The first adult to be charged with rioting following the nationwide violent disorder is due to appear in court today.
The Crown Prosecution Service has warned Kieran Usher, 32, charged with riot is just “one of a number of individuals” following a 15-year-old boy, who became the first person.
The justice system is processing hundreds of charges after Sir Keir Starmer promised swift justice for those involved in riots across England.
It comes as a man charged with encouraging murder and violent disorder in Southport has pleaded not guilty.
Andrew McIntyre will be atLiverpool Crown Courttoday, charged with encouraging murder, violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
Joseph Bradford, Jamie Easterbrook, Elly-Jayne Cox and Lisa Bishop are set to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for violent disorder.
Geraint Boyce and Daffron Williams will be sentenced today at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for publishing threatening material on a Facebook account intending to stir up religious hatred.
Riotingcarries a maximum of 10 years in jail, double that of violent disorder, and prosecutors are considering wider riot charges. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said 1,127 people have been arrested so far and 648 charged following the violence.
Key Points
Lush looter John Honey jailed for four years and eight months
First adult charged with riot offences
Four jailed for verbal and physical abuse towards police
460 arrested and 99 sentenced in connection with riots
Man who forced Romanian men from their car during riots jailed for six years
Man filmed carrying a stick ‘as religious item’ at counter-protest denied bail
Thursday 15 August 2024 16:44 , Andy Gregory
A man who was seen carrying a wooden stick on TV coverage of a counter-protest in Birmingham has been denied bail by a district judge.
Shehraz Sarwar, 46, is due to face trial at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 23 September after claiming he had a “reasonable excuse” to carry the item as a religious staff.
He is accused of being in possession of the stick, which had cord wrapped around it, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse at a gathering in Belchers Lane on 5 August.
Sarwar, of Wright Road in Birmingham, claims to have carried the stick locally for more than 11 years and to be a “well-known character” in the Saltley and Alum Rock areas of the city, the court heard on Thursday.
District Judge David Wain told Sarwar, who appeared at the hearing via video-link from prison, that he would not be releasing him on bail before his trial.
He said: “For now, I’m afraid you must return to your cell.” Sarwar responded: “Thank you judge.”
20-year-old who climbed onto van and threw brick at police jailed for 30 months
Thursday 15 August 2024 17:01 , Andy Gregory
A 20-year-old who climbed on to a van and repeatedly launched projectiles at police officers in Southport has been locked up for 30 months.
Tom Neblett, aged 20, attended a vigil for the previous day’s stabbing at a dance class in which three girls were killed, but he later joined a 1,000-strong group who “without any evidence or justification” attacked a nearby mosque and then police officers who gathered in response, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Neblett threw a brick at the passenger side window of a police carrier while the driver was still inside before colleagues in riot gear removed him as he shielded his head with his hands.
He was also seen on CCTV footage at the “very forefront” of the missile throwing as he picked up a smoke flare and hurled it towards the line of officers. He later scaled a white van and repeatedly threw more bricks and pieces of paving slabs at the police carrier and officers, the court heard.
Judge Dennis Watson KC told Neblett that a pre-sentence report had shown “a different side to you, the yob who was throwing missiles repeatedly” but he added: “The effect of your actions will have been to encourage others to have been involved and do likewise. Those actions cannot be viewed in isolation and should not be underestimated.”
20-year-old jailed over Southport riot ‘was in tears during interview'
Thursday 15 August 2024 17:20 , Andy Gregory
A 20-year-old jailed for 30 months after climbing onto a van and throwing a brick at police in Southport was in tears while being interviewed by the probation service, his lawyer has said.
Tom Neblett, of High Park Road in Southport, threw projectiles at police as he joined a 1,000-strong group who “without any evidence or justification” attacked a nearby mosque and then police officers who gathered in response, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday.
Lloyd Morgan, defending, said: “This 20-year-old man is certainly embarrassed and ashamed. He knows he has not just let down himself but his family. His father, sister and girlfriend are here today in the public gallery and all of them are ashamed of his actions but nonetheless supportive of him.
“His pre-sentence report from the Probation Service says he is probably still immature but notes he is genuinely remorseful. He was in tears during his interview with the report author. He acknowledges what he did was inexcusable and I submit it was out of character.”
The court heard that his 30-month sentence of detention at a Young Offender Institution would be his “first taste of custody” following four previous convictions for four offences including theft and assault..
Man who chanted at asylum hotel riot jailed for 32 months
Thursday 15 August 2024 17:41 , Andy Gregory
A man who shouted “you’re not fit to wear the badge” at police officers guarding a hotel housing asylum seekers as it was being attacked in Rotherham has been jailed for two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court.
Michael Whitehead, 27, shouted and chanted to a mob at the Holiday Inn Express, where more than 60 officers were injured as they battled hundreds of rioters, some of whom gained entry to the building and tried to set it alight with a burning bin.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Whitehead’s chants included “You’re not fit to wear the badge” to the officers and “Let’s go f****** mental” to the mob.
Whitehead admitted violent disorder and was jailed on Thursday.
Yob who attacked police van ‘still immature’
Thursday 15 August 2024 19:20 , Jane Dalton
A “yob” who climbed on to a van and repeatedly launched missiles at police officers in Southport has been sentenced to 30 months at a young offender institution.
