A woman has been jailed for 15 months after admitting to posting a threatening Facebook message encouraging people to blow up a mosque.
JulieSweeney, 53, commented on a photograph on a local Facebook community group showing a number of people cleaning up the aftermath of the Southport riot.
She wrote on August 3: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. Don’t protect the mosques. Blow the mosques up with the adults in it.”
Upon her arrest, she told officers: “I’m not being rude but there are a lot of people saying it.”
She was sentenced on the day a number of offenders involved in the far-right riots were also jailed.
Earlier, several rioters were jailed for an “utterly terrifying” attack on a hotel in Rotherham being used to house asylum seekers.
The Holiday Inn Express was belted with rocks and debris as rioters tried to set it on fire with people inside on 4 August.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said 1,024 people had been arrested and 575 charged following the days of violence across England and Northern Ireland.
Elsewhere, Home Office minister Jess Phillips has said she made a “mistake” in a response to a video showing masked me confronting a reporter during the unrest.
Key Points
Woman who threatened to blow up mosque on Facebook jailed
Jess Phillips admits ‘mistake’ over social media post during disorder
More people still to be charged - CPS
Over 1,000 arrested
‘There are a lot of people saying it,’ says woman jailed for Facebook comment about blowing up mosques
15:49 , Athena Stavrou
A woman who has been jailed for a Facebook comment saying “Blow the mosques up with the adults in it” told officers “there are a lot of people saying”
JulieSweeney, 53, sent the comment on August 3 to a local community Facebook group from her home in Church Lawton, Cheshire, which was later reported to the police.
Upon her arrest she told officers: “I’m not being rude but there are a lot of people saying it.”
John Keane, defending, said: “She accepts it was stupid. This was a single comment on a single day.
“She lives a quiet, sheltered life in Cheshire and has not troubled the courts in her long life. Her character references show she lives a kind and compassionate lifestyle. She has been primary carer for her husband since 2015.
“This conduct is firmly out of character for her and she has shown genuine remorse.
“This offence was committed on her computer in the safety of her own home and unfortunately pressing ‘send’ for her is going to have dire consequences.”
Woman who said ‘blow the mosque up’ thanks judge
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 circ*mstances 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
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
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
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
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-right protests.”
Man who was part of a large mob in Sheffield jailed
19:40 , Alex Ross
Elliott Wragg, 23, was jailed for two years and four months by Judge Richardson.
Wragg was one of a large “mob” of around 70 to 100 people who were throwing a range of items at a small group of 10 police officers outside the Holiday Express hotel in Rotherham, the court heard.
Dale Harris, defending, said his client said he had “no racist views” and his actions were “wholly out of character”.
Wragg, of Assembly Way, Barnsley, admitted violent disorder at an earlier hearing.
Painter and decorator cornered police outside hotel
19:33 , Alex Ross
A painter and decorator who employs three people will lose his business due to his “stupidity” after he was filmed at the disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
Billy Pemberton, 31, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday after he admitted violent disorder in relation to the rioting outside the Holiday Inn Express.
But his sentencing was adjourned until Thursday at 10.30am after the court ran out of time.
The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, heard how Pemberton was part of a group which was throwing missiles at a small group of “cornered” police outside the hotel, but there was no evidence he threw anything at the officers himself.
He said he was also spotted in a group which was chanting “who the f*** is Allah?”.
Pemberton has admitted picking up a police baton, dropped by an officer, and taking it away from the scene.
Gordon Stables, defending, said his client is “utterly dejected and remorseful” and facing losing his business due to the inevitable prison sentence.
Convict smiles for the camera
18:40 , Alex Ross
Stuart Bolton might have been smiling when he was pictured following his arrest - but he might not be now after he was jailed for two years and eight months.
The 38-year-old drove more than 50 miles from his home in New Holland, North Lincolnshire, to hurl racist abuse at police during the Rotherham rioting.
Bolton, who runs a ground-working business, screamedabuse and goading a line of police officers protecting the Holiday Express hotel that housed asylum seekers.
