A man has been sentenced today, Friday 31 January, for his role in violent disorder in Southport last summer.
John Rasburn, of Gibson Street, Wigan, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty at a previous hearing for violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.
Rasburn was captured on CCTV at the forefront of the disorder on St Luke’s Road. He was seen throwing a traffic cone at officers who were trying to protect the community. He then went onto confront officers before spitting at them.
The 47-year-old man was seen throwing an item at officers before then running up to an officer and kicking them.
The court heard that on 11 August, Merseyside Police circulated Rasburn as wanted for his role in the disorder. However, on 16 January he handed himself in to a police station in Greater Manchester.
The next day, Merseyside Police detectives arrested and charged Rasburn with Violent Disorder and two counts of assault emergency worker.
Today, Rasburn was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
Detective Sergeant Duncan Sloan said: “Rasburn went on to the run but ultimately knew he couldn’t hide forever and would need to answer for his actions and the role he played that day to a community that was in mourning.
“He eventually handed himself in, albeit five months later. I hope Rasburn takes the time while in prison to reflect on his shocking actions that day.”
Detective Sergeant Sloan added: “We are relentless in bringing those who helped cause such violence and disruption to our communities to justice and continue to be committed to ensure those responsible are held to account.
“We are identifying more people who displayed such abhorrent behaviour which damaged our communities, and would encourage anyone with information to contact us.”
The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 171, with 129 charged and 106 sentenced to a combined 208 years in prison.
We would encourage anyone with information to contact us by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Current galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website: Latest CCTV appeal in relation to summer disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police.
The 100th person has been sentenced in court in connection with violent disorder in Merseyside last summer.
Peter Fairhurst, 33, of Scot Lane, in Wigan, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 21 January, for his role in the appalling scenes in Southport on Tuesday 30 July 2024.
He admitted the offence of violent disorder and was jailed for two years and two months.
Fairhurst was at the forefront of the violence and could be seen on CCTV footage throwing bricks at officers and police vehicles.
He becomes the 100th person to be sentenced following the disorder in Southport and Liverpool, with these individuals sentenced to a combined total of 200 years and six months in prison.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “The 100th person to be sentenced is a significant milestone to reach, but does not mark the end of the road for our enquiries.
“You will continue to see arrests, charges and sentencings going through the courts on a weekly basis. We make no apologies for this, and we know the vast majority of people in our communities support the robust action that is being taken against these criminals who are convicted, locally and nationally.
“The scenes in Southport, Walton and Liverpool city centre were utterly disgraceful, and every single person involved brought shame upon themselves. More importantly, their actions caused further trauma and suffering to communities that were in shock.
“We will not rest until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts. To that end, I’d continue to encourage anyone with information to get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Our latest gallery of people who may have information to assist can be found here: Latest CCTV appeal in relation to summer disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police
Detectives have arrested and charged a man for his role in violent disorder last summer in Merseyside.
On Friday 17 January, John Rasburn, of Gibson Street, Wigan was arrested and charged with Violent Disorder and two counts of assault emergency worker which took place in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.
The 47-year-old man pleaded guilty to the charges on Saturday 18 January and has been remanded into custody until sentencing on Thursday 23 January at Liverpool Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “As you can see from this latest charge we continue to be relentless in bringing those who helped cause such violence and disruption to our communities to justice and continue to be committed to ensure those responsible are held to account.
“We are identifying more people who displayed such abhorrent behaviour which damaged our communities, and would encourage anyone with information to contact us.”
The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 168, with 126 charged and 99 sentenced to a combined 198 years and four months in prison.
We would encourage anyone with information to contact us by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Today, Tuesday 14 January, six people were sentenced in court for their roles in violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
Five juveniles, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and a man appeared in court today after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.
Sam Winstanley, 27 years, of Lune Road, Wigan was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail at Liverpool Crown Court for his role in violent disorder in Southport.
The court heard that Winstanley travelled from Wigan to join in the disorder which took place on Sussex Road in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.
He was seen on CCTV footage wearing a flag of the St George’s Cross to cover his face. He was at the forefront of the disorder and is captured on CCTV throwing multiple glass bottles at the police line.
Five teenage males were in Liverpool Youth Court to be sentenced today, of which four of the offenders from Sefton and Lancashire took part in the violence in Southport. They were:
A 17-year-old male from Bootle was sentenced to a 12-month youth referral order and ordered to pay court costs of £111 for his involvement in violent disorder.
