It was a severe lapse of judgement.”

Judge Graeme Smith told Pointon: “Yours is the most difficult to understand. You attended to see a mortgage broker. You have no previous convictions. You have no mental health issues. This appears to be completely out of character.

“It is said that you were overtaken by a group mentality but others were not overtaken by the same mentality. You threw at least three items at the police in two different locations, a plastic drainpipe, a large brick and a metal pole. You helped dismantle the metal parts of a roundabout. The throwing of missiles has the potential to cause very serious injury.”

Stoke Sentinel

Boy, 14, spat at and hit police officer at Bolton riot

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October 1, 2024
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A 14-year-old boy who spat at and hit a police officer during widespread disorder in Bolton has been sentenced to a referral order at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

The court heard how the boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was part of a large group of masked teenagers in and around Bolton town centre on Sunday, August 4.

Prosecuting solicitor Khan said the boy had grabbed a police officer, spat on him, and hit him on his face.

In a victim personal statement read out to the court by Mr Khan, the man – who has been a police officer for 21 years – said: “I became a police officer to keep people safe, to come to work and be spat on is disgusting, the most cowardly act imaginable.”

Defence solicitor Okhar said the boy had come to Bolton town centre following the main disorder in the day.

Ms Okhar said: “I think he does understand the stupidity of what he did on this occasion.

“I think it’s been a learning curve for him, a group of lads and he got over himself.”

“The riots themselves have actually finished, he’s decided with a group of friends to see what the aftermath is.

“He accepts that his behaviour has been unacceptable, having thought about it.”

Described as coming from a supportive family, solicitor Okhar added that the boys’ parents had been left disappointed by his behaviour.

District Judge Lucy Hogarth said she had seen the boy speak in ‘a really intelligent way’ about what had happened in a pre-sentence report.

Addressing the judge directly, the boy said: “I regret what I did, but I can’t change the past – I can only learn from it.”

Asked what he was going to do specifically, he said: “I’m going to get back in the gym.”

The boy also said he felt ‘bad’ about how he’d made others feel.

Judge Lucy Hogarth then asked the boy’s mother what else she should know before she made a sentencing decision.

The boy’s mother cried and did not make a verbal response to the question.

Sentencing, Judge Hogarth said: “You have come before the court for really serious offences, bearing in mind the effect on everybody of those riots and what happened in August.”

Judge Hogarth sentenced the boy to a nine-month referral order. Additionally, the boy’s mother will have to pay £100 compensation to the police officer and £85 in costs for the prosecution.
What is a referral order?

A referral order is a type of sentence available for young offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 who plead guilty to an offence.

The young person will be required to attend a youth offender panel, which will agree a contract of interventions with the young person – including activities and rehabilitative and restorative sessions.

After the completion of the order, the conviction is considered ‘spent’.

Bolton News

Teenager sentenced for role in city centre disorder

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October 1, 2024
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A 16-year-old has been sentenced to 12 months in a Young Offenders Institution after he was seen trying to overturn a police van and smashing shop windows during disorder in Liverpool city centre on 3 August.

The male from Stockbridge Village, who cannot be named for legal reasons appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Tuesday 1 October).

He was filmed kicking a police van on William Brown Street before joining others who tried – and failed – to overturn the vehicle.

The male approached a line of police officers on Whitechapel aggressively and entered Clayton Square after others kicked the glass doors through and stole items from inside. He kicked at the shutters of another shop and a kiosk in Liverpool One as they were broken into.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “This male played an active part in a number of shocking incidents across the city centre in which police officers were confronted and goaded, windows of businesses were smashed and damage was caused to a police vehicle.

“I hope his sentencing today sends a very clear message that such behaviour has no place in Merseyside, and anyone who engages in such wanton destruction will be brought to justice.

“The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 120, with 82 charged and 60 sentenced to a combined 127 years and eight months.

“Our work to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside 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 of images of people we are looking to speak to can be found here: Images released of 73 people who we believe could have information about disorder in https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2024/september/cctv-appeal-to-help-find-73-people-following-disorder-in-merseyside/
Merseyside Police

Hull riot: 02 shop looter jailed for three years

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October 1, 2024
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Lee Battams handed himself into police more than a month after the shocking incident in Hull city centre



A burglar took advantage of violent scenes and serious disorder in Hull city centre to smash his way into a phone shop as well as trying to raid another store.

Serial criminal Lee Battams was not part of the main outbreaks of trouble but he quickly saw the widespread confrontations with the police as the perfect cover for looting missions, Hull Crown Court heard.

Battams, 36, of no fixed address but from Hull, admitted burglary, attempted burglary and violent disorder on August 3.

The court heard that Battams was among the troublemakers who targeted a Morrisons Daily store and the O2 shop in Hull city centre while disturbances were going on. He was seen kicking at the door of the Morrisons shop.

Judge John Thackray KC told Battams: “You were the one who instigated the attempts to smash down the doors of Morrisons. There was a member of staff standing inside.

“He must have been terrified as you and others attacked the doors. You were kicking the doors several times, causing the glass panel to smash, and then a group of men attacked the doors.

