Violent disorder suspects could face more serious charges following the nationwide unrest after a 15-year-old boy became the first person to be charged with riot.
The teenager appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court over disorder in Sunderland, but his case was adjourned following the "surprise" charging decision.
Rioting carries a maximum of 10 years’ jail, double that of violent disorder, and prosecutors are considering wider riot charges.
In Manchester, Joseph Ley, 30, who punched and kicked a Black man in the face was jailed for three years and two months.
Paul Smith, 21, who threw bricks at police outside an asylum-seekers’ hotel was jailed for two years and 10 months.
Oliver Chapman, 23, who performed a "spinning kick" against a shop window in the city was jailed for 20 months.
Tom Neblett, 20, was handed a 30-month prison sentence at Liverpool Crown Court after climbing onto a van and repeatedly launching missiles at police.
Father-of-six Tony Hazlett, 46, received a 28-month sentence after he threw two missiles at officers.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council says 1,127 people have been arrested so far and 648 charged following the violence.
Key Points
- Boy, 15, is first person to be charged with rioting
- Southport yob who targeted police van sentenced to 30 months at young offender institution
- More than 1,100 people arrested over riots and almost 650 charged, say police chiefs
- Man who chanted at asylum hotel riot jailed for 32 months
- Counter-protester who carried stick ‘as religious item’ denied bail
Father of six jailed for over two years for targeting police
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.”
Man who punched Asian jailed for four months
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”:
‘Violent racist’ jailed for attack on black man
19:35
Jane Dalton
Joseph Ley, 30, of Stockport, was “motivated by racial hatred”, a court heard:
Yob who attacked police van ‘still immature’
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.
Man who chanted at asylum hotel riot jailed for 32 months
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.
20-year-old jailed over Southport riot ‘was in tears during interview'
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..
20-year-old who climbed onto van and threw brick at police jailed for 30 months
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.”
Man filmed carrying a stick ‘as religious item’ at counter-protest denied bail
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.”
Hatton Garden, aged 66, jailed for racially aggravated public order offences
16:24
Andy Gregory
A Hatton Garden jeweller has been jailed for eight months after he committed racially aggravated public order offences at a demonstration near Downing Street in Whitehall last month.
Russ Cooke, 66, of Islington, told officers they would be “put to the sword” when “the Muslims ... start yelling Allahu Akbar”.
A drunk Cooke had been drinking with friends in central London on 31 July when he decided to join in with the disorder and “got carried away”, Inner London Crown Court heard. He told officers they were “filthy traitors” who had been “brainwashed” and pushed a metal barrier towards them.
Cooke, whom the court heard is “deeply ashamed” of his behaviour, admitted to three racially aggravated public order offences at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Handing down his sentence, Judge Benedict Kelleher said the jeweller’s actions had been motivated by his hostility towards a particular group. “Only a custodial sentence can be justified,” Judge Kelleher added.
Decision to charge 15-year-old boy with riot ‘may have wider repercussions', court told
16:05
Andy Gregory
The decision to charge a 15-year-old boy with riot is a “surprise” that “may have far wider repercussions,” a court heard, after the teenager became the first to face the charge in the wake of the recent national disorder.
The boy, from Sunderland, had pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary in his home city at a hearing on Saturday and was due to be sentenced on Thursday at South Tyneside Magistrates Court.
But earlier in the day, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed they would be charging him with the more serious offence, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Chris Wilson, defending the teenager, told the court: “This morning I was contacted by the Crown Prosecution Service and informed that it was the intention of the prosecution to lay a charge of riot. This raises a number of complex issues.”
Mr Wilson asked for an adjournment of two weeks to discuss the evidence fully with the boy, telling the court that the situation “doesn’t sit comfortably with me, professionally or personally” as he warned: “Clearly there are complex issues, and those issues may well have far wider repercussions.”
District Judge Zoe Passfield adjourned the boy’s case until 2 September as she said the new charge must have come as a “surprise” to him.
She told the teenager: “The prosecution now want to bring a further charge of riot. It is an unusual situation when a new charge is brought after the person has pleaded guilty and it opens up complications that I and the lawyers need to consider carefully. I am sure what has happened today has come as a surprise, and will be confusing for you.”
Three people admit violent disorder in Plymouth
14:35
Jane Dalton
Three people have admitted violent disorder over unrest in Plymouth, Devon, on 5 August.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Kerry Gove, 34, Andrew Ball, 49, and Grant Braidwood, 40, would be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on Friday.