Tom Neblett, 20, of High Park Road, Southport, threw a brick at the passenger side window of a police carrier with a driver inside.
Lloyd Morgan, defending, said: “His pre-sentence report from the Probation Service says he is probably still immature but notes he is genuinely remorseful. He was in tears during his interview with the report author.
“He acknowledges what he did was inexcusable and I submit it was out of character.”
The court heard that his 30-month sentence of detention would be his “first taste of custody” following four previous convictions for four offences including theft and assault.
‘Violent racist’ jailed for attack on black man
Thursday 15 August 2024 19:35 , Jane Dalton
Joseph Ley, 30, of Stockport, was “motivated by racial hatred”, a court heard:
‘Violent racist’ jailed for attack on black man in Manchester disorder
Man who punched Asian jailed for four months
Thursday 15 August 2024 20:00 , Jane Dalton
A father-of-one has been jailed for four months after admitting punching an Asian man at a protest where he chanted racial insults. Paul Dixon, 35, was recorded shouting “paedo” and “Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah”:
Father jailed for four months after punching Asian man at protest
Father of six jailed for over two years for targeting police
Thursday 15 August 2024 20:30 , Jane Dalton
A father of six who admitted violent disorder has been jailed for 28 months.
CCTV footage played at Liverpool Crown Court showed Tony Hazlett, 46, throwing two missiles towards police officers in Southport on 30 July.
Chris Taylor, prosecuting, said Hazlett launched two items, possibly bricks, in quick succession.
The court heard he had 15 previous convictions for 44 offences including a 26-month jail term imposed in 2011 for affray, possessing an offensive weapon and breaching the terms of a suspended sentence.
Stuart Nolan, defending, said: “He apologises to the residents of Southport, the members of Merseyside Police and the wider public. He accepts this was inexcusable behaviour.”
Everyone sentenced so far
Thursday 15 August 2024 21:05 , Jane Dalton
All the adults who have been sentenced as of 15 August:
Who are the people sentenced so far following recent disorder?
‘Swift justice won’t stop more riots’
Thursday 15 August 2024 21:40 , Jane Dalton
You can remove the thugs from the street, but the conditions remain for misguided anger to froth over into violence once more, locals in the northeast tell Zoe Beaty:
This swift justice for racist rioters won’t be enough to stop this happening again
Painter who joined mob attacking hotel jailed for over two years
Thursday 15 August 2024 22:30 , Jane Dalton
A painter and decorator who was part of a mob that attacked a hotel housing asylum-seekers in Rotherham has been jailed for more than two years.
Billy Pemberton, 31, was given a sentence of two years and four months at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday, South Yorkshire Police confirmed.
His case had been adjourned from Wednesday when the Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, heard how Pemberton was part of a group throwing missiles at a small group of “cornered” police outside the hotel, but there was no evidence he threw anything at the officers himself.
The court heard he was also spotted in a group that was chanting “who the f*** is Allah?”.
Pemberton picked up a police baton dropped by an officer and took it to a pub where he boasted about it, the court heard.
Gordon Stables, defending, said his client was “utterly dejected and remorseful” and faced losing his business, which employs three people, due to the prison sentence.
Pemberton, of Rosehill Road, Rawmarsh, admitted violent disorder at a previous hearing.
More than 60 officers were injured as they battled hundreds of people outside the hotel in the Manvers area of the town, with some gaining entry to the building and trying to set it alight with a burning bin.
Recap: Boy, 15, first to be charged with riot
Thursday 15 August 2024 23:40 , Jane Dalton
Boy, 15, first to be charged with riot as more violent disorder suspects locked up
Man charged for using threatening words and behaviour in Nottingham riots
Friday 16 August 2024 12:00 , Salma Ouaguira
A 29-year-old man has been charged in connection with disorder in Nottingham.
Tony Campion is alleged to have used threatening words or behaviour on August 3 during a pre-planned protest in Old Market Square.
Campion, of Whitcomb Gardens in Top Valley, Nottingham, will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today.
Father of three pictured in ‘aggressive’ protest
Friday 16 August 2024 01:00 , Jane Dalton
A father-of-three has been jailed for 18 months for violent disorder for taking part in a “far-right” protest in Weymouth.
Ian Vetier, 36, of Weymouth, played a “prominent” role among the group he described as the “Enough is enough” group which had gathered to confront a larger Stand Up To Racism group, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.
He admitted the offence at in relation to the demonstration on 4 August.
Police officers feared for their safety as they attempted to control the protest group who were shouting and swearing aggressively, the court was told.
Caught on camera: Thug throws missiles and bricks at police during Southport riots
Friday 16 August 2024 02:30 , Jane Dalton
Caught on camera: Thug throws missiles and bricks at police during Southport riots
Three jailed for ‘frightening’ riot in Plymouth
Friday 16 August 2024 14:31 , Salma Ouaguira
Two men and a woman have been jailed for their roles in a protest inPlymouthwhich created fear and anxiety in the local community.
Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 – all fromPlymouth, appeared atPlymouth Crown Court having pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the demonstration in the Devon city on 5 August.
Mr Ball and Mr Braidwood were both given prison terms of 32 months, while Gove was jailed for 18 months.
