Two 12-year-old boys have become the youngest to be convicted after nationwide rioting following the Southport stabbings.
The first admitted throwing a missile at a police van and taking part in two separate incidents of rioting in Manchester.
During unrest in Manchester city centre on 3 August, prosecutor Tess Kenyon Kenyon said the boy was “filmed by police kicking the front window of a vape shop” and was also seen to “throw a missile at a police van”.
He was remanded to local authority accommodation and will be sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 2 September 2. The second youth pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Liverpool Youth Court.
LucyConnolly, the partner of Conservative West Northamptonshire councillor RaymondConnolly, also has appeared in court accused of publishing an X post stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers.
Connolly’s husband watched from the public gallery in courtroom four at Northampton Crown Court as she was remanded in custody by Judge Adrienne Lucking KC.
The 41-year-old childminder, of Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, will reappear at the same court on September 2.
It comes as far-right riots engulfed the country, with over 900 people arrested and 466 charged in relation to the violent disorder.
Key Points
Boy, 12, admits throwing missile at police van
Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative Party councillor, appears in court
More than 900 rioters arrested and 466 charged nationwide
Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative Party councillor, appears in court
05:00 , Joe Middleton
Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative Party councillor, has appeared in court accused of publishing an X post stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers.
Connolly’s husband, West Northamptonshire councillor Raymond Connolly, watched from the public gallery in courtroom four at Northampton Crown Court as she was remanded in custody by Judge Adrienne Lucking KC.
The 41-year-old childminder, of Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, will reappear at the same court on September 2.
Connolly appeared in the dock wearing light blue jeans and a sleeveless green top for the 11-minute hearing and was not required to enter a plea to a charge of publishing threatening or abusive material intending to stir up racial hatred.
Two women plead guilty to violent disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers
04:00 , Joe Middleton
Two women have admitted being “agitators” in disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on July 31.
Tracy Pearson, 53, and Michelle Jibson, 45, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said the women, both of Kingsbridge Road, Manchester, had been “agitators” during the disturbances where items were thrown and racist abuse was directed towards the hotel.
Ms Kenyon said Pearson was seen “advancing towards police lines” during the disorder.
After being remanded into custody, Pearson shouted over the judge: “Don’t care. Freedom of speech is gone. Joke.”
Ms Kenyon said Jibson was seen to “strike out at a police officer” during the disorder.
Jibson was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 19.
Boy, 16, denies taking part in civil unrest
03:00 , Joe Middleton
A 16-year-old boy has denied taking part in “mass civil unrest” in Bolton on August 4.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court, on Monday afternoon.
District Judge Joanne Hirst said the boy faced an “extremely serious” charge of being involved in “mass civil unrest” in Bolton town centre.
The boy was bailed and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court for a hearing on August 28.
ICYMI: Man will miss the birth of his child after being jailed for violent disorder
02:00 , Joe Middleton
Dylan Carey, 26, will miss the birth of his child after he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 18 months in jail for violent disorder in Southport on July 30.
His pregnant girlfriend, Natasha Keenan, burst into tears in the public gallery as Carey was locked up for throwing various items, including a tin of paint, at a police van.
Carey, of Hindley, Greater Manchester, was also captured on CCTV footage launching two “fly-kicks” to the vehicle.
Sentencing, Judge Dennis Watson KC said: “You were an active and persistent participant. Those who choose to take part in mob violence can expect to receive significant sentences.
“The violence which was directed at the mosque and its community was racially aggravated.
“Violence was also directed at the police who were performing a difficult and dangerous task.
ICYMI: Teenager detained for 18 months in young offenders institution after throwing rock at police officer
01:00 , Joe Middleton
A teenager seen “celebrating” after throwing a rock which hit a police officer on the arm during riots in Darlington was detained for 18 months.
Cole Stewart, 18, was one of about 30 people who gathered outside a mosque in the north east town on August 5. Teesside Crown Court heard the group was chanting racist and far-right slogans.
Police formed a line separating the protesters from a group of about 60 Asian men who had gathered outside the mosque to protect it.
Stewart, of Victoria Road, Darlington, was seen breaking a large boulder into smaller rocks and throwing them towards officers.
When one rock hit an officer on the arm Stewart was seen “celebrating with his arms in the air”.
A judge said that earlier that day social media posts had encouraged people to gather on Gladstone Street for a “protest” with the intention of approaching a mosque.