The judge also confiscated the Mercedes car Bolton used to drive to Rotherham, after hearing he was disqualified from driving and had no insurance, and banned him from driving for three years.
More people still to be charged - CPS
17:40 , Alex Ross
Today we’ve heard how there have been more than 1,000 arrests in connection with the nationwide violent disorder, with 575 people charged.
As you can see, many of those charged are now going before the courts with sentences being handed out by judges and magistrates.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council, which represents police forces, has praised the work of police officers in bringing people to justice.
Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “While the situation seems to have stabilised over the last few days, I know it will leave an imprint on our communities and on our officers for years to come and I’d like to thank them once again for their continued support.”
Kris Venkatasami, chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service South East, said: “This week our prosecutors have continued to work round-the-clock to authorise charges speedily and secure convictions for those involved in the ugly disorder and violence we have seen.
“We expect this number to grow as we continue to authorise more charges – and it is likely that we will see some of the most serious offences coming through the system in due course.
“Our close joint working with police forces across the country has allowed us to respond quickly to violent unrest to maintain public order and see swift justice served – and we will continue to make sure that those causing disruption in our communities, and inciting violence and hate online, face the consequences of their actions.”
Teenager jailed for throwing a vape, brick and scaffolding pole at police officers
17:20 , Alex Ross
A teenager filmed waving from the top of an overturned car and looting fire extinguishers from a vandalised business during riots in Sunderland has been detained for two years.
Riley Adey, 19, was part of a group that attacked police during a “protest that soon turned to widespread violence” in the city on August 2.
He was filmed repeatedly throwing missiles at officers, including a vape, a brick and a scaffolding pole, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
Adey, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was also seen standing and waving on top of an overturned vehicle after it had been set alight, and taking two fire extinguishers from a damaged building.
Drunk man told police ‘I hope it’s your f****** kids next'
17:00 , Alex Ross
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.
Prosecuting, Robert Yates told how Bowen was heard shouting at police: “Shame on you, you horrible c****, I hope it’s your f****** kids next mate”.
Bodycam footage played to the court showed officers being pelted by objects as protesters screamed “we want our country back”.
Mr Yates said a small number of officers on bicycles were in “genuine fear” as they tried to keep the anti-immigration protesters from entering the Mercure Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers.
Bowen, who said he had consumed up to 10 pints of cider, claimed in police interview that he did not have social media and believed he was joining in with a “football celebration”.
Representing Bowen, Giles Nelson said his client was homeless, did not have social media and was “mortified” to hear of the comments he had made to police.
Judge Moira Macmillan, referring to the comments Bowen made to officers, told him: “It was a despicable thing for you to say.”
Former milkman jailed for charging at police in London
16:50 , Athena Stavrou
A man who took part in the disorder at Whitehall on the evening of July 31 has been sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Former milkman David Probert, 50, of Hertfordshire, appeared at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to one charge of violent disorder.
Footage played to the court showed Probert repeatedly lunging and charging at police who were attempting to diffuse the situation.
He was one of the more than 100 people to be arrested after protesters clashed with police officers during a demonstration.
A statement read out in court on behalf of Probert claimed he attended the protest after being left “very upset” by the murder of three girls in Southport on July 29.
The court also heard that he had recently been diagnosed with autism and suffered from a number of mental health issues.
Sentencing, Judge Benedict Kelleher told the defendant: “Violent protest cannot be tolerated. Those who engage in such violence can expect to receive serious sentences to punish and deter people from taking part in similar behaviour.”
Judge calls woman jailed for Facebook comment ‘keyboard warrior’
16:30 , Athena Stavrou
Sentencing, Judge Steven Everett toldJulie 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.
“So-called keyboard warriors like you must learn to take responsibility for your disgusting and inflammatory language. The timing was extremely important. You made that awful comment in a particularly social climate that we have all been going through.
“You had an impressionable audience and potentially a vulnerable audience. Your comment was recklessly made rather than intentionally but appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.”
He said he took into accountSweeney’sprevious good character and a “heart-rending letter” from her husband but went on: “In circ*mstances 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.”
