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Boy, 16, stole £15,000 worth of vapes during Merseyside violence

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August 10, 2024
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He was traced by police due to his ‘distinctive clothing’

A youth who stole vapes worth £15,000 appeared in court today in relation to violent disturbances across Merseyside.

Liverpool Magistrates Court heard that the 16 year-old , who cannot be identified due to legal restrictions, was caught on CCTV breaking a convenience store window with an electric scooter to snatch the vapes and was traced by his distinctive clothing.

The youngster, hailing from Stockbridge Village, was the first to stand before the court this morning. He was charged with violent disorder, two counts of burglary at non-residential properties; criminal damage to a police vehicle and assaulting an emergency worker, reports the Liverpool Echo.

He was amongst the four people who appeared before District Judge Healey on Saturday; the number of men and boys charged in connection to the violent disorder has now reached 25. It comes as violent rioting spread through the streets of Merseyside following the deaths of Bebe, Elsie Dot and Alice, who were killed in the tragic Southport stabbings last month.

The court heard how the 16-year-old was seen on CCTV amongst a group who pulled a police officer off his bike before attacking him. He was also seen jumping on top of a police vehicle where the windscreen was then smashed. He was tracked on CCTV by his distinctive clothing and was seen running along Paradise Street before picking up an electric scooter to smash a window and taking items from SandS News in the city centre. He is seen leaving with a handful of vapes. The boy was later arrested.

Today, he pleaded guilty to all charges. The court has been adjourned for a pre-sentence report and he will appear for sentence on September 17. He was also granted conditional bail and told he was not allowed to enter the L1, L2 or L3 postcodes.

Andrew McIntyre, 39, of Cousins Lane, Rufford, was charged with encouraging an offence of murder; encouraging an either way offence namely violent disorder and possession of a bladed article, also appeared in the dock this morning from police custody.

Judge Healey told McIntyre that the case would need to be dealt with at Crown Court due to the seriousness of all charges. He will appear before Liverpool Crown Court on August 15 and no plea for bail was made today.

George Clements, 18, of Egerton Street, New Brighton, also appeared in Magistrates Court this morning, charged with affray. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard how on August 3 Clements was caught on footage fronting up members of the public wearing a face mask. In the footage he can be seen to kick out and throw things at members of the public who were clearly in distress. Judge Healey sent the case to Crown Court and he will appear for sentence on August 15. Clements was not granted bail.

Paul Daintith, of Fraser Street, Liverpool, appeared in court after he was found with a knife inside the area of a Section 60 order, which police put in place following the violent disorders across Merseyside over the last two weeks. The order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, give officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.

The court heard how the defendant was spotted by officers on East Street, in Southport, walking from the bushes at a quickening pace. The police officers spoke to Dantith where he told them he had just found a craft knife. He then proceeded to lift up his top and showed them the knife tucked into his waistband. Dantith was arrested. It was heard in court how during a police interview following his arrest, when asked why he had the knife, in his words “he was a smackhead who picks everything up.”

The case has been committed to Crown Court for sentence, because the defendant has previous conviction for a similar offence. He will appear at Liverpool Crown Court for sentence on August 15. Judge Healey denied bail and remanded Dantith in custody – the defendant turned his back to the judge as he told him he was denied bail – he shouted “w*****” as he was taken down into custody.

Manchester Evening News

Two more thugs admit roles in sickening attack on black man amid Piccadilly Gardens violence – as two others, including 13-year-old boy, plead guilty following disorder

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August 10, 2024
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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

Manchester Evening News

Boy, 17, admits BMW attack during Hull riot

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August 10, 2024
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A 17-year-old boy from Hull has admitted attacking and damaging a BMW with three Romanian men inside.

The boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, also admitted violent disorder, burgling three shops and damaging another vehicle after trouble flared in the city centre last Saturday.

He appeared at Hull Magistrates Court on Friday and is due to be sentenced before a youth court in the same venue on 28 August.

The boy was wielding a spanner and the three men were left “terrified”, prosecutor Emily Robinson told the court.

The men escaped from the car but were chased.

District Judge Mark Daley was told the youth was part of a large mob who also put tyres in cars and set them alight outside businesses to the rear of Spring Bank.

A family, including children, had to retreat to a garage and lock themselves inside, Ms Robinson said.

The 17-year-old, who did not cover his face during the incident, was also seen outside a hotel in Ferensway, where rioters clashed with police.