In mitigation, the court heard Stewart had a “very difficult background” and denied using any racist language himself during the incident.
Sentencing him to 18 months detention in a young offenders institution, Judge Francis Laird KC said: “You chose to take part in an organised act of public disorder, indeed you were at the forefront of it.”
ICYMI: Man admits sharing TikTok video to stir up racial hatred
Monday 12 August 2024 23:00 , Joe Middleton
A 34-year-old man has admitted to sharing a video on TikTok in an effort to stir up racial hatred.
James Aspin, of Blyth, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred during a hearing at Bedlington Magistrates’ Court.
Man admits throwing pint of cider near police
Monday 12 August 2024 22:00 , Joe Middleton
A man has admitted throwing a pint of cider towards police officers during disorder in Manchester on August 3.
Graham Brookes, 42, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said Brookes was seen to “throw a plastic pint of liquid towards officers” that “appeared to have been aimed at a group of Asian males”.
Ms Kenyon said Brookes later accepted the liquid was fruit cider.
District Judge Joanne Hirst said Brookes had admitted “provocative and quite shameful, racist actions”.
Brookes was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 19.
Voices: I worked in the home office during the 2001 riots – these are the mistakes the UK government must avoid
Monday 12 August 2024 21:00 , Joe Middleton
Questions of Britishness and national identity lie at the heart of recent unrest, writes Dr Varun Uberoi
These are the mistakes the government must avoid making with the riots
Watch: Family release footage of nine-year-old girl killed in Southport stabbings
Monday 12 August 2024 20:00 , Joe Middleton
Two 12-year-olds become youngest to be convicted for violent disorder
Monday 12 August 2024 19:34 , Holly Evans
Two 12-year-old boys are believed to have become the youngest people to be convicted of a criminal offence in connection with the nationwide public disorder.
One of the youngsters admitted two charges of violent disorder after throwing a missile at a police van and taking part in two separate incidents of unrest in Manchester at the city’s magistrates’ court on Monday.
The court heard the youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a group that gathered on July 31 outside a Holiday Inn hotel housing asylum seekers.
Prosecutors said the boy was “filmed by police kicking the front window of a vape shop” and was also seen kicking a bus as it drove past him.
The other 12-year-old youth admitted a charge of violent disorder at Liverpool Youth Court, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
Five more people, including teenage girl, admit violent disorder
Monday 12 August 2024 19:00 , Joe Middleton
Five more people, including a 16-year-old girl, have admitted a charge of violent disorder at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court.
Gary Harkness, 51, of North Road West, John Cann, 51, of Patna Place and Ryan Bailey, 41, of no fixed abode, Plymouth, all pleaded guilty on Monday.
A 16-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded guilty.
The three men will next appear before Plymouth Crown Court on Tuesday.
The two youths have been bailed to appear before youth court at a later date.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “We continue to work to bring those involved in last Monday night’s violent disorder to justice. This has been a collaborated effort between police investigation teams and the Crown Prosecution Service, who have delivered a swift response.
“Our message is simple to anyone who plans to breed violent disorder; we will identify you, and you will face the full force of the law. The actions on Monday do not represent our wider community and we would like to thank the public for their ongoing and unwavering support of our officers.”
Woman admits throwing water over police outside hotel housing asylum seekers
Monday 12 August 2024 18:00 , Joe Middleton
A woman has admitted throwing water over police outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on July 31.
Nevey Smith, 21, of West Street, Oldham, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said: “Footage shows her throwing liquid from a bottle towards police officers who were trying to maintain order.
“She had a child with her in a stroller.”
Defending, Robert Moussalli said Smith had “lost her temper” during the disorder and “threw some water”.
District Judge Joanne Hirst told Smith: “You put your own child at risk.”
The judge added that Smith was “not as heavily involved as others in the demonstration” and was “not heard to utter any direct racist abuse”.
Smith was released on bail and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 19.
Man, 19, jailed for 14 months after affray at protest
Monday 12 August 2024 17:00 , Joe Middleton
Amjad Ali, aged 19, was sentenced to 14 months’ detention at Northampton Crown Court after pleading guilty to affray at a protest in the town last Wednesday which saw three arrests.
Judge Adrienne Lucking KC was told Ali attended the protest dressed in all-black including a balaclava, punched an unknown male in the face, and aimed a “ferocious” kick at another victim’s head.
The court heard the convicted drug dealer, of Alcombe Road, Northampton, was arrested following disorder involving several men of “paramilitary-style appearance” witnessed by passing motorists and pedestrians in Kettering Road shortly after 7pm.
