UK riots latest: Man who called for migrant centres to be burnt down jailed for three years

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A man has been jailed for three years and two months after stirring up racial hatred by using social media to call for hotels housing asylum seekers to be set alight.
Father-of-three Tyler Kay, 26, wrote the anti-immigration post on X on August 7 and responded to several comments posted by others following his post, adding that it was “100 per cent the plan”.
Kay also reposted a screenshot of another message inciting action against a named immigration solicitors in Northampton, and other posts attributable to him showed a desire to be involved in organised protests in the town.
He was arrested by officers from Northamptonshire Police, and pleaded guilty to publishing material intending to stir up racial hatred at Northamptonshire magistrates’ court.
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A woman who pushed a burning wheelie bin into a police line before falling to the ground and being arrested has been jailed for 20 months.
Stacey Vint, 34, was sentenced for her part in the riots in Middlesbrough town centre on Sunday.
A court heard she was part of a group that set alight a wheelie bin and then pushed it into a police cordon. In the process of doing so, Vint fell to the ground and was arrested.
A balaclava-wearing rioter identified by his tattoos and a 21-year-old who posted videos of himself encouraging people to break “every f—–g window” to his own Instagram account were among the first people to be jailed over violent disorder in Sunderland.
A judge said the defendants had “brought shame on the city” by taking part in an “orgy of mindless, destructive violence and disorder and mayhem” on August 2.
Newcastle Crown Court heard a planned protest in the city centre “very soon turned into widespread violent disorder” as police were met with “serious and sustained levels of violence”.
Josh Kellett, who was wearing a balaclava but was identified by his tattoos, was jailed for two and a half years for his part in the riot.
Kellett, also known as Josh Major, was seen on police drone footage throwing stones at officers four times in 45 seconds.
The 29-year-old, of Southcroft, Washington, was identified by an anonymous member of the public who watched a live stream of the riot and contacted police to say they recognised a person who was throwing items at police.
Leanne Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, also deliberately ran into an officer and called another one a “f—–g black c—”.
Tyler Kay, of Ellfield Court, Northampton, called for mass deportation and told protesters to “mask up” during the riots.
Judge Adrienne Lucking KC told the 26-year-old: “You posted as you did because you thought there were no consequences for yourself from stirring up racial hatred in others.
“The overall tone of the posts clearly reveals your fundamentally racist mindset.
“I am sure that when you intentionally created the posts you intended that racial hatred would be stirred up by your utterly repulsive, racist and shocking posts that have no place in a civilised society.”
The first person to be charged with intending to stir up racial hatred online during the country’s recent riots has been jailed for 20 months.
Jordan Parlour, 28, pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Leeds magistrates’ court after admitting to posting on Facebook between Aug 1 and Aug 5 in connection with violent disorder across the UK.
Around 400 people attended a protest in Leeds City Centre on Saturday. Parlour, of Seacroft, Leeds, was arrested after encouraging people to attack a hotel in the city housing more than 200 asylum seekers and refugees. He had not attended himself because he had a broken heel.
One post read: “Every man and his dog should smash [the] f–k out of Britannia hotel.”
The Crown Prosecution Service said the charge against him was threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending thereby to stir up racial hatred, or where having regard to all the circumstances, racial hatred is likely to be stirred up thereby, contrary to section 19(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.
Jordan Plain, 30, of Broadway Horsforth, Leeds, has been sentenced to 8 months for racially aggravated intentional harassment.
Judge Guy Kearl KC expressed that “racial and religious aggravation” was a factor in the event. 
He went on to say that although people are entitled to express their views and protest peacefully, it is illegal when it turns into a violent demonstration.
The judge told Plain that his behaviour was “designed to stir up racial hatred at a time of heightened social tension”.
Jordan Plain, 30, of Broadway Horsforth, Leeds, is being sentenced for racially aggravated intentional harassment.
The chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said forces across the country are “definitely better prepared than last weekend” to deal with any disorder.
Asked how the mood felt going into the weekend, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens told a media briefing: “I think we feel better prepared, definitely.