The defendants, all of Plymouth, were remanded in custody.
Analysis: What Starmer must do next after riots
14:15
Jane Dalton
Andrew Grice looks at how the prime minister needs to tackle the root causes of unrest:
House husband who abused police at Dorset far-right protest jailed
14:00
Jane Dalton
A house husband has been jailed for 18 months for violent disorder for taking part in a “far-right” protest in Weymouth despite the efforts of his wife to coax him away.
Father-of-three Ian Vetier, of Weymouth, pleaded guilty to the offence at Bournemouth Crown Court in relation to the demonstration on 4 August.
Richard Tutt, prosecuting, said the 36-year-old, who was shirtless and holding a Union flag, played a “prominent” role among the “Enough is enough” group which gathered to confront a Stand Up To Racism group.
He described how police officers feared for their safety as they attempted to control the protest group who were shouting and swearing aggressively.
He said an officer “noticed two males pushing and shoving against one of the police sergeants who was then pushing back and the two males were trying to get past the cordon”.
He said: “Mr Vetier can be seen and heard shouting ‘It’s a free country mate’, and a little later he was saying words to this effect: ‘You f****** wrong ‘un, back them f****** ragheads, c**** mate, the lot of them.
“The protest group then started chanting collectively ‘Who the f*** is Allah?’
He said that Vetier then shouted in front of an officer: “You want to back them f****** lot down there, you f****** idiots, the lot of you, you are not f****** British at all, you c**** aren’t f****** British’.”
Mr Tutt said that about two hours later Vetier confronted officers in the cordon for taking photographs of his car.
He said that Vetier shouted aggressively to officers: “F****** waste of space, what’s the point, why are you taking pictures, you f****** piglet, you are f****** scum” and “other similarly charming expressions”.
Richard Martin, defending, said Vetier had shown remorse and had pledged not to attend another demonstration.
Mr Martin said: “He puts it down to getting caught up in the heat of the moment, your honour knows this was a highly emotive day, people are entitled to assemble for lawful protest, what he seems to have done is fallen foul of the hostile animus there.”
Judge William Mousley KC told the court that Vetier’s wife could be seen in video footage shown to the court trying to “coax him away”.
Mr Martin responded: “She was supportive of him but she is the one left carrying the consequences of what her husband did.”
Boy, 15, is first person to be charged with rioting
13:55
Tom Barnes
A 15-year-old boy has become the first person to be charged with riot, a more serious offence than than violent disorder, in connection with recent unrest.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear at South Tyneside Youth Court, where he will be asked to enter a plea to the charge.
Rioting carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison - double that of a charge of violent disorder.
The boy, from Sunderland, is accused of riot following disorder in his home city on 2 August.
Gale Gilchrist, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, said: “This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged with riot, and 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.”
On Wednesday, Judge John Thackray KC, the Recorder of Hull, encouraged prosecutors to consider charging offenders who played central roles in the recent disorder in parts of the UK with rioting.
‘Paedophile hunter’ jailed for racial abuse
13:45
Jane Dalton
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.
Jess Phillips admits mistake of response to masked men intimidating Sky News journalists during riots
13:30
Holly Evans
Jess Phillips has admitted she made a mistake with how she phrased a social media post about masked men confronting a journalist during the riots last week, after being accused of “making excuses” for them.
Footage showed a Sky News reporter being approached by hooded and masked men in Ms Phillips’ Birmingham Yardley constituency during a period of disorder in the city, with one man swearing and making rude gestures at the camera.
A man with a knife later attacked a Sky News van as the TV crew attempted to leave the area after being told they were not welcome, reporter Becky Johnson said at the time.
Read the full article from Millie Cooke here:
Man denies threatening behaviour in Nottingham city centre
13:10
Holly Evans
An 18-year-old man has denied using threatening behaviour during a protest in Nottingham city centre.
Owen Lawrence, of Orchard Street in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, pleaded not guilty at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court to a charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence in Long Row, Nottingham, on August 3.
District Judge Sunil Khanna set a trial date for November 29 at the same court.
He granted Lawrence bail until this date with the conditions that he does not enter Nottingham city centre except in limited circumstances and not to be in a group of more than three people in a public place.