Woman accused of sparking riots with false rumour says mistake ‘destroyed’ her
Friday 16 August 2024 04:00 , Jane Dalton
Woman alleged to have shared false Southport suspect rumour speaks out
Member of group who targeted police at Rotherham hotel jailed
Friday 16 August 2024 05:30 , Jane Dalton
Ricky Hardman, 41, of Norfolk Road, Barnsley, was jailed for two years and eight months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
Hardman, in a black top and grey cargo trousers, on the left, below, was photographed with a group of men as objects were thrown towards police at the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Watch: Taxi driver in tears over hate he has received
Friday 16 August 2024 07:00 , Jane Dalton
Zaf Iqbal, co-chair of Sunderland Interfaith Forum, broke down in tears describing the racial abuse he had received.
Distraught taxi driver breaks down describing hate he has received during riots
15-year-old becomes first person charged with riot following nationwide disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 07:20 , Salma Ouaguira
Violent disorder suspects across the country could face more serious charges following the recent nationwide unrest after a 15-year-old boy became the first person to be charged withriot.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday but his case was adjourned for two weeks following what a district judge called a “surprise” charging decision.
Rioting is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – double that of a charge of violent disorder.
Riotcharges are something the CPS is looking at nationally, as well as in the North East.
The boy, from Sunderland, is accused ofriotfollowing disorder in his home city on August 2 after having pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary on Saturday.
Chris Wilson, defending, said the situation “doesn’t sit comfortably with me, professionally or personally”, adding: “Clearly there are complex issues, and those issues may well have far wider repercussions.”
Gale Gilchrist, chief prosecutor for CPS North East, said: “This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged withriot.”
A senior officer at Northumbria Police said if an individual may have been involved in further criminality, they will “be brought before the courts again and charged with the most serious offence possible”.
Man to appear in court charged with encouraging murder in Southport
Friday 16 August 2024 07:40 , Salma Ouaguira
A man from Lancashire is due to appear court charged with encouraging an act of murder in connection with the violent disorder in Southport.
Andrew McIntyre, 39, will appear at Liverpool Crown Court today for encouraging an either way offence namely violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
Who is in court today?
Friday 16 August 2024 08:00 , Salma Ouaguira
Joseph Bradford, Jamie Easterbrook, Elly-Jayne Cox and Lisa Bishop to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for violent disorder in Bristol.
Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40, to be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court for violent disorder in Plymouth.
Wayne O’Rourke to appear at Lincoln Crown Court charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hate.
Paul Williams, Dean Groenewald, and Liam Doeg to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for their part in the Sunderlandriots.
Andrew McIntyre to appear at Liverpool Crown Court charged with encouraging murder and violent disorder in Southport.
Geraint Boyce and Daffron Williams to be sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court for publishing threatening material on a Facebook account intending to stir up religious hatred.
Two men to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court over London unrest. Steven Essex, 49, has been charged with affray and obstructing a police officer, while Philip Fahie, 41, has been charged with two public order offences, one of which is racially aggravated.
Charles Smith, 22, of Uxbridge to appear at Inner London Crown Court for sentencing after admitting affray and a public order offence linked to Whitehall disorder.
Elon Musk’s father defends son over UK civil war prediction
Friday 16 August 2024 08:25 , Holly Evans
Elon Musk’s father defends son over UK civil war prediction
Independent readers praise ‘calm’ Starmer for handling riots in ‘baptism of fire’
Friday 16 August 2024 08:51 , Holly Evans
When we asked for your views on how the government is handling the fallout from the riots, many were postive about Sir Keir Starmer’s response, praising his leadership, the swift legal actions, and the deterrence provided by tough sentencing.
Several readers appreciated the contrast with previous government, noting that Starmer’s approach was “so much better.”
However, concerns remained about underlying issues like immigration that many felt hadn’t yet been addressed.
Read the full article here:
Readers praise ‘calm’ Starmer for handling riots in ‘baptism of fire’
Police release more pictures in Merseyside riots inquiry
Friday 16 August 2024 09:13 , Salma Ouaguira
The police have released images of eight men in connection to the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
Det Ch Insp Tony Roberts, from Merseyside Police, said those pictured “need to make themselves known as soon as possible” to answer questions about the investigation.
‘A court packed with those who know their way around already, and jails are too full to take them’
Friday 16 August 2024 09:33 , Salma Ouaguira
Within 10 minutes it’s over. Another fate is sealed. The process is simple and already repetitive: the defendant, this time wiry apprentice electrician Declan Dickson, 22, wearing prison-issue grey tracksuit bottoms, isbrought up from the cellsto court number 7.
As the charges are read – unlawful violence, possession of cocaine – he bows his head. A weary defence lawyer makes a case for bail – Dickson, who pleaded guilty to all offences, would like, he says, to visit his mum in Wigan, to say goodbye
Zoë Beatywrites:
This swift justice for racist rioters won’t be enough to stop this happening again
What have the rioters been charged with?
Friday 16 August 2024 09:54 , Salma Ouaguira
More than 1,100 people have now been arrested over riots, with at least 650 charged with some facing multiple charges.
Among all the charges, violent disorder was the most common followed by assaults on emergency workers and dozens of counts of harassment, alarm or distress, the BBC reports.