“Naturally, we’ve had days to plan and gear up the national response.
“We spoke about the scale of the national mobilisation, and that being as big as it’s ever been, so definitely better prepared than last weekend.
“I think we also feel that the activity that’s happened during the course of the week – in bringing really swift and strong justice – has helped.
“The strong message that communities sent on Wednesday evening that they don’t tolerate hate and racism and violence, also, as potentially the start of a turning point in this whole thing.
“So, I think the mood is different as a consequence of all that.”
Pharmacists and their teams have been urged to turn away patients who are being abusive, racist or Islamophobic.
It comes after a poll found more than half of community pharmacy teams have felt unsafe amid riots across the country.
The snap survey, carried out by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), represented about 350 community pharmacies.
It also found some 13 per cent of pharmacy teams had faced racist comments in the last week, while one in three had considered closing early due to safety concerns.
Jordan Parlour’s mother wrote a letter to court saying: “We can only speculate he’s been caught up and swept away by emotions circulating throughout the country.”
Asked by police why he had done it, Parlour said it was out of “anger and frustration over immigration problems in the country”, adding “because asylum seekers take tax off working people and rape our kids, get priority and would rather his money went on something else”.
A man who kicked a police officer during a riot in Whitehall has been jailed for 10 months.
Ozzie Cush, 20, confronted a group of Metropolitan Police officers before kicking one near Trafalgar Square on July 31.
Prosecutor Alex Agbamu told Inner London Crown Court on Friday that a group of officers were called to deal with a demonstration in Whitehall shortly after 6pm on July 31 that had been organised by so-called “cultural nationalists”.
Around 9.15pm the officers followed demonstrators toward Trafalgar Square, having enforced a Section 35 dispersal order and previously monitored those who had gathered outside Downing Street.
Mr Agbamu said Cush then walked into the path of one officer, Pc Philip Munt, before he “kicked out” at him.
Among the replies to his original post were: “I am down if you are my lad. On lates tomorrow so if we get nicked we will be out before shifts start.”
Parlour responded: “About five bells then my boy. It’s all gravy.”
Asked by other users why he was posting the comments, Parlous replied: “Because they are over here – Given Life of Reilly – off tax off us hard-working people here when it could be put to better use.
“They come over here with no work visa, no trade to their name and sit and doss. Get top priority on housing and many other reasons.”
Passing sentence, Judge Guy Kearl KC said: “You took to social media in order to encourage others towards participation in the attacks upon the hotel.
“The initial post received six likes. However, it was sent to your 1,500 Facebook friends and, because of your lack of privacy settings, will have been forwarded to friends of your friends.
“The messages were therefore spread widely, which was plainly your intention.”
A man jailed for taking part in a riot yelled “I’m English” as officers rushed to arrest him.
Footage published by the Crown Prosecution Service during the riot in Southport on Tuesday July 30 gives a sense of the violence officers faced.
Body-cam footage captured the moment police swooped in on William Morgan, 69, as they came under a barrage of fireworks in Liverpool.
Morgan became the oldest person to be arrested in connection with the riots anywhere in the country, and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Read the full story here
Staffordshire Police said its officers have arrested 14 people in the last 24 hours with more expected to follow.
Officers have been using drone surveillance footage, body-worn video and video from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) to identify those involved in disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday and Tamworth on Sunday.
Nine people have been arrested in connection with the Tamworth disorder and five have been arrested in connection with events in Stoke-on-Trent.
Those arrested are a 23-year-old woman from Tamworth, males aged between 19 and 55 from Stoke-on-Trent and Tamworth, and a 39-year-old man from Rugeley.
All the arrests were made on suspicion of violent disorder.
People have taken part in riots because of the state of the country – not over the killings of three girls in Southport, an incoming Tory peer has claimed.
Craig Mackinlay, the former MP for South Thanet, who lost his arms and legs to sepsis, told Chopper’s Political Podcast on GB News: “This is almost one of those moments where I think a lot of people have said, forget what Southport was actually all about. It actually made people rather annoyed about the state of Britain today.”