He then ran down Jameson Street and shoved an industrial-sized wheelie bin into a line of officers, the court heard.

“He was actively involved throwing large missiles,” said Ms Robinson.

He was later caught on CCTV looting three stores – Shoezone, O2 and Lush – on Jameson Street.
Rioter threw cone

The boy was one of a number of people who appeared at the court in connection with the violent disorder.

A 15-year-old boy from the city admitted violent disorder and burglary and will be sentenced at the youth court on 4 September.

The prosecution said he had thrown objects at police officers and taken part in looting at Lush.

Meanwhile, Corey Holloway, 20, of Belmont Street, Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after being accused of throwing objects, including a traffic cone, at police and pushing an officer with force.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Hull Crown Court on 14 August.
BBC News

Another man admits violent disorder after Plymouth riots

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August 10, 2024
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Guy Sullivan was already jailed this week for burglary of Tesco Metro store during disorder

A man who has already been jailed for burgling a Tesco store in plympton Plymouth city centre under the cover of the violent disorder on Monday evening has now admitted taking part in that disorder.

Guy Sullivan, appeared at Plymouth Crown Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to the burglary which Judge Robert Linford said was “an offence committed in the context of public disorder”.

He was handed a 16 month jail sentence but had already been recalled prison as he had been released on licence having been jailed in September 2023 for “multiple offences”. His expected released date was June 2025.

Sullivan, of New George Street, used a brick taken from nearby to smash his way in through the door, then kicked a hole big enough to climb through. CCTV footage from several angles captured the entire incident, including Sullivan grabbing a basket and filling it with 12 bottles of alcohol – two at a time – with a value of £281.

On Thursday prosecutor Lewis Aldous told the court that 43-year-old Sullivan had had 35 convictions for 107 offences – 60 of which were for theft and similar offences such as burglary and shoplifting.

Judge Linford told Sullivan, who admitted the burglary at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court: “It was an offence committed in the context of public disorder.

“It doesn’t mean you were engaged in public disorder – it means it happened in that context.”

He said Sullivan effectively “exploited” the ongoing disorder to burgle the store and questioned his commitment to drink-related rehabilitation by stealing 12 bottles of alcohol.

PlymouthLive has learned that after being taken down to the Crown Court cells police arrested him on suspicion of violent disorder, theft from a person – namely a baton from a police officer – and possession of an offensive weapon – the police baton.

Today [Friday August 9] Sullivan, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to all three offences.

He was remanded into custody and will appear at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday 12 August to be sentenced.

Plymouth Herald

Aggressive man at Plymouth riots jailed after smashing TK Maxx window

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August 10, 2024
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Justin Crimp – previously convicted of manslaughter – admitted violent disorder and criminal damage after store CCTV and police Body Worn Video footage was shown to him

A man who smashed the glass door of a city centre store – causing between £5,000 and £10,000 damage – following the Plymouth disorder on Monday has been jailed.

Justin Crimp, of Palace Street, Plymouth appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder and criminal damage on August 5.

Appearing in custody at Plymouth Crown Court this afternoon Crimp, aged 49, listened in the dock as prosecutor Holly Rust summarised the outbreak of protests across the country following the killing of three girls in Southport. She explained how two groups of protesters were on either side of the Royal Parade, describing them as the “far right group” on one side and “the counter protest” on the other.

She said Crimp was “on the very front line of the far right side just across from the Guildhall” and was seen on footage attempting to cross the police line which separated the two groups.

She said he was seen stepping into traffic and was repeatedly stopped and pushed back to the group on the north side. She said during these incidents he pointed “aggressively”, saying “don’t f***ing touch me” and would square up to them.

She said he was seen to jog on the spot as though attempting to charge the officers and towards the counter-protestors. He was seen cheering when objects – including a flare – were thrown at the counter-protesters and heard shouting “Green Army”.

Ms Rust said Crimp was able to break through police lines “on several occasions” and they had to grab him to push him back to his side.

Police BodyWornVideo (BWV) footage was shown in court highlighting the behaviour of Crimp during the protests. In addition the court was shown CCTV from inside the TK Maxx store on Royal Parade which showed Crimp hurling a brick at the glass front door. It bounced off and he picked it up again, throwing it a second time, whereupon it shattered.

The court was told that store staff recognised Crimp, having dealt with him for shoplifting as recently as August 1 this year. Ms Rust said the estimated cost of replacing the shattered door was “between £5,000 and £10,000”.