The youth was identified after his mum saw him publicised in one of our press appeals and contacted police. He is captured on CCTV on St Luke’s Road throwing multiple bricks and rocks at police while wearing a balaclava at times to disguise his identity.
A 17-year-old male from Southport was sentenced to a 12 month youth referral order for his involvement in violent disorder and handling stolen goods.
The teenager handed himself in after seeing his image circulated in one of our appeals. CCTV footage showed him throwing bricks at police on Sussex Road and engaging in racial chanting. He was seen handling stolen goods which were passed to him when people broke into Windsor minimart.
A 17-year-old male from Banks was sentenced to 12-month youth referral order and court costs of £111 for his involvement in violent disorder and possession of a controlled Class B drug.
He is captured on CCTV throwing multiple missiles at police and police vehicles. When arrested at his home address he was found to be in possession of a class B drug, cannabis.
A 14-year-old male from Birkdale was sentenced to a 12-month referral order and ordered to pay court costs of £111 for his involvement in violent disorder and criminal damage to property.
He was captured on CCTV pulling at a concrete post with others then threw 13 missiles at officers close to the mosque in Southport.
Finally, a 16-year-old male from Speke was sentenced to a 12-month youth referral order for his involvement in violent disorder in Liverpool city centre.
He handed himself in after seeing his image circulated in the press and admitted to throwing multiple missiles at police in Liverpool One on Saturday 3 August.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “Today’s sentencing of six people shows that we are relentless in bringing those who helped cause such violence and disruption to our communities to justice.
“Three of the six sentenced today either handed themselves in to police or were identified by others in our press appeals. I am encouraged by the fact that they have now realised their actions were wrong and they had broken the law. We advise anyone else who took part in the disorder to do the right thing and hand themselves in.
“We are committed to ensure those responsible are held to account, including those who travelled to Merseyside to take part in the disorder.
“We are continuing to identify more people who displayed such abhorrent behaviour which damaged our communities, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”
The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 165, with 125 charged and 99 sentenced to a combined 198 years and four months in prison.
We would encourage anyone with information to contact us by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Current galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website: Latest CCTV appeal in relation to summer disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police
Detectives have arrested and charged more people in connection with Violent Disorder in Southport in July.
A 13-year-old boy from Rock Ferry was arrested yesterday on suspicion of Violent Disorder in Liverpool, after reportedly throwing missiles at officers. He has been conditionally bailed.
A 16-year-old boy from Old Swan was charged with Violent Disorder in Liverpool. He will appear at Liverpool Youth Court on Tuesday 7 January 2025.
A 20-year-old man from Wigan arrested yesterday on suspicion of Violent Disorder has been conditionally bailed.
A 16-year-old boy from New Brighton appeared at Liverpool Youth Court yesterday, and received a 12 month Intensive Referral Order, which includes an Education & Better Choices Programme and instructed to pay £300 in compensation.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “These latest outcomes demonstrate our determination to put before the courts all of those who brought shame to the region over the summer, many of who travelled to Merseyside from other areas.
“We continue to review footage and information as it comes in, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”
The total number of people arrested by Merseyside Police has now reached 159, with 112 charged and 86 sentenced to 178 years and 10 months.
Images and footage are still being worked through so please contact us with any information via our Public Portal, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Current galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website News | Merseyside Police.
Three people were sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 26 November, for their role in violent disorder in Merseyside.
The three offenders appeared in court after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that on Saturday 3 August, 25-year-old Keelan Woodhead travelled from Telford to attend the disorder in Liverpool city centre and on County Road, Walton where he received an injury to his hand which required medical treatment. He disclosed to hospital staff that he had thrown bricks at police which resulted in his hand injury. Woodhead was also identified as throwing an item at a police vehicle and he was arrested the next day, Sunday 4 August.
Woodhead, of Tilia Green in Telford, pleaded guilty and was jailed for one year and five months in prison.
Christopher Dean of Byfleet Close in Wigan pleaded guilty for his involvement in violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.
Dean was one of the first to throw items towards the officers, including a wheelie bin directly at them. The court heard that he also participated in racial chanting.
The 35-year-old was jailed for two years at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.
A 14-year-old girl from Liverpool, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty for her role in violent disorder and theft on County Road, Walton on Saturday 3 August.
Liverpool Youth Court heard that she threw missiles towards officers and was part of a group who attacked a police vehicle and a lone officer. The group then went into a Go Local store on Delamore Street and she stole a pack of soft drinks. In addition, while a cash register was thrown on the floor by group member, she then stole money from the till before fleeing.