There were at least 28 people charged with offences involving social media or online activity inciting racial hatred during far-right violence.
More than 40 individuals under the age of 18 have been charged in connection with the disorder.
Prince Harry hits out at far-right disinformation after Southport riots
Friday 16 August 2024 10:14 , Salma Ouaguira
The Duke of Sussex has warned about the dangers of false information spreading online amid the Merseyside riots inquiry.
During his trip to Colombia with Meghan, Harry spoke digital responsibility that “what happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets.”
Speaking during a summit in Bogotá, he said: “People are acting on information that isn’t true.”
21-year-old charged with violent disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 10:35 , Salma Ouaguira
Joshua Nash, 21, of Portland, Dorset, has been charged with violent disorder at a protest in Weymouth.
He is set to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court today.
Man accused of intentionally encouraging murder pleads not guilty
Friday 16 August 2024 10:50 , Salma Ouaguira
A 39-year-old man has appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to intentionally encouraging murder and violent disorder between 28 July and 8 August.
Chris Taylor, prosecuting, confirmed to Judge Neil Flewitt that “in simple terms” the suggestion was that defendant Andrew McIntyre, from Ormskirk, was the administrator on an online group.
It is said he allegedly encouraged followers of the group to commit murder and also to take part in the disorder that had recently taken place in Merseyside.
Two men arrested in connection with Sunderland violent disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 11:05 , Salma Ouaguira
A man has been charged with riot in connection with disorder in Sunderland city centre, Northumbria Police said.
Kieran Usher, 32, of Bramwell Road, Hendon, Sunderland, was arrested on Thursday.
David Hann, 58, of Ryhope Street South, Sunderland, was also arrested on Thursday, and has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.
Both men were due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
Friday 16 August 2024 11:25 , Salma Ouaguira
Andrew McIntyre, of Cousins Lane, Rufford, also entered a plea of not guilty to a third allegation of possessing a bladed article, namely a folded pocket knife, in a public place on Smithdown Road, Liverpool, on 8 August.
The defendant, wearing a grey T-shirt and black trousers, waved to his parents in the public gallery when he was brought up from the cells.
Administrative matters were dealt with in the courtroom before dates for further hearings were set.
Judge Flewitt told McIntyre: “I am setting February 3 next year as the provisional trial date in this case.
“There will be a further hearing on November 4 to review progress.
“You will attend that hearing via a prison videolink.”
McIntyre was remanded into custody and again turned to his parents and put his hand to his heart, and blew them a kiss.
Breaking: First adult charged with riot offences
Friday 16 August 2024 11:27 , Salma Ouaguira
The first adult in England has been charged with riot offences instead of opposed to violent disorder.
Chief crown prosecutor for CPS North East Gale Gilchrist said in a statement: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge of riot against Kieran Usher, 32, in relation to disorder that took place in Sunderland on 2 August.”
It comes as a 15-year-old boy being charged with the same offence yesterday.
CPS warns man ‘one of a number of individuals’ to be charged with riot
Friday 16 August 2024 11:45 , Salma Ouaguira
The Crown Prosecution Service has warned Kieran Usher, 32, charged with riot is just “one of a number of individuals”.
CPS North East Gale Gilchrist said: “This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged with riot.
“As these are live proceedings, we remind all concerned that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Mr Usher was the first adult in England to be charged after three men and a boy in Northern Ireland were charged with riot at the weekend.
Disorder court cases: How are the sentences measuring up?
Friday 16 August 2024 12:05 , Salma Ouaguira
A judge has urged prosecutors to consider charging offenders playing central roles in disorder across the UK with an offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.
It comes after a man was sent to prison for three years after kicking a female police officer to the ground during unrest inHull.
Here’s a look at how the sentences are measuring up:
Read the full article here:
Disorder court cases: How are the sentences measuring up?
Watch live: Sentencing of Blackpool rioter televised from court
Friday 16 August 2024 12:12 , Salma Ouaguira
Watch live: Sentencing of Blackpool rioter televised from court
Man charged for using threatening words and behaviour during Nottingham protest
Friday 16 August 2024 12:25 , Salma Ouaguira
A 29-year-old man has been charged in connection with disorder in Nottingham.
Tony Campion is alleged to have used threatening words or behaviour on August 3 during a pre-planned protest in Old Market Square.
Campion, of Whitcomb Gardens in Top Valley, Nottingham, will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Crown Prosecution Service issues string of charges for violent disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 12:45 , Salma Ouaguira
Several more people have been charged after the violent disorder seen around the country following the Southport stabbings, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Joel Bishop, 27, has been charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon, and will appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
Mujmain Uddin, 21, has been charged with assault, possession of an offensive weapon and violent disorder, and will appear at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.
A number of people will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, including Kemmy James, 20, who has been charged with violent disorder and possession of a Class B drug; Safwan Khan, 25, who has been charged with violent disorder; and two 14-year-old boys, one of whom has been charged with violent disorder and resisting a police constable, and the other who has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.
Matthew Rush, 30, and Mitchell Cleaver, 25, will both appear at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder while a 17-year-old will appear there charged with violent disorder, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, using a motor vehicle without third-party insurance and driving while disqualified.