Man who drove 50 miles with teenaged son to Rotherham riot jailed
16:10 , Athena Stavrou
A 38-year-old man who drove more than 50 miles to hurl racist abuse at police during rioting in Rotherham has been jailed for two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court.
Stuart Bolton, who runs a ground-working business, was filmed angrily shouting at a line of police officers protecting the Holiday Inn Express, which was housing more than 200 asylum seekers, on Sunday August 4.
The footage, played in court, showed Bolton screaming abuse and goading officers in riot gear as his partner attempted to calm him down.
The court heard how Bolton, of Manchester Square, New Holland, had driven with his partner and his 15-year-old son from his home in North Lincolnshire when he found out about the ongoing protest.
The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, said: “You were encouraging the remainder of the crowd around and about you to engage in violence.”
The judge also confiscated the Mercedes car Bolton used to drive to Rotherham, after hearing he was disqualified from driving and had no insurance, and banned him from driving for three years.
Woman who made online threats to blow up a mosque jailed
15:08 , Athena Stavrou
A woman who posted a threatening Facebook message suggesting people “blow up a mosque with adults inside” has been jailed for 15 months.
JulieSweeney, 53, Lawtongate Estate in Church Lawton, Cheshire, was jailed at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday after she admitted to sending the message on August 3 stating “don’t protect the mosques, blow the mosque up with the adults in it”.
Man who filmed himself breaking into Rotherham hotel jailed
14:34 , Athena Stavrou
A 49-year-old man who was part of a mob that stormed a hotel housing asylum seekers during rioting in Rotherham has been jailed for three years.
Father-of-three Trevor Lloyd filmed on a phone as the Holiday Inn Express was breached on Sunday August 4 and then followed a group of men in to the building through a smashed-in fire door, a judge was told.
Sheffield Crown Court was shown TikTok footage of the crowd breaking in to the hotel, bringing items including furniture and fire extinguishers outside and then throwing them at a line of police officers holding riot shields who were forced to retreat by the barrage.
The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC – who has already sentenced several people in connection with the Rotherham incident – said this was the “worst footage I have seen”.
Judge Richardson told him the hotel residents and staff “would have been terrified” when the mob smashed their way into the hotel building.
The judge said: “I have seen the footage of what occurred. It was frightening and alarming even to watch in the court room. It must have been utterly terrifying for those present, including the police officers.”
Richard Adams, defending, said his client had gone to the area to go shopping at the Aldi supermarket next to the hotel but “he made the foolish error of deciding to go and have a look” at the disorder.
Lloyd, of Oak Avenue, Rotherham, admitted violent disorder at a previous hearing.
Offenders should face more serious charge of rioting, says judge
14:15 , Jane Dalton
A judge has encouraged prosecutors to consider charging offenders who played central roles in the recent disorder with rioting, a charge that carries a maximum term of 10 years.
Judge John Thackray KC said: “The prosecution do need to look, for those who are playing front and central roles, at the alternative charge of riot rather than violent disorder.”
Violent disorder carries a maximum sentence of five years, and the maximum term for rioting is 10 years, according to sentencing guidelines.
Bristol rioter who threw objects at police jailed for nearly three years
13:57 , Jane Dalton
Dominic Capaldi, 34, has been jailed for 34 months for violent disorder in Bristol on 3 August.
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 stop 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.”
Continued list of 16 people charged across the country
13:04 , Athena Stavrou
Martin McCluskey, 60, and Simon Orr, 38, have both been charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker and will appear at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court in Staffordshire over the offences.
Zakaria Sadiq, 21, and Warren Gilchrest, 52, have both been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.
Lewis Carver, 31, has been charged with violent disorder and GBH without intent and will appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court, while William Riley, 64, will appear at the same court charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.
David Buckell, 39, and Nathan Palmer, 29, will also both appear at Hull Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder.
Niven Matthewman, 19, will appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder, while Michael Shaw, 26, will appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court charged with the same offence.
Michael Whitehead, 27, has been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court.
Boy, 14, charged over London riot
13:01 , Athena Stavrou
A 14-year-old boy is amongst those charged over a violent far-right riot in Whitehall last month.