Crimp was arrested at his home on August 7 and claimed during a police interview that the reason he was trying to cross the road was because “he left his trainers on the other side of the road and was trying to get back to them”.

He then answered “no comment” to further questions and left the interview room. Police attempted to interview him in his cell at Charles Cross police station, but he ignored them and covered himself with a blanket.

Ms Rust read out a statement from a senior manager at South Western Ambulance Service Trust who explained how a large number of additional resources had to be deployed ahead of the protest and during it, which resulted in significant costs “well into the thousands of pounds”.

The Trust manager explained that it was already at “resources escalation action plan red” which meant it was already under severe pressure – currently the second highest level it could be at – and the protests caused even more pressure upon it, resulting in a “significant impact” on its ability to serve the wider public.

Ms Rust said Crimp had 22 convictions for 53 offences, including public order, affray, violence and in April this year twice breached a Domestic Violence Prevention Order resulting in a prison sentence of 28 days. He was also convicted of possession of a blade in public in 2021.

In mitigation his advocate Michael Green said his client had suffered from PTSD from the 1990s and has since been diagnosed with COPD and long standing epilepsy.

He said Crimp had a “long standing” problem with alcohol. He said Crimp had been drinking in the city centre and became involved the protest afterwards. He accepted he was on the frontline on that day. He also noted that he had been out of prison for “many years” save for the 28 day sentence and had not been in custody since 2019.

Sentencing Crimp, Judge Robert Linford said there was widespread public disorder with some coming to Plymouth to engage in peaceful protests and counter-protest, adding “you were not one of those”.

He said the police acted “with considerable and commendable restraint” in dealing with those intent on causing trouble. He said the shops, pubs, clubs and theatre in Plymouth all closed and the transport system was disrupted. He added that impact statements from the bus company highlighted the effect the disorder had on it and police reported general anxiety amongst the public even before the protest began.

Judge Linford said a medical centre was unable to provide cover as staff could not get to work and the ambulance service revealed how this “mob” caused them to suffer “thousands of pounds they could ill afford” by having to deploy additional resources.

He noted how people like Crimp descended on the city and “ran amok” with fireworks, missiles and other objects were thrown with the intent of damaging property and harming other people, including the police, “whose views differed from your own.

He said: “As I said yesterday and will say over and over again – the word is going to go out from this Crown court that people who behave in this way in this city are going to prison and going to prison for a long time.

“You played a role in this disorder. You did so willingly as I’ve seen on the CCTV and enthusiastically. The expression I used yesterday [during other sentencings] and repeat is you added oxygen to the fire of disorder.”

He added that Crimp’s role was as involved in the disorder as any he had already sentenced and while he was not a leader he was “heavily involved”.

Judge Linford noted that Crimp had “an enormous list of previous convictions including convictions for manslaughter, robbery, affray, possession of bladed articles, burglary, drugs offences, damaging people’s property, stealing and so forth”.

While noting that he had been out of prison for five years, Judge Linford said Crimp had not been out of trouble in that time. He said Crimp’s being under the influence of alcohol at the time was not a mitigating feature, it was an aggravating feature. The only “impressive” mitigation was his early guilty plea.

He passed a sentence of 32 months for the violent disorder and four months for the criminal damage to run concurrently.

In 2019 Crimp was jailed for 12 months after he used a plank of wood to break into a fudge shop in Southside Street, Barbican. Appearing at Plymouth Crown Court, it was said he had burgled a home hours before and confronted a dad while holding a rock.

The quick-thinking father managed to photograph the intruder on his mobile phone – and he was recognised by police. Crimp told police could barely recall the break-ins because he had taken Valium, Plymouth Crown Court heard.

Victoria Cook, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the South West, said: “Justin Crimp acted disgracefully during the collective disorder in Plymouth on Monday. By involving himself in the unrest and causing destruction to a high street store, he has shown an utter disregard for his community.

“Hundreds of prosecutors have been working around the clock across the Crown Prosecution Service, making rapid charging decisions so that suspects can be brought before the courts without delay.

“The appalling scenes we saw in Plymouth this week will not be tolerated. I hope these convictions send a clear message: those who engage in criminality in our communities will not escape justice.”

Plymouth Herald

Man admits disorder at hotel riot

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August 10, 2024
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A father has pleaded guilty to violent disorder following large-scale violence in Rotherham.