Yesterday the teenage offender received a 12-month referral order and fined £200 compensation.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “This latest sentencing yesterday showed that the three offenders 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 by reviewing more than 12,000 pieces of footage, and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.”
An investigation into the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool is ongoing. The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 151, with 110 charged and 84 sentenced to a combined 176 years.
We would encourage anyone with information to contact us via Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Large scale disorder broke out across the country after three young children were killed in Southport
They were days that will live in infamy in Greater Manchester’s history. Division and chaos reigned.
The deaths of three young girls in Southport led to a wave of disorder throughout the UK, and Manchester did not avoid such trouble. Wholly inaccurate claims about the identity and ethnicity of the alleged attacker spread online.
Fuelled by anger and inspired by disinformation, thugs took to the streets intent on causing trouble. Disorder erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath, on July 31, after a Facebook post swirled that afternoon.
“Let’s get them out,” it menacingly declared. Missiles were thrown towards the building, a bus was attacked and its driver injured, and asylum seekers, vulnerable individuals seeking help, were terrorised.
The far-right sought to capitalise on the division and called a demonstration for Manchester city centre on Saturday, August 3. The incident soon turned violent. Shocking video footage emerged of a lone black man being attacked by a baying mob.
Thugs then advanced down Mosley Street and stormed a Sainsbury’s store as innocent customers tried to shop. A vape store came under heavy attack, as yobs kicked its windows with a road sign being launched at it.
The following day, the trouble moved to Bolton. Another demonstration had been called by the far-right, with counter-protestors also present. Missiles were thrown as police dealt with mass disorder. Ever since, police have been tracking down and charging rioters.
Over the past three months, dozens of yobs have felt the full force of the law as their cases were speedily brought through the courts. The M.E.N. has extensively covered the ensuing court cases, and have now analysed the sentences handed down since August.
Of those in the dock, 39 were men, six were women and seven were children, the youngest being a 12-year-old boy. Jail sentences totalling more than 80 years have been handed down. The longest single jail sentence was imposed on a ‘violent racist’ for his part in a disgraceful attack in Piccadilly Gardens.
In chronological order from August until this month, here are the 52 rioters who faced justice.
1) James Nelson
James Nelson (Image: GMP)
Nelson, 18, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two months in prison on August 6 and ordered to pay £4,999 compensation at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Edge, 34, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 12 months in prison on August 13 at Bolton Crown Court.
Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and 10 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years and two months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months on August 15 at Manchester Crown Court.
Hanslip, 33, of Central Avenue, Shipley, West Yorkshire. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and two months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and eight months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Kelly, 24, of Woodford Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and five months on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and breaching a suspended sentence. Sentenced to four years and two months, comprising of 32 months for the violent disorder, and a further 18 months for being in breach of a suspended sentence, on August 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Parker, 26, of Douglas Street, Salford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ward, 35, of Colliery Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and exposure. Sentenced to 32 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Brookes, 42, of Frogmore Avenue, Hyde, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on August 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Freeman, 25, of Timson Street, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court
Warren Gilchrest (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to three years in prison on August 21 at Manchester Crown Court.
Upton, 54, of Bailey Lane, Wythenshawe. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison on August 22 at Manchester Crown Court.
Ryan, 55, of Collin Avenue, Gorton, Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for two years on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Bridgeford, 50, of Canon Street, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and eight months in prison on August 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Charnock, 31, of Edward Street, Farnworth, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 26 months in prison on August 27 at Bolton Crown Court.
Whitworth, 30, of Costabeck Walk, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on August 28 at Manchester Crown Court.
Simpson, 57, of Deerfold, Chorley, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on August 28 at Bolton Crown Court.
Mott, 28, of Barton Close, Eccles, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft from a shop and criminal damage. Sentenced to 18 months in prison on September 1 at Manchester Crown Court.
Potter, 39, of Bolton Road, Aspull, Wigan. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two years and two months in prison on September 4 at Bolton Crown Court.
Chadwick, 34, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft and violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to one year and six months in prison on September 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
McGlade, 24, of Oldham Street, Manchester. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3, theft and criminal damage. Sentenced to two years and eight months in prison on September 10 at Manchester Crown Court.
Footage has emerged appearing to show a group of demonstrators smashing up a vape shop amid protests in Manchester city centre on Saturday (August 3). (Image: Submitted)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 and obstructing a police constable. Sentenced to a ten month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and assaulting an emergency worker. Sentenced to a 12 month referral order on September 10 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to two counts of violent disorder at Newton Heath on July 31 and Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Riot police in Bolton last Sunday (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. Sentenced to an 18 month referral order on September 11 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Andrew Phillips (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Phillips, 28, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.
Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two years and seven months in prison on September 12 at Manchester Crown Court.
Police responding to a protest in Newton Heath (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Grange, 20, of Elysian Street, Openshaw, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31 and possession of a class B drug. Sentenced to two and a half years in prison on September 14 at Manchester Crown Court.
Pearson, 53, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
Jibson, 45, of Kingsbridge Road, Harpurhey. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 16 at Manchester Crown Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month referral order on September 17 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Ryan Leckey was jailed for 16 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Leckey, 24, of Lightbowne Road, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
Darren Butler was jailed for 17 months (Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Butler, 42, of Cattlin Way, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison on September 19 at Manchester Crown Court.
The boy pleaded guilty to criminal damage and violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to a 12 month intensive youth rehabilitation order on September 19 at Manchester Magistrates Court.
Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 28 months in prison on September 20 at Manchester Crown Court.
Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 12 month community order on September 23 at Manchester Crown Court.
Sadiq, 21, of Bentinck Street, Farnworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on September 25 at Bolton Crown Court.
Richard, 56, of Kingsland Close, Miles Platting. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 20 months in prison on September 25 at Manchester Crown Court.
Smith, 42, of Farnborough Road, Failsworth. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 18 month community order on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.
Keenan, 50, of Glen Grove, Middleton. Pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months on September 26 at Manchester Crown Court.
Miller, 38, Kennington Avenue, Newton Heath. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 15 months in prison on September 27 at Manchester Crown Court.
Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on October 3 at Manchester Crown Court.
Whitelegg, 40, of no fixed address. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Davy, 18, of Liney Road, Cheadle. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Burgess, 20, of Regent Square, Salford. Pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. Sentenced to 16 months in prison on October 4 at Manchester Crown Court.
Dunkerley, 37, of Marlborough Drive, Failsworth, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 25 months in prison on October 7 at Manchester Crown Court.
Johnson, 33, of Criterion Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred in Stockport on August 5. Sentenced to two years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court on October 10.
A beauty therapy student turned up to a riot in a yellow dress and bought eggs that were handed out to teenagers and launched ‘as missiles’ towards police during violent disorder in Newton Heath. Destiny Waugh, 19, walked to a Shell garage near to where the scenes of disorder were unfolding, on Oldham Road on July 31 this year, and bought two cartons of six eggs, Manchester Crown Court heard. (Image: GMP)
Waugh, 19, of Risbury Walk, Newton Heath, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Newton Heath on July 31. Sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months at Manchester Crown Court on October 15.
A judge told Shannon and Ben Gibson he highly doubted their explanation for why they travelled to Merseyside
A dad ranted to the police that “real criminals were being released from prison” after he drove with his son to engage in a full-blown riot.
Shannon Gibson, 58, and his son Ben, 32, claimed they drove from Wigan to Southport to lay flowers and pay their respects following the deaths of three young girls – Bebe King, Alice Da Silva Aguiar and Elsie Dot Stancombe – in a mass stabbing on July 29 this year.
However, Liverpool’s most senior judge told them he doubted their explanation of how they came to be on St Luke’s Road on July 30 and instead said they were “clearly racially or religiously motivated”. Louise McCloskey told Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Monday, October 14 that the dad and son were among a crowd of over 1,000 people who gathered at the junction of St Luke’s and Sussex Road.
She told the court: “That evening the community came together for a vigil that began at around 6pm. When parents were leaving with their kids at around 7pm, the defendants were engaging in behaviour in total odds.”
She told the court there was clear racial hostility as the mob gathered outside a mosque and chanted “Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah” and “this is our f***ing country.” The court heard that a cordon of officers sent to protect the mosque and disperse the crowd was attacked with bricks and other missiles.
Ms McCloskey said over 50 officers were injured and police vehicles were set on fire and ransacked. Ben Gibson, who had driven from Wigan to the north Sefton seaside town after he had finished work with his dad, was said to be “near the front of the crowd, jumping around and chanting ‘save our kids’ while attacking the people who are trying to do that job”.
The court heard the defendant, identified on footage wearing a purple Montirex top, “appeared crazed” as he was recorded throwing bricks at the line of police officers. Ms McCloskey said he threw approximately 16 bricks at the officers, hitting Merseyside Police Sergeant Yarwood at least once.
Although the prosecution could not confirm if the sergeant’s injuries could be specifically attributed to Ben Gibson’s actions, the court heard in the officer’s victim impact statement that he was hit in the ankle twice “causing a large amount of pain”.