More expected to appear in court with arson disorder and racial offences
Friday 16 August 2024 13:05 , Salma Ouaguira
Several people are due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, including Lewis Merrit, 27, who has been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker; Thomas Birley, 27, who has been charged with arson, attempted arson, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon; and David Chadwick, 36, and Lewis Lynch, 30, who have both been charged with violent disorder.
Jarrod Farrah, 32, has been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court.
Bradley Halton, 28, has been charged with violent disorder and racially/religiously-aggravated harassment, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court while Lee Dering, 45, has been charged with racially/religiously-aggravated harassment and will appear at the same court.
Man charged with riot remanded into custody
Friday 16 August 2024 13:07 , Salma Ouaguira
A man charged with riot following disorder in Sunderland has been remanded into custody.
No plea was entered by Kieran Usher to the charge on Friday as he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutors allege the 32-year-old gestured towards officers and towards the crowds in the city centre on August 2 in order to “encourage violence”.
The court heard Usher allegedly acted in an “aggressive manner” towards police officers and threw missiles at them.
District Judge Zoe Passfield remanded him in custody after saying a series of video clips played to the court showed he had “a willingness to engage in large-scale disorder”.
He will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on August 23.
Why is Starmer taking flak from Tory leadership candidates over the riots?
Friday 16 August 2024 13:25 , Salma Ouaguira
As would-be Conservative leaders line up to criticise the prime minister over his first big test in office, Sean O’Grady looks at their motives
Read the full article here:
Why is Starmer taking flak from Tory leadership hopefuls over riots?
Man wrongly accused of publishing threatening post intended to stir up religious hatred
Friday 16 August 2024 13:40 , Salma Ouaguira
A man accused of publishing threatening material intended to stir up religious hatred on social media has had his sentencing hearing postponed after the wrong charge was put to him.
Geraint Boyce, 43, of Penrhiw-Fer, Wales, was due to be sentenced when he appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court today.
But the court heard that the charge put to Boyce was incorrect when he appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The charge relates to a post on Facebook on or around July 31 in relation to recent widespread public disorder.
Tim Wilson, who appeared for the prosecution, said Mr Boyce had pleaded guilty to stirring up racial hatred under section 19 of the Public Order Act 1986 when the charge should have been for religious hatred under Section 29C(1).
Andrew Taylor, who appeared for the defence, asked for the case to be adjourned. He also said this would give him time to read through extensive mitigation documents, which he had just received.
The Recorder Of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke adjourned the sentencing until September 10.
Addressing Boyce she said: “As you have heard, there is some confusion over the charge you have pleaded guilty to.”
She said the delay would allow time for a pre-sentence report to be created and Mr Taylor to read through mitigation documents.
Riots ‘instigator and leader’ sentenced to 30 months for violent disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 13:43 , Salma Ouaguira
Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool,has been sentenced to 30 months imprisonment.
Judge Robert Altham at Preston Crown Court said Mr Haywood was an “instigator and leader” in the unrest and being intoxicated was an “aggravating feature”.
The judge described hoe he kicked the hand of one police officer and the arm of another during the Blackpool disorder.
He reminded the court that police officers are normal people with families who “should be able to go to work without being pelted by missiles”.
But the judge added that he takes into consideration Mr Haywood’s “remorse” so he will serve half of his sentence in prison.
Haywood ‘clearly’ led ‘angry’ group during Blackpool riots
Friday 16 August 2024 13:49 , Salma Ouaguira
Roger Haywood, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, is being sentenced at Preston Crown Courtafter pleading guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder.
Judge Altham said he led an “angry group” of rioters who confronted the police during a “highly volatile situation”.
The court head how Mr Haywood approached officers “jabbing a finger at them”.
In a video shown to the courtroom, he was “clearly in the lead” in what was an “ugly scene”, the judge said.
In a separate video, Mr Haywood appeared trying to push through a police line, head first.
Judge: Far-right riots ‘were just pre-text for violence’ after Southport killings
Friday 16 August 2024 14:05 , Salma Ouaguira
During the sentencing of Roger Haywood for assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder, the judge recognised the grief of Southport families.
Judge Altham said: “One cannot begin to imagine the grief and the despair” experienced by the families of thethree girls killed in Southport and “people from all communities offered solidarity”.
But he told Mr Altham others “such as you” chose to use the incident to commit “mindless, drunken thuggery”.
CPS warns vile behaviour will not go unchallenged
Friday 16 August 2024 14:15 , Salma Ouaguira
Following Roger Haywood’s sentencing, Lancashire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Phil Davies said he “not only chose to be violent himself, but he actively encouraged others to use violence too”.
He said Mr Haywood sentence of 30 months shows “just how seriously violent disorder is being taken in our country”.
Sarah Gallagher, district crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) North West, added:“Make no mistake, those who have taken part in the lawlessness of the last few weeks will be caught, convicted and sentenced appropriately.”
Three charged for violent disorder in Tamworth during attack on hotel
Friday 16 August 2024 14:35 , Salma Ouaguira
Three people have been charged following violent disorder in Stoke-on-Trent and Tamworth.
Matthew Rush, 30, of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Mitchell Cleaver, 25, of Burton-on-Trent, and a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of legal reasons, of Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, have been charged with violent disorder.