Ricky Hardman admitted his involvement in the rioting at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on Sunday at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court earlier today.

The 41-year-old, of Norfolk Road in Barnsley, waved to his family in the public gallery after being told he would be remanded in custody before his sentencing on 12 August.

So far, 13 people have appeared in court charged with various offences relating to the disturbance at the hotel.

Windows were smashed at the Holiday Inn, which was believed to have been housing up to 200 asylum seekers.

More than 50 police officers were injured when items, including bricks and bottles, were thrown towards them.

Joseph Iggo, of Harley Brook Road, Sheffield, also appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

The 20-year-old pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

He was remanded into custody ahead of a hearing at the city’s Crown court on 20 August.

BBC News

He went to town to go to Liverpool ONE but was caught red handed at riot

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August 10, 2024
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Curtis Faure was caught on camera at the riots in what he described as a “moment of madness”

A teenager who came into the city centre to go to Gravity MAX was caught on camera throwing a brick at police officers during last weekend’s city centre riots. Curtis Faure, 19 and of Thomas Lane in Broadgreen, appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (Friday, August 9) where he pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder.

Prosecutor Sarah McInerney told the court the teenager was present during the riots on August 3 in the city centre. She said the defendant was pictured throwing a brick while on The Strand.

She added: “In the following days a number of images were circulated in the press. One particular image pictured the defendant throwing a brick and, on August 8, the defendant attended Marsh Lane police station and confirmed it was him.”

Faure’s charge comes in relation to the violent disorder in Liverpool and around the country over the weekend. A planned protest at the Pier Head on Saturday afternoon turned violent, with Merseyside Police forced to use riot gear after people were seen throwing bricks and debris at officers.

Scenes later spilled onto County Road in Walton, with rioters causing major damage in what police described as “serious violent disorder”. Chaos, violence and destruction followed as looters targeted businesses, bins were used to start fires and the Spellow Library & Community Hub was set alight.

In mitigation, Gary Bryan, told the court: “When the image was circulated he immediately presented himself to the police station. He made admissions during his police interview.

“He was at Chavasse Park with a friend to hang out and visit Gravity MAX. He became aware of the disturbance and walked down. And when he was there, in a singular moment of madness, he threw a brick towards the officers.

“He had no intention to harm anyone but accepted he threw it. He said there were no racial elements to his action and his parents are from South Africa. He has no discriminatory beliefs and this was a singular moment of madness. He stated he wished he could turn back time and his parents were ashamed of him.

“He has shown genuine remorse. He has never been arrested before. You can imagine his state of mind as he appears before the court today. He is a team leader at a supermarket. He works full time, often working six days a week for long hours.”

Addressing the defendant, District Judge Healey said: “You pleaded guilty. It’s too serious to be dealt with here. You will be sentenced on August 15. On August 3 you made the conscious decision to engage in the most violent disorder this country has seen in recent years. You were actively engaged on that day.

“It’s a serious offence, there is a real chance of a serious prison sentence. You have no previous convictions and say you are remorseful. You are in full time employment and have family support but you chose to get involved in this.”

The judge remanded the defendant into custody ahead of his sentencing. The defendant’s mum started to cry as her son was led down to the cells.

Liverpool Echo

Balaclava-clad rioter Charlie Bullock who launched rocks at police ‘hadn’t taken his ADHD meds’

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August 10, 2024
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A police officer was surrounded and repeatedly assaulted as he tried to arrest Charlie Bullock

A balaclava-clad rioter who resisted arrest told a court he hadn’t taken his ADHD medication on the day of the Middlesbrough riot.

Charlie Bullock, 21, threw rocks at a line of police who were standing in the midst of the crowd, to prevent people from moving into a residential street. Bullock was part of a huge crowd who gathered near the cenotaph on Linthorpe Road on August 4. Bullock was not caught on camera, but a police officer saw him wearing a black balaclava, as he attacked cops who held up shields to protect themselves.

Teesside Crown Court heard the demonstration began peacefully, but chants of “take our country back” began, as some of the crowd broke away and tried to push past the police line, to get into Clarendon Road.

Nicola Masters, prosecuting, told the court: “The protest became violent. Missiles were thrown. Vehicles were set on fire. Windows were smashed.”

As PC Lake tried to arrest Bullock, Bullock “kicked out” at him. The officer took Bullock to the ground to handcuff him, but people began to surround PC Lake. The officer was assaulted a number of times, before police back-up arrived and Bullock was taken into custody.