Rioter who carried out ‘spinning kick’ to shop window jailed
12:49
Holly Evans
A man who carried out a “spinning kick” against a shop window during disorder in Manchester has been jailed for 20 months.
Oliver Chapman, 23, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, was sentenced for violent disorder on Thursday afternoon at Manchester Crown Court.
Prosecutor Philip Hall said Chapman was “part of a group seen kicking shop fronts” in Manchester city centre on August 3.
During a police interview, Chapman admitted kicking a shop front, saying: “I’d done a silly spinning kick to it.”
Judge John Potter told Chapman that he had taken part in an “incident of lawlessness” and “violently kicked a glass door”.
The judge added: “You decided to align yourself with a large group of individuals who were intent on causing violence.”
Father admits grabbing police officer’s arm when his partner was arrested
12:31
Holly Evans
A father has pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer in Nottingham when his partner was arrested during a protest.
Kevin Musgrave, 37, admitted grabbing the officer’s arm during the incident on August 3 when his partner Victoria Gray, who was handed a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on August 7 for pushing a police officer and spitting on another at a protest, was arrested.
Musgrave also admitted during a hearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court to spitting in a police vehicle.
The self-employed roofer was charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.
District Judge Sunil Khanna gave Musgrave, of High Lane East in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, a 12-week sentence suspended for 12 months with 100 unpaid hours of work.
Judge Khanna said: “Had you been part of the main group, I would have sent you straight to prison.”
Several more charged after unrest across UK
12:12
Holly Evans
Several more people have been charged over the violent disorder seen around the country following the Southport stabbings, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Paul Dixon, 35, has been charged with using threatening words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke violence, and possession of a Class B controlled drug, and will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.
Tyler Pottinger, 24, has been charged with racially/religiously aggravated harassment/alarm/distress by words/writing and using threatening words or behaviour, and will appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.
Mitchell Hanley, 36, has been charged with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker, and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Man who threw bricks at hotel housing asylum seekers jailed
11:54
Holly Evans
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.”
Swinney and unions release joint statement to condemn ‘inexcusable’ rioting
11:45
Holly Evans
Scotland’s trade unions have described the recent riots in England and Northern Ireland as “inexcusable” in a joint statement with John Swinney.
As of Wednesday, 372 adults have been charged, along with at least 65 people under the age of 18, in the wake of riots following the murder of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside.
The Crown Prosecution Service said 69 adults have been sentenced, with 64 sent to prison as a result.
The riots have not spread north of the border, despite rumours of planned protests.
Read the full article here:
Two women admit violent disorder after unrest in Bristol
11:24
Holly Evans
Two women have admitted violent disorder relating to unrest in Bristol on August 3.
Elly-Jayne Cox, 33, of Bishopsworth, Bristol and Lisa Bishop, 38, of Lawrence Weston, Bristol, appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder and were remanded into custody by District Judge Joanna Dickens.
They will appear before Bristol Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced.
Woman from Hartlepool charged with violent disorder
11:11
Holly Evans
Cleveland Police said a 40-year-old woman has been charged with violent disorder in relation to unrest in Hartlepool on July 31.
Donna Conniff, of Alford Court, Hartlepool, has been remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Disorder court cases: How are the sentences measuring up?
11:00
Holly Evans
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:
Merseyside Police issue more images of those wanted for disorder
10:35
Holly Evans
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.”
Why is Starmer taking flak from Tory leadership candidates over the riots?
10:12
Holly Evans
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:
Southport ‘ringleader’ and thug who attacked Black man in Manchester among those facing jail
09:43
Tara Cobham
The “ringleader” of the Southport riot as well as one of the thugs who attacked a Black man in Manchester are among those facing jail today.
Tom Neblett, 20, from Southport, is said to have played a leading role in the violence that broke out in the Merseyside town on 30 July.
The 20-year-old is set to be sentenced for violent disorder at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Joseph Ley, 30, from Stockport, was among a large group of white males who attacked a Black man on the floor in Manchester city centre on 3 August.
The 30-year-old is being sentenced for violent disorder at Manchester Crown Court, along with two other rioters.
More than 1,100 people now arrested over riots, with almost 650 charged, says NPCC
09:43
Tara Cobham
More than 1,100 people have now been arrested over the far-right riots that erupted across the UK after the Southport stabbings on 29 July.
On Thursday, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 1,127 people have been arrested so far, with 648 charged, following the days of violence across England and Northern Ireland.