The judge also ordered Ali to consecutively serve a year of a previous suspended sentence imposed for dealing heroin and crack cocaine and possession of ammonia in a public place.
Judge Lucking told Ali: “Your offending must be seen in the context of the widespread and extensively reported scenes of disorder, violence and criminal damage which has taken place around the country. This conduct will always attract immediate and substantial punishment.”
Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative Party councillor, appears in court
Monday 12 August 2024 16:35 , Joe Middleton
Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative Party councillor, has appeared in court accused of publishing an X post stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers.
Connolly’s husband, West Northamptonshire councillor Raymond Connolly, watched from the public gallery in courtroom four at Northampton Crown Court as she was remanded in custody by Judge Adrienne Lucking KC.
The 41-year-old childminder, of Parkfield Avenue, Northampton, will reappear at the same court on September 2.
Connolly appeared in the dock wearing light blue jeans and a sleeveless green top for the 11-minute hearing and was not required to enter a plea to a charge of publishing threatening or abusive material intending to stir up racial hatred.
Two women plead guilty to violent disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers
Monday 12 August 2024 16:18 , Joe Middleton
Two women have admitted being “agitators” in disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on July 31.
Tracy Pearson, 53, and Michelle Jibson, 45, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said the women, both of Kingsbridge Road, Manchester, had been “agitators” during the disturbances where items were thrown and racist abuse was directed towards the hotel.
Ms Kenyon said Pearson was seen “advancing towards police lines” during the disorder.
After being remanded into custody, Pearson shouted over the judge: “Don’t care. Freedom of speech is gone. Joke.”
Ms Kenyon said Jibson was seen to “strike out at a police officer” during the disorder.
Jibson was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on August 19.
Man will miss the birth of his child after being jailed for violent disorder
Monday 12 August 2024 16:15 , Joe Middleton
Dylan Carey, 26, will miss the birth of his child after he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 18 months in jail for violent disorder in Southport on July 30.
His pregnant girlfriend, Natasha Keenan, burst into tears in the public gallery as Carey was locked up for throwing various items, including a tin of paint, at a police van.
Carey, of Hindley, Greater Manchester, was also captured on CCTV footage launching two “fly-kicks” to the vehicle.
Sentencing, Judge Dennis Watson KC said: “You were an active and persistent participant. Those who choose to take part in mob violence can expect to receive significant sentences.
“The violence which was directed at the mosque and its community was racially aggravated.
“Violence was also directed at the police who were performing a difficult and dangerous task.
Man admits sharing TikTok video to stir up racial hatred
Monday 12 August 2024 15:57 , Joe Middleton
A 34-year-old man has admitted to sharing a video on TikTok in an effort to stir up racial hatred.
James Aspin, of Blyth, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred during a hearing at Bedlington Magistrates’ Court.
ICYMI: ‘People feel crime has no consequences’: Cooper says respect for police must be restored after riots
Monday 12 August 2024 15:49 , Joe Middleton
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has said respect for the police must be restored after they faced “brazen abuse and contempt” during rioting.
Attacks on local communities and police are a “disgraceful assault on the rule of law itself,” she said.
“As home secretary, I am not prepared to tolerate the brazen abuse and contempt which a minority have felt able to show towards our men and women in uniform, or the disrespect for law and order that has been allowed to grow in recent years,” Ms Cooper wrote in the Daily Telegraph.
“As well as punishing those responsible for the last fortnight’s violent disorder, we must take action to restore respect for the police and respect for the law.”
Millie Cooke reports.
‘People feel crime has no consequences’ home secretary warns after UK riots
Man jailed after punching police officer
Monday 12 August 2024 15:40 , Joe Middleton
A man has been jailed after punching a police officer at an anti-immigration protest in Weymouth.Jason Barry Francis, 38, of Meadow View Road in Weymouth, was jailed for two years after pleading guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday to violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker during the Weymouth protests.
The charges related to an incident on Weymouth Esplanade during the evening of Sunday 4 August 2024. Francis was part of a group involved in an anti-immigration protest which led to violent disorder.
Local council CCTV cameras and third-party videos posted to social media showed Francis moving towards a police line pushing and kicking out at officers. He then went on to punch an officer in the face before backing away into the crowd.
Following reviews of the video footage and enquiries by detectives, Francis was identified and arrested by officers at his home address on Thursday 8 August 2024 and subsequently charged with violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker.