All three are due to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre today.
Three jailed for ‘frightening’ riots in Plymouth
Friday 16 August 2024 14:45 , Salma Ouaguira
Two men and a woman have been jailed for their roles in a protest inPlymouthwhich created fear and anxiety in the local community.
Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 – all fromPlymouth, appeared atPlymouthCrown Court having pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the demonstration in the Devon city on 5 August.
Ball and Braidwood were both give prison terms of 32 months, while Gove was jailed for 18 months.
Ministry of Justice confirms 460 arrested and 99 sentenced in connection with riots
Friday 16 August 2024 14:55 , Salma Ouaguira
Some 460 people arrested in connection with the violent disorder earlier this month have faced their day in court and at least 99 have already been sentenced, new Ministry of Justice data confirms.
More than 300 people have appeared in court since last week, according to the figures.
The ministry said that as of Thursday: 480 defendants had a first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 460 have already taken place; 99 were sentenced in either the magistrates’ court or crown court, 185 have been sent to crown court for sentencing, 153 have been sent to crown court for trial and 69 have received a custodial sentence in the crown court.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “We continue to see swift justice being done and more people feeling the full force of the law as a consequence of their actions.
“It is thanks to the hard work of people around the country and across the justice system that guilty offenders are being held to account.”
Man arrested on suspicion of religiously aggravated intentional harassment
Friday 16 August 2024 15:00 , Salma Ouaguira
A 25 year-old man from Portsmouth has been arrested on suspicion of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment alarm or distress.
He has also been accused of racially or religiously aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress following a protest in the Hampshire city which saw people try to stop traffic on a major road.
Pictured: Man jailed for ‘leading angry’ mob during Blackpool far-right riots
Friday 16 August 2024 15:10 , Salma Ouaguira
Four jailed for verbal and physical abuse towards police
Friday 16 August 2024 15:20 , Salma Ouaguira
Four men who took part in a barrage of verbal and physical abuse towards police during riots in Hull have been jailed.
Steven Love, 41, who hurled an empty bin at a protective line of officers, was sentenced to 40 months in prison as a judge told him he was “lucky not to be charged with riot” after his central role in the disorder.
HGV driver and “family man” John Nunan, 36, was jailed for two years for “aggressively” confronting police, throwing missiles including a glass bottle, and helping push a wheelie bin at officers.
Travis Whitelock, 23, was jailed for two years after also playing a “prominent role” that included pushing a street litter bin onto a burning pile of rubbish and shoving a large wheelie bin at police.
Corey Holloway, 20, was detained for 18 months in a young offenders institution after throwing a traffic cone at police and behaving in a “violent and aggressive manner”.
The four pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Man who forced Romanian men from their car during riots jailed for six years
Friday 16 August 2024 15:25 , Salma Ouaguira
A member of a “baying mob” that forced three Romanian men from their car during riots in Hull has been jailed for six years.
David Wilkinson, 48, pleaded guilty to violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage after playing a “prominent role” in the violence and disorder that gripped the city on August 3.
Hull Crown Court heard the driver of a BMW was left in fear for his life when more than 100 “angry” men descended on him and his two cousins and attempted to drag them from the car, punched him in the head and tried to strike him with a metal bar.
In footage of the incident, the three “terrified” men in the vehicle could be seen getting out with their hands raised in a gesture of surrender before fleeing to a nearby hotel, the court heard.
Wilkinson was captured in the video damaging the windscreen of the car, which suffered £1,500 of damage.
The court heard at other points during the day of disorder Wilkinson spat, threw missiles and pushed wheelie bins at a police line protecting a hotel known to house asylum seekers. He appeared to be holding nunchucks – a martial arts weapon – at one point, it was said.
During an attack on a garage in which nine cars were damaged, Wilkinson was seen trying to set fire to a bin on top of a pile of tyres which were already alight, sending plumes of black smoke through the shutters of the workshop, where a group of people were sheltering.
17-year-old arrested in connection with Birmingham disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 15:35 , Salma Ouaguira
West Midlands Police have arrested a 17-year-old male in connection with disorder which broke out in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, last week after false rumours of a far-right march.
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and is in custody for questioning.
The force said: “We acted on information you provided as a result of our appeal and we’re grateful for the support we’re receiving in our investigation.
“We’re continuing to review all available material and are still looking to identify all those involved.”
22-year-old who chanted ‘who the f*** is Allah?’ jailed for 23 weeks
Friday 16 August 2024 15:37 , Salma Ouaguira
A 22-year-old tree surgeon has been jailed for 23 weeks after he “struck up a fighting stance” and chanted “scum” at police officers during disorder near Downing Street last month.
Charles Smith, of Uxbridge, also joined in with a chant of “who the f*** is Allah?” during the protest in central London on July 31, Inner London Crown Court heard.
Smith, who the court heard was at the “forefront” of a group which confronted officers, sat with his head bowed for much of the hearing.
He pleaded guilty to affray at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 9.
Sentencing him, Judge Benedict Kelleher said the 22-year-old’s actions “demonstrated a complete contempt for the police”.
Smith, whose lawyer described him as “tolerant of other religions and other races”, looked up towards his family in the public gallery before being taken down to the cells.