The teenager one of five people facing fresh charges announced by the Metropolitan Police on Wednesday, after chaos erupted at the ‘Enough is Enough’ protest in central London on July 31.
He was charged with a public order offence and will appear at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on August 23.
More people charged across the country
12:59 , Athena Stavrou
Several more people have been charged over the violent disorder seen around the country following theSouthportstabbings, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Stevie Mulryne, 29, has been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Donna Conniff, 40, has been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
Andrew Jackson, 41, has been charged with violent disorder and possession of a class B drug and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, while Joshua Jones, 31, has been charged with violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon and will appear at the same court.
Jonathan Duerden, 31, will also appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court charged with violent disorder.
Man denies throwing bottle at police in Bolton
12:46 , Athena Stavrou
A man has denied throwing a bottle near mounted police during disorder in Bolton.
Zakaria Sadiq, 21, of Bentinck Street, Bolton, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Prosecutor Jonathan Potter alleged CCTV footage had shown Sadiq “throwing an object – identified to be a bottle” near mounted police during disorder in Bolton town centre on August 4.
Defending, David Philpott said Sadiq “does not accept he’s thrown anything during the course of this incident”.
Sadiq was remanded into custody and will appear at Bolton Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 4.
Another rioter jailed for kicking female police officer to ground
12:41 , Athena Stavrou
A man who kicked a female police officer to the ground and joined an attack on a garage which left nine cars damaged during riots in Hull has been jailed for three years.
Connor Whiteley, 26, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker after playing a “prominent role” in the “racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” that unfolded in the city on August 3.
He was jailed on Wednesday as the judge encouraged prosecutors to consider charging offenders who played central roles in the disorder with rioting, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years – double the potential tariff for violent disorder convictions.
Hull Crown Court heard Whiteley was at the front of a group confronting police who were trying to protect a hotel known to house asylum seekers, and was seen charging at officers.
The court heard he kicked the shield of a female police officer, forcing her off her feet and leaving her with a minor injury to her elbow and forearm.
Whiteley was also part of a group that targeted a garage, setting cars alight and shouting threats at staff, who were forced to lock themselves inside.
Watch: Police arrest man suspected of punching and kicking Asian teenager
12:21 , Athena Stavrou
Nottinghamshire Police have released video footage of a 35-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in the Bestwood area of Nottingham at about 7am on Wednesday.
The suspect was wanted in connection a violent incident witnessed on Saturday August 3 at around 5.20pm, during a protest near Nottingham’s Old Market Square.
A 19-year-old Asian male was punched several times by a white male, and other men then became involved in the altercation, throwing punches and kicks at the victim, police said.
A suspect wanted in connection with violent disorder during a Nottingham protest received an early morning wake-up call from police officers.
Officers carried out a warrant in Broadwood Road in Bestwood at 7am on Wednesday 14 August.https://t.co/h5PSk5dVbo pic.twitter.com/1WgyIQnAYL
— Nottinghamshire Police (@nottspolice) August 14, 2024
Man who shouted ‘England, England, England – take it back’ convicted for ‘encouraging violence'
12:06 , Athena Stavrou
A man has been convicted of “encouraging violence” during disorder in Manchester city centre.
Warren Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.
Prosecutor Jonathan Potter said a “large group of far-right protesters” had gathered in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3 where Gilchrest was “filming, goading the crowd and encouraging violence” and “actively encouraging others” to assault a man.
He told the court Gilchrest made “numerous racist or racially aggravated comments” and was heard shouting: “England, England, England – take it back”.
After pleading guilty, Gilchrest told District Judge Joanne Hirst: “I’m guilty miss, but I’m not sure what it means.”
The judge told Gilchrest that he had admitted being “involved in large-scale public disorder in Piccadilly Gardens which shames us all”.
He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 21.
Man, 60, jailed for two years over Rotherham hotel riot
11:52 , Athena Stavrou
A 60-year-old man has been jailed for two years and eight months for attacking police officers at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
Body-worn camera footage was played in court on Wednesday showing Glyn Guest repeatedly being pushed back by a riot shield as he approached a line of police six times outside the Holiday Inn Express, at Manvers, Rotherham, on Sunday August 4.