Teenager detained for 18 months in young offenders institution after throwing rock at police officer
Monday 12 August 2024 15:21 , Joe Middleton
A teenager seen “celebrating” after throwing a rock which hit a police officer on the arm during riots in Darlington was detained for 18 months.
Cole Stewart, 18, was one of about 30 people who gathered outside a mosque in the north east town on August 5. Teesside Crown Court heard the group was chanting racist and far-right slogans.
Police formed a line separating the protesters from a group of about 60 Asian men who had gathered outside the mosque to protect it.
Stewart, of Victoria Road, Darlington, was seen breaking a large boulder into smaller rocks and throwing them towards officers.
When one rock hit an officer on the arm Stewart was seen “celebrating with his arms in the air”.
A judge said that earlier that day social media posts had encouraged people to gather on Gladstone Street for a “protest” with the intention of approaching a mosque.
In mitigation, the court heard Stewart had a “very difficult background” and denied using any racist language himself during the incident.
Sentencing him to 18 months detention in a young offenders institution, Judge Francis Laird KC said: “You chose to take part in an organised act of public disorder, indeed you were at the forefront of it.”
Boy, 16, denies taking part in civil unrest
Monday 12 August 2024 15:00 , Athena Stavrou
A 16-year-old boy has denied taking part in “mass civil unrest” in Bolton on August 4.
The boy pleaded not guilty to a charge of violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court, on Monday afternoon.
District Judge Joanne Hirst said the boy faced an “extremely serious” charge of being involved in “mass civil unrest” in Bolton town centre.
The boy was bailed and will next appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court for a hearing on August 28.
Monday 12 August 2024 14:37 , Athena Stavrou
A 22-year-old has been jailed for 26 months after admitting to throwing a vacuum cleaner through a house window and telling a police officer “I hope your children get raped”.
Thomas Rogers, of Wicklow Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Teesside Crown Court heard Rogers was seen throwing bricks at police by an officer who later asked if he was okay as he had blood on his T-shirt.
Rogers replied he had cut his hand throwing rocks at the police and “would do it again”. He told the officer: “I hope your kids get raped, I hate the police.”
A statement from a student who lives in the shared house where Rogers was filmed throwing a vacuum cleaner through the window said he and his partner had been left “feeling differently about the town they called home and the people they lived amongst”.
The landlord of the property said: “I feel angry and disappointed with the thugs, especially the idiot with the hoover.”
In mitigation, the court heard Rogers was a “complex and vulnerable young man” who had grown up in care.
Tabitha Buck, defending, said the attack in Southport “had a significant effect on him” and he was “overwhelmed by distaste at what had occurred and his distaste at what he felt was a lack of reaction by the police”.
She told the court there was “indirect racism at play there”.
Boy, 16, admits throwing object at mounted police officers
Monday 12 August 2024 14:00 , Joe Middleton
A 16-year-old boy has admitted throwing an object towards mounted police during disorder in Bolton.
The boy pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court, on Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said the boy was seen on CCTV on August 4 throwing “an object towards mounted police officers who were trying to disperse protesters” and “walking towards an ongoing protest with a weapon in his hand”.
Ms Kenyon added that video footage also showed him aiding looters by “holding up shutters of a convenience store while others are trying to get into the store”.
In a statement read out to the court, the shop owner said: “I believe it was targeted because of racism against me.”
District Judge Joanne Hirst said the case was “a very serious matter” and told the boy: “You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself.
“Your mum deserves better than this, we all deserve better.”
The boy was remanded to local authority accommodation and banned from Bolton town centre.
He will be sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on September 2.
Boy, 12, admits throwing missile at police
Monday 12 August 2024 13:38 , Joe Middleton
A 12-year-old boy has admitted throwing a missile at a police van and taking part in two separate incidents of disorder in Manchester.
The boy pleaded guilty to two charges of violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court, on Monday afternoon.
Prosecutor Tess Kenyon told the court the boy was part of a group that gathered on July 31 outside a Holiday Inn hotel housing asylum seekers.
Ms Kenyon said the boy was “seen in footage handing a rock to another youth during the disorder” and was part of a group that attacked a bus.
The prosecutor added: “He kicks the bus at the side as it drove past him.”
During subsequent disorder in Manchester city centre on August 3, Ms Kenyon said the boy was “filmed by police kicking the front window of a vape shop”.
