A 12-year-old boy from Southport has been charged with violent disorder, making him the youngest person to be charged in connection with the riots that occurred after the tragic killing of three young girls in the town. The riots broke out following the incident where Bebe King, Alice da Silva Aguiar, and Elsie Dot Stancombe were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that the 12-year-old boy is among three males who have been charged over the riot that took place on July 30. This incident resulted in over 50 police officers being injured as misinformation spread about the suspect’s identity, leading to a large gathering of up to 1,000 people outside a mosque.
In addition to the young boy, two other individuals, Harvey Gabbott, 21, from Tarleton, Lancashire, and Paul Dryhurst, 33, from Litherland, have also been charged with violent disorder over the riots. A total of 30 people have now faced charges related to the disorder in Southport and Liverpool.
Another 12-year-old boy recently pleaded guilty to two charges of violent disorder in Manchester City Magistrates Court. The court heard about his involvement in incidents where he kicked a bus, handed a rock to another youth, kicked the window of a vape shop, and threw a missile at a police van during disorder in the city center.
The severity of the case was highlighted by District Judge Joanne Hirst, who described it as “very serious”. The defending attorney, Natasha McGarr, stated that the young boy was remorseful and deeply ashamed of his actions. He has been remanded to local authority accommodation until his sentencing on 2 September.
Across the country, law enforcement has made 927 arrests, with 466 people being charged by Sunday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of communities and will continue to pursue those involved in the riots until the job is done. The justice system has shown a swift response, with criminals being arrested, charged, sentenced, and incarcerated within days of the incidents.
While there was a de-escalation over the weekend, the nation remains on high alert for potential further disorder. The government emphasizes the importance of people feeling safe in their communities and thanks the police officers, prosecutors, and judiciary for their efforts in swiftly addressing the situation.