Bullock, of Donington Green, in the Netherfields area of Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He had never been in trouble with the police before.

In mitigation, Gary Wood told the court that his client “didn’t take his ADHD medication before the offending and as a consequence, found himself involved in the activity”.

He added: “A report by the probation service has found that when Bullock is not on his medication he has ‘poor impulse control and can be angry and irritated’.”

Mr Wood said that this is Bullock’s first time in court and he is “extremely frightened and anxious about his future” and “denies holding any racist views”.

Judge Francis Laird KC said that the “large scale public disorder in Middlesbrough caused damage to dwellings, to business premises, the local university and public buildings. Police officers were attacked with bricks, concrete and rocks. They had to protect themselves with riot shields.”

The judge said that the “cost to the community has been considerable. Residents have expressed fear of going out of their own homes into the street. The impact on people and their community will take a long time to repair.”

Bullock was jailed for 18 months.

Gazette Live

What happened in court today as eight more men appear in the dock following disorder

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August 9, 2024
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A teenager who threw a brick at police officers after trying to go to Gravity MAX and a masked man who brandished a knife near a vigil were among eight people to appear before the courts today. Seven of the eight men were charged with violent disorder in relation to various disturbances seen across Merseyside last week, while Jordan Davies admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Violent riots were held last week in Southport, Liverpool city centre and on County Road in Walton as well as across a number of towns and cities across the UK. The riots followed the deaths of three girls in a mass stabbing in Southport on July 29, when people spread false information about the alleged attacker’s supposed ethnicity, nationality and religion.

During a court sentencing yesterday morning, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC said the riots were “used as a pretext for widespread violence, intimidation and damage”. Four of the men appeared for their first appearances at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Following a delay caused by the defendants, who had been remanded after their arrests, not arriving to court on time, proceedings started with the case of Gerard Cooch. Wearing a grey t-shirt and sporting a shaved head, he pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder.

Sarah McInerney, who prosecuted all four of the cases heard in magistrates’ court, said the defendant “shouted abuse in a vulgar fashion and threw the contents of a pint glass towards police officers” during the riots in the city centre. The court heard he kicked the police’s riots shields and was PAVA sprayed.

His defence, Tony Murphy, said the 39-year-old defendant, of Merton Road in Bootle, had acted alone and was not part of a far-right group. Following him was 19-year-old Curtis Faure. Dressed in a grey tracksuit, the teenager also pleaded guilty to the charge put before him.

The court heard the teenager had gone into the city centre during the riots, with the intention of meeting a friend and going to Gravity MAX. However, his defence Gary Bryan said his client picked up a brick and threw it towards the police “in a moment of madness”. He added the young defendant, of Thomas Lane in Broadgreen, accepted he threw the brick and went and handed himself in after his picture was circulated in the media.

District Judge Paul Healey, who presided over all four of the hearings in magistrates’ court, said the teenager “made the conscious decision to engage in the most violent disorder this country has seen in recent years.” Swiftly after Faure left the dock, after he too was remanded, Tony Hazlett, 46 and of Bank Road in Bootle, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to the riots in Southport.

The court heard that the defendant was witnessed throwing bricks towards police officers during the riots after being invited to the north Sefton town by friends. Paul Kilty, defending, said his client had consumed alcohol on the day in question and had planned to go to the peaceful vigil.

He added his client had been filmed throwing two items in the direction of the police cordon, before leaving and getting the train home alone. Hazlett, who has 15 previous convictions for dozens of offences, including for affray and possession of an offensive weapon, was arrested at his home. He was remanded in custody after bail was refused.

The last man to appear in magistrates’ court was Tom Neblett, 20 and of High Park Road in Southport. Ms McInerney told the court that the defendant played “a leading role” in the Southport disorder. He was seen climbing on top of a white van and throwing bricks at police officers and vehicles.

Heather Toohey, defending Neblett, who has previous convictions both as an adult and as a youth, said her client refuted that he played a leading role. Instead, she said, he got “caught up in something on the streets of Southport”. He also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and all four of the men will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 15.

While the four defendants appeared at magistrates’ court, three more men appeared at the higher court to enter pleas relating to the same charge. Lloyd Killner, 35 and of Burton Road in Lincoln, and Jimmy Bailey, 45 and of Station Road in Ellesmere Port, both entered not guilty pleas to the violent disorder charge after having denied their involvement at magistrates’ court earlier in the week.