Ms Kenyon added: “He was also seen to throw a missile at a police van.”
Defending the boy, Natasha McGarr said he was “very sorry” and “absolutely ashamed” of his conduct.
District Judge Joanne Hirst said the case was “very serious”, adding it was the first she had dealt with of a person “attending both incidents” of disorder.
The judge added: “He’s more involved in the violence and disorder than any other defendant I’ve seen coming through these courts, adult or child.”
The boy was remanded to local authority accommodation and will be sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on September 2.
PM cancels summer holiday after riots
Monday 12 August 2024 13:20 , Joe Middleton
Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled his planned summer holiday this week after the riots and will instead spend his time working between Chequers and 10 Downing Street.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “The PM is not alone in this. We’ve seen many people over the course of the disorder having their leave cancelled to ensure we can respond. It is welcome that we’ve seen a de-escalation over the weekend but the work is not done.”
15 more people charged with violent disorder
Monday 12 August 2024 13:11 , Joe Middleton
Several more people have been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Manchester City Magistrates’ Court in the coming days over violent protests around the country.
Aaron Davy, 18, Anthony Whitelegg, 40, Stephen Barrow, 54, David Whittaker, 46, Graham Brookes, 42, Tracy Pearson, 53, Lynden Parker, 26, Michelle Jibson, 45, Dane Freeman, 25, Waqas Mushtaq, 24, Lawrence Dunkerley, 37, and Nadeem Aslam, 31, will all appear at the court charged with violent disorder.
Thomas Ward, 35, has been charged with violent disorder and exposure and will appear at the same court, while Kye Darcey McGlade, 24, has been charged with violent disorder, criminal damage, and theft from a shop.
Scott Chadwick, 34, has been charged with theft and violent disorder, and will also appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court.
Watch: Family release footage of nine-year-old girl killed in Southport stabbings
Monday 12 August 2024 13:00 , Joe Middleton
Rioters could be released from prison after serving 40% of sentence, government admits
Monday 12 August 2024 12:49 , Joe Middleton
Rioters could be released from prison after serving 40 per cent of their sentence, as part of the early release scheme, Downing Street has said.
Asked whether the scheme will be changed to exclude those involved in unrest across the UK over recent weeks, a Number 10 spokeswoman said the early release of prisoners will be based on the sentence they have been given.
She continued: “There’s no specific exclusion for the rioters, the scheme is as previously set out by the Justice Secretary.”
“Also, we’re very clear that those who are convicted of serious violence and serve sentences of four years and over, or a terrorism offence, will be excluded,” she added.
The government previously set out legislation to reduce the amount of time inmates must spend in jail before they are automatically released, from 50% of their sentence to 40%.
Man, 41, jailed for rioting outside hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham
Monday 12 August 2024 12:41 , Joe Middleton
A 41-year-old man has been jailed for two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court for his part in the rioting outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
Ricky Hardman, who runs a haulage business, was arrested after a picture of him brandishing a piece of wood during the disorder on Sunday August 4 was published in a national newspaper, a judge was told.
Video was also shown in court on Monday showing the defendant was part of a group attacking a police dog van during the violence outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers.
Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC told Hardman: “The incident was part of wider national civic unrest fostered by some form of malignancy in society spread by malevolent users of social media.
“There’s no question the disorder was racist in character and extremely frightening for anyone who was there.”
Hardman, of Norfolk Road, Barnsley, admitted violent disorder last week.
He sat in the dock with one security guard wearing a black t-shirt and green trousers with his family watching from the public gallery.
Three males, including 12-year-old boy, charged after violent disorder in Southport
Monday 12 August 2024 12:11 , Joe Middleton
Three further males have been charged following the violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.
Harvey Gabbott, 21, of Hillside, Tarleton, and Paul Dryhurst, 33, of Gale Road, Litherland, have been charged with violent disorder and remanded to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, Monday 12 August.
A 12-year-old male from Southport was also charged with violent disorder and remanded to appear at Merseyside Youth Court this morning.
It brings the total number of people charged in connection with the recent disorder in Southport and Liverpool to 30.
Two men charged for Facebook post featuring ‘threatening material'
Monday 12 August 2024 11:55 , Salma Ouaguira
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it has authorised South Wales Police to charge two men over Facebook posts that allegedly intended to stir up racial or religious hatred.
Geraint Boyce, 43, and Jamie Michael, 45, are accused of publishing threatening material on a Facebook account, contrary to Section 29C(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.