The court heard his dad Shannon, who like his son was not wearing a face covering, was “in the thick of it”, with footage showing he was “watching on while his son threw missiles”. Ms McCloskey said after a period of time watching the action and smoking, the defendant was “no longer content by being a supporter” and threw a brick towards the window of a police carrier “as it was surrounded by thugs”.
The court heard he could be seen with his arms raised chanting “who the f*** is Allah” before he threw approximately six bricks. Ms McCloskey told the court that both of the men were arrested on September 15. When Ben Gibson was arrested he told officers “it’s happened now and I can’t change the past”.
He told police he had driven from Wigan with his dad “with the intention of laying flowers”. However, he added he was “angry at the country letting in immigrants”. Shannon Gibson told arresting officers “they are releasing the real criminals from prison and locking us up”. He then answered no comment during his interview.
The court heard Ben Gibson had no previous convictions while his dad had three convictions for five offences, including two counts of assaulting a police officer. Both men previously appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court the day after their arrests where they each pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder.
In mitigation, James Lefroy, appearing on behalf of both of the defendants, told the court the violent disorder was an “appalling incident” and he didn’t want to diminish the impact it had on the Southport community. Addressing the prosecution’s case that Ben Gibson had played a leading role in the disorder, Mr Lefroy told the court that he accepted his client played a “full role”, but he didn’t start the disorder nor was there a specific incident when he incited the actions of those around him.
Mr Lefroy said: “Ultimately the thrust of my submissions is to persuade the court they are ultimately good men, living their lives and for some reason they have been unable to tell me about why they have become involved.”
He added: “There are two types of people involved in the footage – those wearing masks and becoming overwhelmed by what is going on and people who the mind is drawn to why they are behaving in that way.”
Following this submission, The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Andrew Menary KC, presiding, said: “They are either complete idiots or have a desire to attack the mosque. Or both.” Mr Lefroy said: “My submission is that they are complete idiots.”
He told the court that both men were wearing shorts and t-shirts when they carried out the offence – adding “so there is some thought that they were not prepared to involve themselves, that is the only objective evidence I have”. Mr Lefroy said although they had travelled from outside the area, they were both in the north west, and although they were part of a mob targeting a mosque “do not consider themselves to be racist”.
The court heard that Ben Gibson is a trained bricklayer while his dad Shannon was his assistant. Ben Gibson was said to have a long-term partner and a nine-year-old daughter, while Shannon had three other children and nine grandchildren. Mr Lefroy said: “This was madness, they are idiots. This is not how they live their lives.”
Sentencing, Judge Menary told the pair: “There is an overwhelming obligation for the courts to do what they can for the protection of the public in their homes, in their businesses or on the streets. Those who engage in disorder must expect to receive severe sentences to punish and to deter. It is wholly unrealistic to observe someone’s actions without seeing it alongside the actions of others.”
He told Ben Gibson: “You have been seen in the footage from an early stage at the front of the mob involved in the most serious violence” and told his dad: “You were in the thick of it for much of the disorder…and you threw a brick quite deliberately at the police vehicle window.”
The judge, who said he was satisfied Ben Gibson played a leading role, sentenced the younger man to 32 months’ imprisonment. His dad Shannon was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment. The men, who were supported by a number of their family in court, did not react as they were led to the cells.
Three men have been sentenced today, Monday 14 October, for more than six years in prison for their roles in violent disorder in Southport.
The three offenders, Shannon Gibson, 58 years, from Wigan, Ben Gibson 32 years, from Standish, Wigan, and Oliver Maddocks, 22 years, from Southport, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing for throwing missiles at police officers in Southport on 30 July.
CCTV footage captured all three offenders at the forefront of a large group of people throwing missiles at officers and at a police van in the disorder in Southport.
Maddocks, of St Luke’s Road, Southport, was captured stealing items from the Mini Mart on Windsor Road.
Shannon Gibson, of Beech Hill Avenue, Wigan was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Ben Gibson, of Almond Brook Road, Standish, Wigan was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
Oliver Maddocks, of St Luke’s Road, Southport, was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for with violent disorder and burglary.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “All three offenders sentenced in court today were identified on footage as being in the forefront of the disorder in Southport, which were appalling scenes for the community to experience in the aftermath of the fatal stabbings.
“To date, we have made 129 arrests, charged 92, and brought 70 people before the courts – bringing a total of 151 years 10 months sentencing.
“Our investigation into the incidents in Merseyside continues with more arrests, charges and sentences being progressed.
“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.
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.
Far-Right Criminals 