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 at Liverpool Crown Court today, 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.
Rioting carries 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:
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 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:
‘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:
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
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
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 in Plymouth which created fear and anxiety in the local community.
Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 – all from Plymouth, appeared at Plymouth 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
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.
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 with riot.
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.
Riot charges are something the CPS is looking at nationally, as well as in the North East.
The boy, from Sunderland, is accused of riot following 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 with riot.”
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 Sunderland riots.
- 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
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:
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, is brought up from the cells to 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 Beaty writes:
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 in Hull.
Here’s a look at how the sentences are measuring up:
Read the full article here:
Watch live: Sentencing of Blackpool rioter televised from court
Friday 16 August 2024 12:12
Salma Ouaguira
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:
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 Court after 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 the three 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 in Plymouth which created fear and anxiety in the local community.
Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40 – all from Plymouth, appeared at PlymouthCrown 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, a