Further three people charged following disorder in Bristol
09:41
Tara Cobham
A further three people have been charged following disorder in Bristol earlier this month, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Lisa Bishop, 38, of Lawrence Weston, Bristol, Bradley McCarthy, 34, of Knowle, Bristol, and Elly-Jane Cox, 33, of Bishopsworth, Bristol, were all charged with violent disorder.
They are due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday.
Two more men charged following disorder in Merseyside
09:05
Tara Cobham
Two more men have been charged following disorder in Merseyside.
Daniel Carrigan, 41, of Preston Grove, Anfield, was charged with violent disorder and criminal damage in Southport, and Luke Moran, 38, of Leybourne Avenue, Birkdale, was charged with violent disorder, Merseyside Police said.
Both men will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court later on Thursday.
‘A court packed with those who know their way around already, and jails are too full to take them’
08:34
Tara Cobham
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 reports:
Rioters jailed for ‘utterly terrifying’ attack on Rotherham asylum hotel
06:40
Alex Ross
Read our report on the sentencing of sevearl people over the storming of a hotel in Rotherham during the nationwide riots:
‘Children are scared’ - Avon and Somerset Chief Inspector
05:40
Alex Ross
During the sentencing of three people involved in unrest in Bristol, Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen said people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds had been left in “fear and terror following the outpouring of racism” in recent weeks.
In a community impact statement, she said: “Some have been stocking up on food, children are not being allowed to go and play in the park.
“The children are scared and asking why they are being targeted.”
She said those in the Muslim community feared “mosques will become fortresses rather than open community centres”, with charities reporting that people are feeling vulnerable from the “visceral and blatant racism”.
Jess Phillips admits ‘mistake’ over social media post during disorder
03:40
Alex Ross
Jess Phillips has admitted she made a “mistake” with how she phrased a social media post about masked men confronting a journalist during the riots last week.
Footage from Sky News showed one of the broadcaster’s reporters being approached by hooded and masked men in Ms Phillips’ Birmingham Yardley constituency during a period of disorder in the city.
At the time of the video being released, the Home Office minister responded to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Reform UK MP Richard Tice which suggested what he called “pro Gaza masked folk” in the video were subject to a different standard of policing than the rioters.
“These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them”, she replied.
“This misinformation was spread entirely to create this content. Don’t spread it Mr Tice!”
In the period since the unrest, Ms Phillips has faced criticism from shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat, and his rival for the Conservative leadership James Cleverly, a former home secretary.
Asked about her remarks on Wednesday, she is reported by broadcasters to have said: “I think I almost certainly could have phrased it better.”
Watch: Thug left officers in “genuine fear”
02:40
Alex Ross
Here’s the video showing Mark Bowen shouting at police before later leaving a small number of officers on bicycles in “genuine fear”.
Bowen confronted officers as they tried to keep the anti-immigration protesters from entering the Mercure Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers.
Mark Bowen, 40, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 25 months at Bristol Crown Court after admitting violent disorder in the city on August 3.
Man recognises his foolishness
01:40
Alex Ross
Dominic Capaldi, 34, has been jailed for 34 months for violent disorder in Bristol on August 3.
Bristol Crown Court heard Capaldi was captured on police bodycam footage throwing objects towards officers in the city’s Castle Park, including while crowds chanted “send them back”.
The ground worker was also seen throwing objects at police who were trying to protect protesters from gaining entry to the Mercure Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers.
Defending Capaldi, John Stokes told the court: “It is very sadly a case of ‘hindsight is a wonderful thing’, he recognises now with retrospect the foolishness of his actions on that day.”
Mr Stokes said Capaldi’s child was turning seven on the day of his sentencing, with the consequences of his client’s offending having a “significant” impact on his family.
Judge Martin Picton jailed Capaldi for 34 months, telling the court: “This was the first post-Southport protest in Bristol to turn violent, but it has to be seen in the context of co-ordinated action on the part of extremists to cause violence, and by so doing to generate fear on the part of the community as a whole.”
15-year-old boy among two arrested by Avon and Somerset Police
Thursday 15 August 2024 00:40
Alex Ross
Two more people have been charged following violent disorder in Bristol city centre on August 3, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Benjamin Tavener, 35, of Charfield, south Gloucestershire, was charged with violent disorder and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court later on Wednesday.
A 15-year-old boy was charged with violent disorder and is due to appear at court on Thursday.