Guest eventually grabs another shield, causing an officer to fall to the floor to the cheers of the large crowd.
The female officer whose body-worn camera footage was played said in an impact statement how “I was terrified for my safety” during the disorder outside the hotel, which saw more than 50 police injured and attempts to storm and set light to the building.
The officer said “it was a horrific incident of mindless thuggery” and that she had encountered “nothing like it before” in her five and a half years of service.
The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, said the conduct of the “mob” was “vile towards the police officers”.
He told Guest: “You were part of a violent mob and you were playing your part to the full.”
Guest, 60, of Pearson Crescent, Wombwell, admitted violent disorder last week.
Two more charged over Bristol riot
11:18 , Athena Stavrou
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.
Man accused to having imitation AK-47 in court
11:06 , Athena Stavrou
A man accused holding an imitation AK-47 during counter-protests in Birmingham has appeared in court,
Habeeb Khan has pleaded not guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to a charge of possessing an imitation AK-47 with intent to cause “members of the EDL” (English Defence League) to believe violence would be used against them.
The 49-year-old, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, also denied sending a communication threatening death or serious harm between August 4 and 6 in a video uploaded to social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
Khan, who is being held in custody, was ordered to stand trial on November 18.
Fourth man charged over riot in Weymouth
10:48 , Athena Stavrou
Dorset Police have charged 40-year-old Kevin Searle, of Weymouth, with violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker following a protest in Weymouth. He is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court later.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “This latest arrest and charge demonstrates our continued commitment to take action against those believed to be involved in criminal activity during the recent protest activity.
“Our message remains very clear – we will not tolerate any reported hate, violence, or disorder in our communities.”
He is the fourth man to be charged with violent disorder at protests in Weymouth on Sunday, August 4.
Recap: Who was in court yesterday?
10:28 , Athena Stavrou
- John Honey, 25,pleaded guilty to violent disorder and three charges of burglaryat Lush, the O2 store and Shoezone in the city on 3 August.
- A 13-year-old girl has become the latest youngsterto be convicted for her part in the widespread riots after admitting threatening unlawful violence outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.
- In Sheffield, a 19-year-old man who admitted throwing bricks and lighted arrows at police protecting a hotel housing asylum seekers was jailed for three years.
- Also in Sheffield, a 22-year-old self-employed construction worker Kaine Hicks was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting to hurling abuse at police protecting the hotel and pushing against officers’ shields.
Man denies assaulting police officer but admits striking out at another
12:58 , Athena Stavrou
A man has denied assaulting a police officer during the “Enough is Enough” riot in central London last month but admitted to threatening another.
Danny Fournier, 41, is alleged to have “struck” the female officer “to the back of the head twice”. “Luckily”, the officer was wearing a helmet, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
But Fournier, of Lambeth, south London, admitted threatening behaviour by striking out at another officer during the anti-immigration demonstration, the court was told.
Police arrested 121 people following violent disorder outside Downing Street on Wednesday July 31, two days after a stabbing at a dance studio inSouthport.
Fournier, who wore white trainers, blue jeans and a blue polo shirt in the dock, was granted conditional bail to appear at Southwark Crown Court on September 11.
Seven to be sentenced for Rotherham hotel attack
09:56 , Athena Stavrou
Amongst those due in court today is seven men who will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court following the attack on a hotel housing asylum-seekers in Rotherham.
Rioters set parts of the building on fire on Sunday August and pelted it with rocks and debris while asylum seekers were inside.
Men in balaclavas managed to push their way through a shattered window into part of the building, with police seemingly overwhelmed by the number of protesters.
Woman accused of making online threats to blow up a mosque to appear in court
09:46 , Athena Stavrou
A woman who is accused of posting a threatening Facebook post suggesting people “blow up a mosque with adults inside” is due to appear in court.
JulieSweeney, 53, Lawtongate Estate in Church Lawton, Cheshire, will appear at Chester Crown Court after being charged with sending communication threatening death or serious harm.