The CPS said the charges relate to Facebook posts on or around July 31 in relation to the widespread public disorder.
Boyce, of Penrhiw-Fer, and Michael, of Penygraig, are due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Man charged over TikTok video intended to stir up racial hatred
Monday 12 August 2024 11:43 , Salma Ouaguira
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it has authorised Northumbria Police to charge a man with distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred.
James Aspin, 34, is accused of an offence contrary to Section 29E of the Public Order Act 1986.
The CPS said the charge relates to an alleged video published on TikTok on or before August 8, 2024.
Mr Aspin, of Blyth, Northumberland, is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today.
Nigel Farage accuses Starmer of being ‘biggest threat to free speech'
Monday 12 August 2024 11:30 , Salma Ouaguira
The Reform UK leader has accused Sir Keir Starmer of being a “threat to free speech” after the prime minister suggested the government would review social media laws in the wake of far-right riots.
Sir Keiris under pressure toorder an inquiry into social mediato prevent platforms from turbo-charging futureafter appalling scenes in recent days.
Cabinet ministers have warned online posts acted as a “rocket booster” for the organisation of violence, while No 10 clashed withElon Muskafter the billionaireused his X platform to claim “civil war is inevitable” in Britain.
But right-wing Mr Farage has criticised the move calling the PM to allow people to “speculate and ask questions” online.
Speaking on Fox News, the right-wing politician said: “Nobody should use any social media platform to spread hate or incite violence... I think all of us would agree with that free speech rule.
“But what we should be allowed to do on social media is to speculate. Is to ask questions. To try and put facts out that wake up the rest of the community
“When you’re engaged in something like that, you can never guarantee that what you say is 100 per cent true. Starmer by cracking down on that, poses the biggest threat to free speech we’ve seen in our history.”
Keir Starmer poses the biggest threat to free speech we’ve seen in our history. pic.twitter.com/AB9cdiQtue
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 11, 2024
Man accused of assaulting emergency worker charged
Monday 12 August 2024 11:18 , Salma Ouaguira
A man has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker after a counter protest in Brighton.
IanWard, 53, of Old Mill Close, Portslade, will appear in court also accused of common assault and affray, after the 2,000-strong demonstration in the East Sussex city on August 7.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
A Sussex Police spokesman added: “Police officers and PCSOs will continue to provide a visible and reassuring presence across the county and anyone with information or concerns is asked to speak to local officers or report online.”
People are asked to quote Operation Skylark when contacting the force via 101 or 999 in an emergency.
U-turn on cabinet minister’s claim rioters will not be freed early
Monday 12 August 2024 11:15 , Salma Ouaguira
A cabinet minister’s claim rioters will not be freed early to help ease chronic overcrowding in UK jails has been hurriedly rowed back.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said those caught up in the recent violencewould not be included in the government’s release scheme. But a government source later said he had “misspoke”.
Last month ministers announced plans to release some inmates early to free up prison space, blaming the decision on the last Conservative government and overcrowding.
Asked if he could guarantee that rioters would not be set free early under the scheme, Mr Reynolds told The Camilla Tominey Show on GB News: “I understand that they won’t be.”
He added that it was “because of those difficult decisions that were made by the ministers in the new government… that there is capacity in the system to deal with this disorder”.
Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin has the full story:
U-turn on cabinet minister’s claim rioters will not be freed early
Exclusive: Anti-racism Muslim group urge government to ramp up safety commitments
Monday 12 August 2024 11:00 , Salma Ouaguira
A prominent anti-racist Muslim group are urging the government to ramp up its commitment to gender-based Islamophobia,The Independentcan reveal.
Muslim communities, including women, are fearing for their livesamidwidespread race riots around Britain across the past week which have left dozens of people injuredand hundreds arrested.
Shaista Aziz, Amna Abdullatif and Huda Jawad, who are known as “The Three Hijabis” due to their heritage and Islamic religious dress, have been contacted by Muslim women across the country with worries and reports of their hijabs being pulled off in the street.
Yet, there is no specific government strategy in place to safeguard Muslim women,despite the government’s stated “mission” to protect women and girls.
“Muslim women being afraid to travel into their town and city centres – making them no-go areas for them, is gendered Islamophobia,” a statement, first seen byThe Independent, from The Three Hijabis says.