Both men’s cases were adjourned to September 13. However, Gareth Metcalfe, 44 and of Cambridge Gardens, Southport, pleaded guilty after choosing to not indicate a plea at the lower court. Metcalfe is believed to have “used or threatened unlawful violence” on St Luke’s Road and Sussex Road on July 30.

Judge Neil Flewitt KC told Metcalfe he can expect an immediate sentence of imprisonment when he returns next week to learn his fate. As he was led back to the docks he made a love heart sign with his hands to a man and woman in the public gallery.

After a break for lunch, Jordan Davies appeared at crown court to be sentenced for possession of a knife. Davies was spotted carrying a flick knife just minutes away from a vigil for Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice DaSilva Aguiar, who had all died after the fatal stabbing the day before.

Davies tried to claim he had found the weapon after urinating near a Tesco Express store – and after he was arrested, said his daughter had been stabbed and he had been assaulted. However, when his case got to court he pleaded guilty to the offence. Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told the court members of the public “ran and screamed” after a woman was heard to shout “he’s got a knife”.

One witness, Michael Hayes, had been laying flowers at the scene with his partner, kids and friends and was forced to “push them into the nearby Baltic Supermarket for safety”. Davies, who has an extensive criminal record and was serving a suspended prison sentence at the time of the offence, was jailed for two years for the offence. His suspended sentence was also activated for a further 16 weeks.

Sentencing the mindless thug, Judge Denis Watson KC said Davies was on his way to join the mob who rioted close to a mosque on St Luke’s Road. The judge told him: “You claimed you had no knife, then that you had just found the knife and were going to hand it in.

“You claimed your daughter had just been stabbed. All of this was untrue. You were on your way to join the mob violence. Carrying knives at any time is a concern. Carrying a knife in this situation is particularly grave.”

The men who appeared in court today are the latest to appear in relation to the disorder. Seven men have already been convicted and handed immediate periods of imprisonment. Liam Riley, Declan Geiran and Derek Drummond were jailed on Wednesday. Adam and Ellis Wharton, William Nelson Morgan and John O’Malley followed them to prison the following day.

Twenty-two people have now been charged following 52 arrests. Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy has vowed to anyone involved in rioting “we are identifying you and we are coming for you”.

Judge Menary, Liverpool’s most senior judge, told his court yesterday: “It has long been recognised that there is an obligation on sentencing courts to do what they can to ensure the protection of the public, whether in their homes or in their businesses or in the streets, and to protect the places where they live and work.

“In seeking to achieve this aim, the courts will typically impose severe sentences for offences involving or connected to large scale and violent public disorder, intended to provide both punishment and deterrence. Quite simply, those who deliberately participate in such disorder, causing injury, damage and fear to communities will inevitably be punished with sentences designed to deter others from similar activity.”

First three Hull rioters jailed for ‘ugly violence’

By
August 9, 2024
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The first three people convicted for their part in a violent protest in Hull have been jailed.

Hull Crown Court heard police officers were attacked when missiles were thrown at them, shops were looted and a hotel housing asylum seekers was targeted during the violence in the Ferensway, Jameson Street and Spring Bank areas on Saturday.

Andrew Stewart, 37, of Anlaby, Hull, and Brandon Kirkwood, 20, of Downing Grove, Hull, have each been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Christopher Douglas, 35, of Avenues Court, Hull, was jailed for two years and eight months.

Sentencing them, Judge Mark Bury said all three were involved in a “malevolent nature of violence”.

He said the “ugly violence” in Hull and other parts of the UK occurred following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport, and the killings were “used as an excuse for mindless acts of violence”.

All three had pleaded guilty to violent disorder at previous Hull Magistrates Court hearings.

The court heard racial chants were heard during the mass disorder, which started in the afternoon and carried on into the evening.

Prosecutor Jeremy Evans said projectiles had been thrown at police, and smoke bombs and pyrotechnics had been set off.

One police officer needed four stiches to his face and was “scarred for life” but “remarkably” came back on duty later in the evening, Mr Evans said.

Judge Bury said Douglas, a military veteran who completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan, was at the “front and centre” of the disorder while Stewart “clearly targeted individuals of the hotel”.

He said Kirkwood, who had pushed a large bin at a line of officers, had “to some extent been swept up” by the unrest.

“This was violent disorder of the very worst kind,” said the judge.

BBC News