Over 1,000 arrested
09:04 , Athena Stavrou
Over 1,000 people have now been arrested for riot-related offences, the national policing body said.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said in its latest update that 1,024 had been arrested and 575 charged across the UK. Those arrested include a 69-year-old accused of vandalism in Liverpool and a 11-year-old boy in Belfast.
Riot-related hearings at court today
08:48 , Athena Stavrou
Craig Tunmore, 37, of Sutton, and Danny Fournier, 41, of Lambeth, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court following Whitehall riots. Tunmore has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and Fournier has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and using threatening or insulting behaviour.
Mark Bowen and Daniel Russell to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for violent disorder at a riot in Bristol on August 4.
Julie Sweeney, 53, is due to appear at Chester Crown Court charged with sending communication threatening death or serious harm.
Liam Ryan, 28, to be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for being part of the group that attacked a black man in Manchester.
Riley Adey, 19, and Reece Greenwood, 31, to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Sunderland.
Habeeb Khan to appear at Birmingham Crown Court accused of possessing an imitation AK-47, sending a communication threatening death or serious harm and harassment of a police officer.
Youth charity calls for more investment to keep young people away from disorder
07:41 , Athena Stavrou
More investment in frontline youth work could help keep young people away from violence and counter misinformation, a sector leader has said as children as young as 12 were convicted over the summer riots.
Analysis by the PA news agency shows at least 50 youths under the age of 18 have been charged in connection with the nationwide disorder.
On Monday, two 12-year-old boys were convicted on charges of violent disorder, while Tuesday saw a 13-year-old girl plead guilty to the same charge.
Kayleigh Wainwright, from leading youth work charity UK Youth, said it is “really sad” to see children “caught up in this”, whether perpetrators, victims or witnesses to scenes of unrest.
The director of youth sector innovation, whose career working with young people has spanned two decades, said those who committed crimes must take responsibility but voiced concern that children can be “more vulnerable”.
She told PA: “Of course those people, young or old, when they’re involved (in crime) need to take responsibility for that.
“But I think we see young people are more vulnerable when it comes to being manipulated with information, adults asking them to do things, being pushed to the front of these types of activities, and because they’re younger, maybe fitter, maybe more impressionable.
“In my career, I’ve never seen riots on this scale but it’s not unusual that young people would be involved in the ways I’ve said.”
Labour MP Clive Lewis accused of trying to blame Israel for UK’s far-Right riots
06:00 , Holly Evans
Labour MP Clive Lewis is facing calls for his suspension over a tweet appearing to suggest Israel is to blame for the far-right riots that swept the UK last week.
The MP for Norwich South argued that the “inhumanity” shown towards Palestinians in Gaza has led to rising Islamophobia in the UK, causing campaigners to call for his suspension.
Labour Against Antisemitism has accused Mr Lewis of being highly irresponsible and has urged Sir Keir Starmer to expell him from the party. However, it is understood that no disciplinary action will be taken against the MP by party whips.
Read the full article here:
Labour MP Clive Lewis accused of trying to blame Israel for UK’s far-Right riots
Woman named as first to share false Southport suspect rumour before riots says mistake ‘destroyed’ her
05:00 , Holly Evans
A British businesswoman accused of being the first person to share false information about the Southport killings of three girls has said the “mistake” has “destroyed” her.
Bernadette Spofforth is alleged to have fired off a tweet on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, wrongly claiming the stabbing suspect was an asylum seeker who came to the UK by boat hours after the three girls were killed.
The 55-year-old also shared an incorrect name for the boy accused of perpetrating attacks at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, in which three people died.
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Woman alleged to have shared false Southport suspect rumour speaks out
Judge commends police officers approached by a “violent mob"
20:19 , Alex Ross
During the sentencing of Mark Bowen, who behaved aggressively to police officers, a judge praised the constables.
Bowen, 40, of Burton, Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the incident in Bristol on August 3.
The court heard how two or three officers on bicycles were overwhelmed by a crowd of protesters who moved toward a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Bowen, the court heard, was part of the mob.
