In the wake of the violent riots that swept across the UK following the tragic Southport stabbings, nearly 1,000 arrests have been made, with almost 400 individuals now facing charges. Among those accused of riot-related offences are two 12-year-old boys and a 13-year-old girl, with many others still making their way through the courts. The unrest has seen widespread violence, and the majority of those charged will likely face prison sentences.
As of Monday, at least 50 of the arrested individuals are believed to be under the age of 18, with the youngest so far being two 12-year-old boys. One of the boys, described by a judge as “more involved in the violence and disorder than any other defendant I’ve seen,” has already appeared in court, further highlighting the disturbing trend of young individuals becoming involved in such criminal behaviour.
Several individuals have already been convicted and sentenced, with the first to be convicted being Joshua Simpson, a 25-year-old self-employed builder from Rotherham. Simpson was involved in violent riots outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, where he kicked a riot shield into an officer’s leg. The court heard that Simpson admitted to assaulting an emergency worker and was remanded in custody, with sentencing set for August 27. His defence mentioned that he was homeless at the time of the incident.
Another notable case is that of 58-year-old Derek Drummond, who was jailed for three years for his involvement in violence in Southport on June 30. Drummond was seen approaching a riot cordon and punching a police officer in the face. After a public appeal, Drummond handed himself into the police, admitting he was “a fool” for his actions. Judge Andrew Menary KC remarked that the grief of Southport residents was “hijacked” by Drummond’s behaviour, which included attacking police officers near a local mosque.
In Hartlepool, 54-year-old Steven Mailen and 29-year-old Ryan Sheers were jailed for two years and two months each after being caught in the midst of a large-scale disturbance on July 31. The pair had been at bingo together before joining the mob that gathered in the town. While Mailen was described as one of the main instigators, Sheers was bitten on the backside by a police dog during the incident. Neither had previous convictions, but both pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
One of the oldest rioters to be jailed is 69-year-old William Morgan, who received a sentence of two years and eight months. Morgan was involved in a violent disorder that saw police attacked and a library set on fire. He admitted to possessing an offensive weapon and participating in the violence on County Road.
The Wharton brothers, Adam and Ellis, both from Liverpool, were also jailed after looting their local library during disturbances on August 3. Adam Wharton was sentenced to 20 months in prison, while Ellis received an 11-month sentence for burglary and assault. The judge described their actions as “despicable,” as they sought to profit from the chaos caused by the riots.
In Sunderland, 43-year-old Leanne Hodgson was jailed for two and a half years after repeatedly pushing wheelie bins towards police lines and assaulting officers. The court heard that she was clearly under the influence of alcohol and was seen throwing objects at police, including a glass bottle and bricks. Despite her behaviour, Hodgson’s defence highlighted her struggles with mental health and alcohol addiction.
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Another rioter, 29-year-old Josh Kellett, was identified through drone footage after he was seen throwing stones at police officers. Despite wearing a balaclava, Kellett’s distinctive tattoos gave him away, and he was arrested the following day. He later pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to prison.
In a particularly troubling case, 18-year-old Cole Stewart, who was involved in racist chanting and throwing rocks at officers during riots in Darlington on August 5, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Stewart was caught on camera celebrating after hitting an officer with a rock but was swiftly arrested as riot police moved in. Judge Francis Laird KC condemned his actions, stating that Stewart had “chosen to take part in an organised act of public disorder.”
Finally, 25-year-old John Honey was sentenced after playing a prominent role in a series of violent disturbances in Hull on August 3. Honey was seen attacking a car, damaging nine vehicles, and pushing bins at police lines. During his time in prison, he reportedly offered his autograph to staff, saying he was “famous” for his actions during the riots.
With nearly 400 more individuals expected to appear in court, the courts and prisons are bracing for the consequences of these widespread riots. The severity of the sentences being handed down demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling public disorder and ensuring justice for both the victims and the communities affected by the violence.