Rapper Twista Cheese denies sending ‘menacing’ video about Tommy Robinson
Friday 16 August 2024 15:40 , Salma Ouaguira
Arapperarrested after posting an allegedly menacing video mentioningTommy Robinsonis to face trial next year after pleading not guilty.
Omar Abdirizak, aBirmingham-based rapper known as Twista Cheese, is accused of making the video and posted it on social media, between 1 and 10 August.
Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who was the founder of the English Defence League, shared it with his followers.
At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday, prosecutors dropped a previous charge against Abdirizak of conveying false information, replacing it with an allegation of sending a grossly offensive or menacing message via a public communications network.
Our reporter Jane Dalton has the full story:
Rapper Twista Cheese denies sending ‘menacing’ video about Tommy Robinson
Man in connection with Sunderland disorder could face serious charge of riot
Friday 16 August 2024 15:45 , Salma Ouaguira
The sentencing hearing of a 33-year-old man in relation to disorder in Sunderland has been adjourned while prosecutors consider whether he should face the more serious charge of riot.
Liam Doeg, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, admitted violent disorder and burglary before magistrates in South Shields last week and was to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.
However, Judge Paul Sloan KC agreed to a prosecution application to adjourn the matter while consideration is given to charging the defendant with riot.
Mob ‘front-runner' who threw metal fence at police jailed for more two years
Friday 16 August 2024 15:50 , Salma Ouaguira
A 45-year-old man who threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during rioting in Sunderland has been jailed for two years and two months at Newcastle Crown Court.
A judge was shown video of Paul Williams, 45, of Esdale, Sunderland, acting aggressively towards lines of police during the widespread disorder in the city centre on August 2.
The court heard how Williams shouted “put your shields down and let’s go, let’s f****** go” and took his shirt off as he squared up to police, running at the line of riot shields.
Sophie Allinson, defending, said her client was not aware of any protest and had gone into Sunderland city centre to collect takeaway food after a spot of gardening in the sun.
Ms Allinson said it was “utterly bizarre” that he then “changed his behaviour in the most disgraceful fashion”, becoming the “front-runner” of the mob.
The barrister said her client, who admitted violent disorder, has no political opinions around immigration and was “entirely unaware of the basis of what started this”, saying his “moment of madness” was down to having drunk eight cans of lager.
Judge Paul Sloan KC said Williams was part of “an orgy of mindless destruction, violence and disorder”.
Lush looter John Honey jailed for four years and eight months
Friday 16 August 2024 15:57 , Salma Ouaguira
A man who went viral for stealing Lush products during recent far-right riots in Hull has been jailed for four years and eight months.
John Honey pleaded guilty to looting a cosmetics store, a phone shop, a shoe outlet and damaged cars during riots in Hull while wearing a shirt emblazoned with the England flag.
The 25-year-old “played a prominent role” in 12 hours of violence and unrest that gripped the city while wearing a “distinctive”Englandflag T-shirt, prosecutors said.
He also admitted racially aggravated criminal damage of aBMWafter three men were forced to flee their car by a group of “angry” men, and damaging nine other vehicles during an attack on a garage.
Michael Quinn, deputy chief crown prosecutor for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “His behaviour throughout was appalling, shameless, and violent.
“In particular, he was part of an armed mob who attacked a BMW car containing three defenceless members of the public. The three Romanian victims were assaulted, robbed and racially abused as they fled from the car which was then trashed. This cowardly assault left the victims terrified and traumatised.
“Less than two weeks have passed since Honey was identified, caught and convicted.”
Rioter who looted Lush for bathbombs wearing England flag jailed for four years
‘Got a problem with us English?’: Man jailed for ‘racist’ attack on lone Black man in Manchester
Friday 16 August 2024 16:00 , Salma Ouaguira
A “violentracist” who punched and kicked a Black man in the face during disorder in Manchester has been jailed, after claiming he thought he was joining a rally to “celebrateBritishculture”.
Joseph Ley, 30,was among a group of white males who confronted a lone manin Piccadilly Gardens inManchester city centreon 3 August.
Shocking footage shows Ley punching and kicking him in the face, in an act that was “motivated by racial hatred”.
Our reporter Holly Evans has the full story:
‘Got a problem with us English?’: Man jailed for ‘violent racist’ attack on Black man
Exclusive: Impact of far-right riots on Muslims revealed in poll as 92% feel less safe living in the UK
Friday 16 August 2024 16:05 , Salma Ouaguira
After days offar-rightviolence,Muslimsacross the countryhave been left afraid to live in the UK,a newpollhas revealed.
Thesurveycommissioned by MuslimCensus, a data organisation focusing on Muslims and ethnic minorities, found 92 per centfeel “much less safe” as a result of the violent disorder.The poll, conducted between 5-6 August with a panel of 1,519 participants from various backgrounds, reported one in six people have personally experienced racist attacks since the riots began on 30 July, while two in three people witnessed one.
Read our The Independent’s exclusive story below:
Sentencing of former soldier for stirring up religious hatred adjourned
Friday 16 August 2024 16:15 , Salma Ouaguira
The sentencing of a former soldier for stirring up religious hatred has been adjourned.
Daffron Williams, 41, from Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to posting threatening material on Facebook.