The judge commended the officers on bicycles policing outside the hotel, wearing bike helmets but no riot gear, who she said were approached by a “violent mob”.
She told Bowen: “Your claim to the police that you didn’t intend anyone to be intimidated by your behaviour is pretty hollow and unconvincing.”
Nigel Farage could be investigated by police over riot social media posts, ex-terror boss suggests
04:00 , Holly Evans
Farage could be investigated by police over riot posts, ex-terror boss suggests
Man in England shirt who looted Lush and Shoezone during riots admits burglaries
03:00 , Holly Evans
A man who looted 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 has pleaded guilty in court.
John Honey, 25, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and three charges of burglary at Lush, the O2 store and Shoezone in the city on 3 August.
Honey also too part in an attack on a BMW carrying three Romanian men, targeted a garage leaving nine vehicles damaged, and pushed bins at police lines during the violence.
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Man admits looting bath bombs from Lush during Hull riot
How effectively has Keir Starmer handled the riots? Join The Independent Debate
02:00 , Holly Evans
How effectively has Keir Starmer handled the riots?
How children as young as nine are being indoctrinated by the far-right – as revealed by former neo-Nazi
01:00 , Holly Evans
Children as young as nine are being radicalised by their far-right relatives, a reformed neo-Nazi has warned.
Nigel Bromage, who was involved in far-right groups for two decades but now runs a deradicalisation charity, told The Independent the youngest person that his organisation has supported was a boy who was using neo-Nazi references after being radicalised by his older brother.
Discussing the recent explosion of violence, he warned the far right is radicalising lay people to use as “pawns” to perpetrate violence and destruction.
Read the full article here:
How children as young as nine are being indoctrinated by the far-right
Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat claims Starmer failed country over riots
Wednesday 14 August 2024 00:00 , Holly Evans
Shadow minister Tom Tugendhat has accused Sir Keir Starmer of a “failure of leadership” in his handling of the disorder that swept through parts of Britain while branding Nigel Farage’s intervention “deeply irresponsible and dangerous”.
The Tory leadership hopeful claimed the Prime Minister “fell short” in the first test of his premiership, before also hitting out at the policing response in the wake of the unrest, suggesting officers had not acted “without fear or favour” during some counter-demonstrations.
In a far-ranging speech in Westminster on Tuesday, the shadow security minister suggested Sir Keir should have gone further, for example by holding daily Cobra meetings from the start, but instead chose to “run as if he was still in opposition”.
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Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat claims Starmer failed country over riots
How to delete your X account after Elon Musk’s ‘vile’ site helps fuel far-right riots
Tuesday 13 August 2024 23:00 , Holly Evans
After misinformation fueled far-right riots amid a surge in hate speech on X, some have questioned whether it is time to close their accounts.
Labour minister Jess Phillips labelled the platform “a place of misery”, while Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram, said it is time for politicians to consider leaving the platform.
X owner Elon Musk used his platform to attack prime minister Keir Starmer after writing that “civil war is inevitable” in the UK due to “incompatible cultures”.
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How to delete your X account after Elon Musk’s ‘vile’ site helps fuel far-right riots
Man sentenced to 10 months imprisonment after racially abusing bus driver
Tuesday 13 August 2024 22:00 , Holly Evans
A man has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to racially abusing a bus driver and violently attacking a betting shop.
The first incident saw Michael Mongan, 39, of Castle Road, Ealing, west London, attack a Ladbrokes branch in Northolt on July 27.
He repeatedly hit windows with a large stick and racially abused staff while under the influence of alcohol. A member of the public had to restrain him before he was arrested by police.
While in custody, Mongan racially abused a police officer who was driving a van.
Mongan pleaded guilty to two counts of racially aggravated behaviour, one charge of criminal damage and one count of causing damage to a police vehicle.
The second incident occurred on August 7, while he was on bail for the previous offences, after a bus driver refused to let him board as he did not have the money to pay for his journey.
Mongan spat at the bus driver’s cab a number of times while shouting Islamophobic abuse and other threats.