Woman who said ‘blow the mosque up’ thanks judge
Wednesday 14 August 2024 23:40
Alex Ross
Julie Sweeney, 53, from Cheshire, was jailed for 15 months after suggesting in a Facebook post to “blow the mosque up with the adults in it”.
Sentencing, Judge Steven Everett told Sweeney: “You should have been looking at the news and media with horror like every right-minded person. Instead you chose to take part in stirring up hatred.
“You were part of a Facebook account which had 5,100 members. You had a big audience. You threatened a mosque, wherever it was. It truly was a terrible threat.”
He said he took into account Sweeney’s previous good character and a “heart-rending letter” from her husband but went on: “In circumstances such as these, even people like you need to go to prison because a message must go out that if you do these terrible acts the court will say to you ‘you must go to prison’. I’m afraid that’s what I have to say to you today.”
Sweeney, who appeared in court via a videolink from HMP Styal, replied: “Thank you your honour.”
Father-to-be jailed for shouting racial slurs
Wednesday 14 August 2024 22:40
Alex Ross
A father-to-be who live-streamed himself shouting racial slurs during riots in Sunderland has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for violent disorder.
Reece Greenwood, 31, posted footage on Facebook of himself “actively encouraging” the rioters and “verbally abusing police officers repeatedly”.
He shouted encouragement as others threw missiles at officers and could be heard making racial and religious remarks, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
A judge was told scenes of people throwing rocks and readying beer kegs to throw seemed to buoy Greenwood, and he was heard laughing on the footage. He also filmed a mob vandalising a police vehicle.
Teenager among six people arrested by Staffordshire Police
Wednesday 14 August 2024 21:40
Alex Ross
Staffordshire Police have arrested five men and a teenage boy in connection with the violent disorder in Stoke-on-Trent and Tamworth.
The force said four men, aged 30, 31, 45 and 54, and a 17-year-old boy, all from Stoke-on-Trent, and a 25-year-old man, from Burton, have all been detained on suspicion of violent disorder.
They are all in custody being questioned by detectives.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “We continue to take swift and decisive action – 40 arrested and nine charged – a total which continues to rise.
“We are working hard to identify perpetrators so please check our website and social media channels to see how you can help, whether it is providing information or sharing appeals – we’re grateful for your support.”
Man brandished stick at anti-racism demo
Wednesday 14 August 2024 20:40
Alex Ross
A 30-year-old man has been jailed for four-and-a-half months after he was caught on CCTV brandishing a stick at anti-racist demonstrators.
Footage shown to Sheffield Crown Court showed masked Curtis Coulson waving a stick in front of a woman who appeared to be filming him outside Sheffield City Hall on Sunday August 4, before others from the demonstration advanced towards him.
Coulson is already subject to a football banning order after he was convicted of throwing missiles at a match, the court heard, and he told police he found the mask in his pocket after last wearing his jacket at a football match in Serbia.
The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, heard how Coulson had gone to the City Hall after reading about a planned “pro-UK” march.
Neil Coxon, prosecuting, said the defendant went to was then attacked with a placard by anti-racist demonstrators and it was the stick from this placard he was brandishing in response.
Judge Richardson told the defendant: “This form of public disorder is outrageous”.
Jess Phillips admits ‘mistake’ over social media post during disorder
Wednesday 14 August 2024 20:35
Alex Ross
Jess Phillips has admitted she made a “mistake” with how she phrased a social media post about masked men confronting a journalist during the riots last week.
Footage from Sky News showed one of the broadcaster’s reporters being approached by hooded and masked men in Ms Phillips’ Birmingham Yardley constituency during a period of disorder in the city.
At the time of the video being released, the Home Office minister responded to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Reform UK MP Richard Tice which suggested what he called “pro Gaza masked folk” in the video were subject to a different standard of policing than the rioters.
“These people came to this location because it has been spread that racists were coming to attack them”, she replied.
“This misinformation was spread entirely to create this content. Don’t spread it Mr Tice!”
In the period since the unrest, Ms Phillips has faced criticism from shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat, and his rival for the Conservative leadership James Cleverly, a former home secretary.
Asked about her remarks on Wednesday, she is reported by broadcasters to have said: “I think I almost certainly could have phrased it better.”
Ms Phillips added she was “explaining why those people have gone” in her post, adding: “That’s because of a campaign of misinformation about far