Paul Dryhurst, 33 and of Gale Road in Litherland, appears in the magistrates’ court dock charged with violent disorder. He appears wearing a grey fleece and sporting a shaved head and glasses.
Dryhurst is represented by Clare Roche. He speaks to confirm his name, address and date of birth. The charge of violent disorder is put to him. He pleads guilty to the offence.
Dryhurst played a ‘leading and active role’ in the disorder
Ms McCoubrey, prosecuting, tells the court: “This defendant was part of the violent disorder on Sussex Road in Southport on July 30. He was identified by footage which had been provided by a member of the public. It showed him throwing an object at police and filming it on his phone. He is seen on the footage wearing glasses and a khaki jacket. He throws an object and then moves forward towards the police with the crowd.”
Ms McCoubrey tells the court the defendant played a “leading and active role” in the disorder. Footage played to the court shows a large crowd in Southport chanting “Allah, Allah who the f*** is Allah”.
Members of the crowd then charge towards the police. Ms McCoubrey identifies the defendant to the judge. He is wearing a jacket with his hood up.
The court hears the defendant was arrested over the weekend and was supposed to appear before the courts yesterday. However, Ms McCoubrey says he was taken to the police station last night where he was released “by mistake”.
The defendant has two previous convictions for two offences – the last was in 2012 for common assault.
In mitigation, Ms Roche says: “The defendant was brought to Liverpool Magistrates’ yesterday but he wasn’t accepted. He was then taken to South Sefton Magistrates’ but for whatever reason he wasn’t able to be accepted there as well. He was taken back to the police station and they decided he was fit for bail.
“Not only did he hand himself in on Sunday. He was contacted the previous day after police attended his home address. He was away on a weekend break, but came back early even though he had agreed to hand himself in on Monday. He decided to come back to have it dealt with. He was passed from pillar to post yesterday. He still attended knowing there is a high possibility that when these matters are dealt with he is likely to receive an immediate sentence.
“He is 33 years of age and has not been in trouble since 2012 when he received a community order. He lives with his mum and dad, who are at the back of court today. He has strong connections with his family who have all come to support him. They are not proud of what he has done but will support him to rehabilitate him. He accepts his wrongdoing. He is the sole trader of his own joinery firm. He has a number of outstanding contracts. He has kept himself away from any further violent disorder which has gone on from July to date.”
District Judge Healey denies the defendant bail and remands him into custody ahead of his sentencing at crown court on Monday, August 19. The defendant’s family blow kisses towards him as he is taken down to the cells by dock officers.
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