Woman named as first to share false Southport suspect rumour before riots says mistake ‘destroyed’ her
Tuesday 13 August 2024 21:00 , Holly Evans
A British businesswoman accused of being the first person to share false information about the Southport killings of three girls has said the “mistake” has “destroyed” her.
Bernadette Spofforth is alleged to have fired off a tweet on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, wrongly claiming the stabbing suspect was an asylum seeker who came to the UK by boat hours after the three girls were killed.
The 55-year-old also shared an incorrect name for the boy accused of perpetrating attacks at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, in which three people died.
Read the full article here:
Woman alleged to have shared false Southport suspect rumour speaks out
Nigel Farage could be investigated by police over riot social media posts, ex-terror boss suggests
Tuesday 13 August 2024 20:30 , Holly Evans
Farage could be investigated by police over riot posts, ex-terror boss suggests
Labour MP Clive Lewis accused of trying to blame Israel for UK’s far-Right riots
Tuesday 13 August 2024 20:00 , Holly Evans
Labour MP Clive Lewis is facing calls for his suspension over a tweet appearing to suggest Israel is to blame for the far-right riots that swept the UK last week.
The MP for Norwich South argued that the “inhumanity” shown towards Palestinians in Gaza has led to rising Islamophobia in the UK, causing campaigners to call for his suspension.
Labour Against Antisemitism has accused Mr Lewis of being highly irresponsible and has urged Sir Keir Starmer to expell him from the party. However, it is understood that no disciplinary action will be taken against the MP by party whips.
Read the full article here:
Labour MP Clive Lewis accused of trying to blame Israel for UK’s far-Right riots
Starmer plan to expand facial recognition technology after far-right riots condemned by charities
Tuesday 13 August 2024 19:30 , Holly Evans
Charities and human rights organisations have called on Sir Keir Starmer to reverse a planned expansion of the use of facial recognition technology following far-right riots across England and Northern Ireland.
Amnesty International, Privacy International and Big Brother Watch are among the 27 campaign groups that have signed a letter to the prime minister to voice their “serious concerns” over facial recognition surveillance.
In a speech following the Southport riot on 1 August, Sir Keir spoke of a national team across police forces that would tackle violent disorder with beefed-up resources.
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Reform UK’s Lee Anderson accuses Tories of trying ‘to gaslight’ over immigration
Tuesday 13 August 2024 19:00 , Holly Evans
Reform UK’s chief whip has responded to Tom Tugendhat’s speech, accusing the Conservatives of trying “to gaslight and shift the blame” over immigration fears.
Lee Anderson said: “Once again we see the Tories try to gaslight and shift the blame from their failures and broken promises over mass immigration. It is no wonder that polling out today shows a third of Conservative supporters do not care who their next leader is.
“The British public voted on four separate occasions for the Conservatives to control immigration and after each vote it got worse, not better. The awful riots and social unrest we have seen on our streets have been sown by years of Tory failure.
“Politicians like Tom Tugendhat, have failed to listen to community concerns over impacts on access to healthcare, school places and local jobs. His comments today, which omitted two-tiered policing and integration failures, once again show why the Conservative Party should never be trusted again.
“If they think attacking Reform UK will win back the millions of voters lost to us at the last election then it just shows how arrogant they are.”
Mr Tugendhat, the shadow security minister, earlier said the recent behaviour of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was “deeply irresponsible and dangerous”, and he ruled out striking a deal with the five Reform MPs if he becomes the Conservative leader later this year.
Three men jailed for a total of more than seven years for Merseyside disorder
Tuesday 13 August 2024 18:40 , Holly Evans
Three men have been jailed for a total of more than seven years after admitting violent disorder in Merseyside, Merseyside Police said.
Gareth Metcalfe, Philip Prescott and David Hill were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, following unrest in Southport on July 30 and in Liverpool city centre on August 3.
Metcalfe, 44, and Prescott, 38, both of Southport, were jailed for three years and four months and two years and four months respectively after each pleading guilty to violent disorder in Southport.
Hill, 38, of Bootle, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool city centre.
Prescott thew missiles at officers, including a brick from a damaged garden wall, and Hill damaged a police car, according to Merseyside Police.