John Allchurch, defending, told the judge Williams suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and asked for the case to be adjourned for a mental health report to be written.
Mr Allchurch said Williams developed PTSD during his time in theArmy, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Recorder Of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke adjourned sentencing until 9 October.
The charge relates to a post on Facebook about the recent widespread public disorder.
Merseyside Police issue more images of those wanted for disorder
Friday 16 August 2024 16:30 , Salma Ouaguira
Merseyside police have released a further eight images of suspects they wish to speak to after violent disorder broke out in Liverpool and Southport.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “These eight males need to make themselves known as soon as possible, as we think they could assist our ongoing investigations into the incidents of disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
“Each and every person who took part can expect to face the consequences of their actions. “We are still working through footage and images as they come in and we’ll continue to arrest, charge and put before the courts anyone identified.
“To date, we have arrested 74 people, and charged 41. There will be more to come in the following days and weeks.
“Please contact us with names and the corresponding number on the image and we will do the rest.”
Man charged with racially or religiously-aggravated harassment pleads guilty
Friday 16 August 2024 16:45 , Salma Ouaguira
Bradley Halton, 28, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Westminster on July 31, a court official has said.
The defendant, of Hounslow, west London, was remanded into custody to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday.
He was charged with violent disorder and racially or religiously-aggravated harassment.
Man who threw bricks at hotel housing asylum seekers jailed
Friday 16 August 2024 17:00 , Salma Ouaguira
A man who threw bricks at police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers has been jailed for two years and 10 months.
Paul Smith, 21, of Keynsham Road, Manchester, was sentenced for violent disorder on Thursday morning at Manchester Crown Court.
In footage shown in court, Smith can be seen throwing bricks and a bottle towards police officers and vehicles during the disorder outside the Holiday Inn hotel in Manchester on July 31.
Prosecutor Philip Hall said of Smith’s demeanour on the footage: “He’s smiling and appears to be taking some delight from the event.”
In his sentencing remarks, Judge John Potter said: “On July 29, an appalling and tragic attack took place in Southport. Three children lost their lives and numerous other children and adults were seriously injured in a knife attack.
“Shortly after that attack, lies were deliberately spread via leaflets, the internet and social media as to who may have been responsible.
“This material emphasised the supposed nationality, ethnicity and religion of the alleged attacker.
“Inspired by the ignorance of racism, mobs gathered in towns and cities throughout the country intent on retribution.”
‘Paedophile hunter’ jailed for racial abuse
Friday 16 August 2024 17:30 , Salma Ouaguira
A self-styled paedophile hunter has been jailed for eight months at Leeds Crown Court after admitting racially abusing protesters who gathered for a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Phil Hoban, 48, was a prominent figure in an anti-immigration demonstration in the centre of Leeds on Saturday 3 August, where he could be seen shouting at hundreds of rival protesters and leading the chanting.
The anti-immigration demo was part of a series across England but, despite some scuffles with police, it did not turn violent in same way as others in Hull and Liverpool on the same day.
Father-of-three Hoban is the founder of Predator Exposure, a group that carried out sting operations against men who made contact with fake profiles of teenage girls they set up online.
The group’s activities resulted in prosecutions, including that of Irish TV producer Kieran Creaven who was jailed in 2018 after he was tricked by Predator Exposure into flying from Dublin to Leeds to meet a “girl” he had groomed on Facebook with hundreds of messages.
In 2019, Hoban was one of group of six from Predator Exposure who went on trial accused offences including false imprisonment following sting operations against two men.
But they were all acquitted by a jury after telling the court they were engaged in lawful citizens’ arrests.
Hoban, of Northcote Crescent, Leeds, was jailed on Thursday after previously admitting causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
In Full: Rioter who looted Lush for bathbombs wearing England flag jailed for four years
Friday 16 August 2024 17:45 , Salma Ouaguira
Rioter who looted Lush for bathbombs wearing England flag jailed for four years
Analysis: What Starmer must do next after riots
Friday 16 August 2024 17:50 , Salma Ouaguira
Andrew Grice looks at how the prime minister needs to tackle the root causes of unrest:
The big question for Starmer after the riots is: What’s next?
41-year-old man jailed for ‘leading’ riot mob in Blackpool
Friday 16 August 2024 18:00 , Salma Ouaguira
A 41-year-old man has been jailed at Preston Crown Court for 30 months for his part in disorder in Blackpool on Saturday August 3.
Roger Haywood encouraged a group of men, women and children to follow him to various locations, including the Cenotaph and Blackpool Tower, while the resort was busy with visiting families.
He repeatedly verbally abused police officers and then attempted to pull up the shutters of a store in the Hounds Hill shopping centre before he assaulted a member of its security team, said Lancashire Police.
He was later arrested on the same evening and assaulted an officer as they attempted to restrain him.
Haywood, of Yew Tree Close, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault.
Sarah Gallagher, district crown prosecutor for CPS Northwest, said: “When a violent mob descended on Blackpool on August 3, Roger Haywood took a leading role in the disorder, encouraging others and behaving aggressively towards members of the public and police officers.
“This vile behaviour cannot go unchallenged. Those taking to the streets, taking part in violent conduct and spreading fear in our communities must face the consequences of their actions.”