Our race correspondent Nadine White has the full story:
Anti-racism Muslim group urge government to ramp up safety commitments for women
Violent rioters could face up to 10 years in jail, top prosecutor warns
Monday 12 August 2024 10:45 , Salma Ouaguira
The director of public prosecutions has reportedly warned that the worst offending protesters could face up to 10 years in prison if they are charged with rioting.
Stephen Parkinson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said hundreds of violent rioters will continue appearing in courts across the country in the coming days, the Sunday Times said.
Mr Parkinson reportedly told of a “new phase” of cases which will include “more serious charges with stiffer penalties”.
Many charged so far have been prosecuted for violent disorder, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.
The Sunday Times reported that the CPS is considering charging people with the more serious offence of rioting, which could lead to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The newspaper quoted Mr Parkinson saying: “We warned of the consequences and we will deliver these consequences.
“It’s not about exacting revenge, it’s about delivering justice.”
It comes as the parents of a “precious” six-year-old girl killed in the Southport attack said that their older daughter saw and escaped the stabbing.
Bebe King was killed alongside Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, during a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space on M
Archbishop of Canterbury says far-right rioters are unchristian
Monday 12 August 2024 10:30 , Salma Ouaguira
The Archbishop of Canterbury has labelled the far-right “unchristian” and condemned the use of Christian imagery in theriotsas “an offence to our faith”.
Justin Welby made the remarks condemning the violent unrest, which he described as “racist”, “anti-Muslim, anti-refugee”, in an article for the Guardian newspaper.
The country’s most senior Christian leader weighed in following a week of disorder that began after a mass stabbing of children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport in July.
The archbishop’s called Christians to distance themselves from the far-right, writing: “Let me say clearly now to Christians that they should not be associated with any far-right group – because those groups are unchristian.”
He added that Christian iconography had been “exploited” by the far-right and served as “an offence to our faith”.
Speaking directly to Muslims and other faiths, Mr Welby said: “We denounce people misusing such imagery as fundamentally antichristian.”
Mr Welby said theriotswere “detonated by lies and fuelled by deliberate misinformation, spread quickly online by bad actors with malignant motivations.”
He added: “The lies and misinformation flourished in fertile ground cultivated by years of rhetoric from some of our press and politicians, arriving at a point where some felt emboldened to try to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers and target mosques.”
The archbishop also rejected the description of theriotsas “protests” and said they were “criminal” and “must be controlled”.
First child to be convicted for violent disorder in Sunderland
Monday 12 August 2024 10:15 , Salma Ouaguira
A 15-year-old boy has become the first child to be convicted for his part in violent disorder in Sunderland, Northumbria Police said.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on Friday morning as part of a round of early-morning raids across Sunderland.
He appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Saturday where he admitted one charge of violent disorder and the burglary of a business, after stealing from a vape shop.
He will next appear at South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday.
Children to learn about fake news in curriculum overhaul after UK riots sparked by killings
Monday 12 August 2024 10:00 , Salma Ouaguira
Schoolswill teachchildrenabout spotting extremist content and fake news online in an overhaul of thecurriculumafter far-rightriotserupted across theUKfollowing the fatal knife attack in Southport.
The education secretary announced on Saturday that English, ICT (information and communication technology) and maths are among the lessons that will be used to “arm” pupils against “putrid conspiracy theories”.
Students will begin acquiring the critical thinking skills that enable identifying misinformation online as young as five, saidBridget Phillipson.
Children to learn about spotting fake news online in curriculum overhaul after riots
Man arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill in video
Monday 12 August 2024 09:45 , Salma Ouaguira
West Midlands Police (WMP) say they have made an arrest after a video was circulated on social media of a man suspected of making threats to kill.
The force said the video was brought to their attention and officers identified the location and arrested a 30-year-old man in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, on Saturday evening.
“We take swift and effective action against anyone who feels that they can use social media to stir racial hatred or to encourage people to cause violence or take actions into their own hands,” WMP said.
“We would like to thank the public for making us aware of the video and want to reassure people that action has been taken.
“We will not tolerate violence in our towns and cities, or tolerate those who use social media to encourage such violence.
“Our commitment to the safety of all residents remains unwavering and we will continue to work closely with the community to uphold peace and maintain order.”
Watch: CCTV footage shows mosque in Newtownards getting petrol-bombed
Monday 12 August 2024 09:41 , Salma Ouaguira
Man arrested over Newtownards mosque attack
Monday 12 August 2024 09:30 , Salma Ouaguira
A man has been arrested following an attack on a mosque in Newtownards.