“The staff inside were trying to close the shutters. They were no doubt terrified, wondering what would happen if the mob got inside. You then went round to the O2 store. That was unoccupied and you were the one who started attacking the doors first.

“You, having made your entrance to the property, entered and stole a tablet and then numerous other people entered.”

Phones and other devices valued at more than £30,000 were stolen from O2 and serious damage was caused to the store. Battams handed himself in to police on September 8 and he told police: “I was involved in the riots and I was the one who smashed the window of O2 first. I put my foot through. I took a tablet.

I know I am going down. I am going to get myself sorted. I think I need it.”

Battams had convictions for 77 previous offences, including being locked up for two years for burglary. He had most recently been jailed for 12 weeks for offences including making off without payment.

Hull Daily Mail

Three more men jailed for roles in violent disorder

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September 30, 2024
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The three pleaded guilty to violent disorder during the riots that took place in Southport and Liverpool

Another three men have been jailed following scenes of violent disorder on Merseyside. Violence broke out in Southport on July 30 when hundreds of people clashed with police following the deaths of three young girls – Elsie Dot Stancombe, Bebe King and Alice Da Silva Aguiar – in a mass stabbing the previous day.

Today, Monday, September 30, three further men were sentenced for their role in the violence. The three appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

Michael Porter, 40, of Stanley Road, Bootle, who was sentenced to two years in prison for violent disorder in Liverpool. Robbie Johnson, 28, of Norfolk Street, Wigan, who was sentenced to three years in prison for violent disorder in Southport. Also sentenced was 33-year-old Daniel Busuttil, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison for violent disorder in Southport

The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 120, with 82 charged and 59 sentenced to a combined 126 years and 8 months. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “All three men, Porter, Johnson and Busuttil, played an active part in the shocking scenes of violent disorder we all witnessed in Southport and Liverpool.

“We continue to remain steadfast in our investigation 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.

Liverpool Echo

Riot racism hearing over ‘white’ driver checks

By
September 30, 2024
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The sentencing of a man who stopped motorists to check if they were “white” during anti-immigration disorder has been delayed so a court can determine if his actions were racist.

Jake Wray, 23, was seen asking drivers if they were “white” or “English” during violent protests in Middlesbrough on 4 August, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He has admitted violent disorder but claimed he was trying to warn drivers they could be attacked if they continued down the road, the court heard.

Judge Francis Laird KC said Wray would get a longer term if he was deemed to have acted on racial or ideological grounds.

More than 1,000 people attended a protest march which began at the cenotaph on Linthorpe Road shortly before 14:00 BST, prosecutor Rachel Masters said.

Shouts of “take our country back” were heard as the initially peaceful march made its way towards the town centre, the court heard.

But violence erupted after an object was thrown at the marchers from Clarendon Road, which prompted cars and buildings to be attacked and missiles to be thrown at police.

‘Racist group’

Wray, who had a St George’s Flag draped around his neck which he used at times to obscure his face, was seen at several incidents, Ms Masters said.

He was first spotted leaning into a car three minutes before it was set on fire, the court heard.

Footage was then recorded of him trying to stop vehicles and asking drivers if they were “white” or “English”.

Later he was part of a group seen thrusting a burning bin towards officers, Ms Masters said.

The prosecutor said Wray, of Seaton Street, was at the “forefront” of the disorder and was “part of a racist group”.

She said it caused “serious fear and distress throughout the community” as well as having “substantial financial costs”.

‘Swept up’

Wray told police and probation officers he had been trying to help drivers by warning them of possible attacks.

Judge Laird said he had already jailed a number of people involved in the disorder on the basis they were “foolish” and got “swept up in the events” but who were “not directly there for any ideological or racist motive”.

He said the motivation of defendants was a “matter of some significance” and people who took part in disorder because of racial beliefs would get longer jail terms.

A date for the two-hour hearing to establish motive, called a Newton hearing, is due to be fixed in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile Wray remains on remand at HMP Nottingham.

His partner and her mother have also been jailed for their involvement in the disorder.

BBC News

Man jailed for three years for violent disorder in Southport

By
September 28, 2024
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A man from Southport who threw bricks at officers, climbed on top of a police carrier and took a riot shield from the vehicle has been jailed for three years.

Joseph Corey, 20, of St Thomas More Drive, in Birkdale, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to the shocking scenes on Tuesday 30 July and he was sentenced today, Friday 27 September.

Officers analysed various footage and were able to identify Corey at the forefront of a large group of people who threw missiles at officers in Southport.

He then kicked a police carrier several times, climbed on top of the vehicle and continued to throw missiles. After jumping down from the vehicle, he then opened the side door and took a riot shield.

He made a concerted effort to cover his face during his actions, but footage later shows him fleeing the area and removing his face covering and hood which clearly identified him.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “Corey’s appalling actions were one of the worst examples of violent disorder that we have witnessed in Southport.

“Not only did he throw bricks at officers, but he also took it upon himself to climb on top of a police carrier and then took a riot shield from the vehicle.

“Corey clearly tried to hide his identity throughout all of this, but let his guard slip when fleeing the area and we were able to identify him.

“We continue to locate more people who took part in 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.

Merseyside Police