Two men have received the longest jail terms so far over the recent violent disorder in England and Northern Ireland. David Wilkinson, 48, was sentenced to six years behind bars after having a “prominent role” in riots that gripped Hull on 3 August. He forced three terrified Romanian men from their car. Wilkinson was part of a “baying mob” that left a BMW driver in fear for his life when more than 100 “angry” men descended on him and his two cousins, Hull Crown Court heard. The group tried to drag them from the vehicle, before punching him in the head and attempting to hit him with a metal bar. Also during the disorder, Wilkinson spat, threw missiles, and pushed wheelie bins at a police line protecting a hotel known to house asylum seekers. Meanwhile, John Honey, 25, received four years and eight months behind bars after he also helped attack the BMW, targeted a garage leaving nine vehicles damaged, and pushed bins at police lines during the unrest.
Roger Haywood encouraged a group to follow him to various locations around the seaside resort town, including the Cenotaph and the Tower, on 3 August, a court heard. Haywood repeatedly verbally abused officers while the area was busy with families, said Lancashire Police, adding he assaulted officers during his arrest. The 41-year-old was part of a group that confronted police in a shopping area during the unrest. Haywood’s involvement included attempting to pull the shutters up of a store and assaulting a member of security, Preston Crown Court was told. He was jailed after previously pleading guilty to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder.
Forces across the country continue to pursue those alleged to have played a role in riots that rocked towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland in the wake of the fatal stabbings of three children in Southport. According to the Ministry of Justice, a total of 460 people have appeared in magistrates’ courts on charges relating to the disorder as of Thursday, 15 August. At least 72 people under 18 years old are believed to have been charged, including a 13-year-old girl who pleaded guilty to threatening unlawful violence outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Aldershot, Hampshire. Of those charged who are under the age of 18, the youngest so far are two 12-year-old boys, both of whom have pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder. The oldest person to be charged so far is William Morgan, 69, of Walton in Liverpool.
Jail Sentences for Rioters Increase
In a stark response to the recent wave of violent disorder, authorities have been handing out severe jail sentences to those involved in riots across England and Northern Ireland. Two men, David Wilkinson and John Honey, have received some of the longest terms for their roles in the unrest that gripped Hull. Wilkinson’s six-year sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions, including forcing Romanian men from their car and participating in a violent mob that attacked a BMW driver. Honey, on the other hand, received four years and eight months for his involvement in damaging vehicles, attacking police lines, and looting stores in Hull.
‘Dad Number 1’ Also Incarcerated
Among those incarcerated for their participation in the recent riots is Roger Haywood, who led an “angry and intimidating” mob through Blackpool. Haywood, wearing an “England Dad 1” football shirt, encouraged a group to confront police officers in a shopping area and engage in violent acts. His actions, including assaulting an emergency worker and attempting to pull up store shutters, led to a 30-month jail term. The incident highlights the diverse range of individuals involved in the disorder and the severity of the consequences they face.
Riots Across England and Northern Ireland
The recent spate of riots across various towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland has left authorities grappling with a wave of violence and unrest. In response to the fatal stabbings of three children in Southport, forces have been working diligently to bring those responsible to justice. With over 460 individuals appearing in magistrates’ courts on charges related to the disorder, the extent of the unrest is evident. The involvement of individuals as young as 12 and as old as 69 showcases the diverse range of participants in the riots and the need for swift and decisive action to maintain public safety and order.
As the legal system continues to address the aftermath of the riots, communities are left reeling from the impact of the violence and destruction caused by those involved. The severe sentences handed down to individuals like Wilkinson, Honey, and Haywood send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The need for accountability and justice in the face of social unrest remains paramount as authorities work to restore peace and stability in affected areas.