A petrol bomb was thrown at the mosque in Co Down in the early hours of Saturday with graffiti sprayed on the front door and walls of the building.
The man, 42, was arrested on suspicion of several offences including attempted arson, possessing a petrol bomb and attempted intimidation following a search of two properties in the town on Sunday.
He remains in police custody. Police said the petrol bomb did not ignite. A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson appealed to the public to come forward with any further information.
“Enquiries are continuing and anyone with any information or footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police,” they said.
Northern Ireland’s first minister and deputy first minister condemned the attack and violence in Londonderry, in which 10 police officers were injured.
Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly said the incidents were “wrong, unacceptable and rejected” by the vast majority of the community. In a joint statement, they said: “They are disgraceful manifestations of criminality and have absolutely no justification.”
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland condemns Londonderry disorder
Monday 12 August 2024 09:15 , Salma Ouaguira
Secretary of State Hilary Benn has condemned the attack on police during disorder in Londonderry.
Ten officers were injured in the trouble on Saturday, police said.
PSNI said fireworks, petrol bombs and other missiles were used to attack officers.
Mr Benn posted on X: “I’m appalled at the attacks on police in Derry/Londonderry last night.
“My thanks to the PSNI for working to keep people safe and our thoughts are with the officers who were injured.”
I’m appalled at the attacks on police in Derry/Londonderry last night. My thanks to the PSNI for working to keep people safe and our thoughts are with the officers who were injured. https://t.co/Yvg5SurXeP
— Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) August 11, 2024
Man arrested for disorder in Sunderland to appear in court today
Monday 12 August 2024 09:10 , Salma Ouaguira
A 38-year-old man has been arrested by the Northumbria Police major investigation team looking into the disorder in the North East, the force said.
Philip Cawthorne, of Southend Road, Sunderland, was charged with one count of violent disorder and appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, where he pleaded guilty to his role in the disorder.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 20 August to be sentenced.
Jack Fowler, 24, of Beaumont Terrace, Newcastle, has been charged with one count of violent disorder and will appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.
“This brings the total number of people charged to 15 in relation to Sunderland disorder on August 2,” Northumbria Police said.
Cooper says respect for police must be restored after riots
Monday 12 August 2024 09:01 , Salma Ouaguira
Home SecretaryYvette Cooper has said respect for the police must be restored after they faced “brazen abuse and contempt” during rioting.
Attacks on local communities and police are a “disgraceful assault on the rule of law itself,” she said.
“As home secretary, I am not prepared to tolerate the brazen abuse and contempt which a minority have felt able to show towards our men and women in uniform, or the disrespect for law and order that has been allowed to grow in recent years,” Ms Cooper wrote in theDaily Telegraph.
“As well as punishing those responsible for the last fortnight’s violent disorder, we must take action to restore respect for the police and respect for the law.”
‘People feel crime has no consequences’ home secretary warns after UK riots
More than 900 rioters arrested and 466 charged nationwide
Monday 12 August 2024 09:00 , Salma Ouaguira
The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) has released the latest figures showing the number of arrests and charges made across the UK since 29 July in relation to the ongoing disorder.
Arrests now amount to 927 and 466 people have been charged on various accounts, including for racial hatred.
Three to appear in court after Belfast rioting
Monday 12 August 2024 08:58 , Salma Ouaguira
Three men will appear in court in Northern Ireland on Monday, facing charges connected with recent rioting in Belfast.
A 26-year-old man has been charged with a number of offences, includingriot, arson, conspiracy to commit arson, three counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent, and two of criminal damage.
He will appear at Belfast Magistrates court.
A 58-year-old man has been charged with possessing written material intended or likely to stir up hatred or arouse fear.
He will appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.
A 30-year-old man has been charged with intentionally encouraging or assistingriot, publishing written material intended to stir up hatred, sending menacing messages through a public electronic communications network, and possession of fireworks without a licence.
He will appear at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court.
Tory councillor’s wife to appear in court for racial hatred charges
Monday 12 August 2024 08:46 , Salma Ouaguira
The wife of a Tory councillor is due to appear in courtin relation to tweetcalling for attacks on asylum seekers.
Lucy Connolly could face 18 months in prison on charges ofstirring up racial hatredwhen far-right violence swept the country.
She was refused bail and will appear at Northampton Crown Court accused of writing tweets against asylum seekers.
Posted on X, fomerly Twitter, she wrote: “set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b*******” on the day of a stabbing inSouthportthat left three young children dead.