Mr Mackinlay said those involved in the violent disorder following the killings of three little girls in Southport are not limited to extremists.
He said that although the demonstrations were organised by the far-Right, “normal people” are attending to voice their dissatisfaction with the state of the country.
Mr Mackinlay added: “If the far-Right are that good at organising things then they’re far better at organising things than any political party or government that I know in the UK. So I actually don’t believe it fully.
“There’s always going to be some nutters, and they should be dealt with very robustly, and they should be in prison where appropriate. I’m fully in favour of all of that. But if you look at some of these rallies that are going on, there are lots of couples on these rallies that you’d expect to go and see in the Dog and Duck on a Friday afternoon. These are normal people.”
Read the full story here
A senior Police Service of Northern Ireland officer says there will be a “significant visible policing operation in place” ahead of a planned anti-immigration protest and counter protest in Belfast.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said the police are expecting a very busy weekend for policing across Northern Ireland with a risk of spontaneous protest as well as an Apprentice Boys of Derry parade in Londonderry and the ongoing West Belfast Festival.
“We will have a significant visible policing operation in place across Northern Ireland to ensure that everyone is kept safe,” she told media at a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast.
“We will be supporting the right to peaceful protest that is lawful, but this does not extend into intimidation, harassment or disorder.
“I encourage anyone who is planning to engage in protest to do so peacefully and within the law, and to engage with the police and follow our advice and instruction.”
A court has heard how a police community support officer “feared” for his life while the police van he was in was targeted by rioters in Rotherham.
Kenzie Roughley, 18, is to be sentenced this afternoon after he admitted attacking a police van near an Aldi during unrest in Rotherham earlier this month.
Footage played at Sheffield Crown Court showed the defendant kicking and trying to break into the vehicle.
Prosecutor Neil Coxon told the court that the sole PCSO in the van “felt like the (it) was about to turn over”.
An impact statement read: “I suddenly felt the vehicle start to rock from side to side. I could hear banging and kicking. I feared the van may turn over, and at the same time I received a message from control (asking) me to move out and escape the crowd.
“I got into the cab. I felt the van was going turn over and I feared for my life due to the volatility of the crowd. I started the vehicle and drove away.
A 22-year-old tree surgeon has pleaded guilty to affray after he was involved in disorder at the Cenotaph, central London.
Charles Smith was part of a group that gathered around the memorial to fallen veterans on July 31.
Jonathan Bryan, prosecuting, told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “The group was twice involved in attacking police officers who were present.
“In between those attacks, Mr Smith was seen chanting ‘Allah, Allah, who the f— is Allah’; in addition to that he has been captured repeatedly shouting ‘scum’ towards police.”
His defence barrister said Smith did not inflict violence and the most violent allegation is that he shoved a police shield.
Smith, of Granville Road, Uxbridge, has no previous convictions. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Inner London Crown Court at the next possible hearing.
He has also been charged with racially or religiously aggravated harassment which will be dealt with at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 14 after he has been sentenced for affray.
More than 150 of the people arrested in connection with the riots have already appeared in court with 118 remanded in custody, according to the latest figures.
An extra 500 prison places are also being brought online to boost capacity over the coming weeks and ensure there are enough cells for those sent to prison.
Figures published by the Ministry of Justice revealed that 176 defendants had a first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 154 have already taken place
Six people have been sentenced in the magistrates’ court while another 50 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing.
A total of 72 have been sent to Crown Court for trial  and 26 cases will have another hearing in the magistrates’ court.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “The mindless minority who caused and took part in the disgraceful scenes we witnessed were warned they would soon feel the full force of the law. This data shows that many have already seen the inside of a courtroom and will see a stint behind bars too. Where they have gone, more will follow.“I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated professionals across the criminal justice system who have worked tirelessly so such swift action could be taken.”
Lancashire Police said five people including a 15-year-old boy have been charged in connection with disorder in the county over the past week.
A 15-year-old boy from Fulwood, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence and will appear at Preston Magistrates Court on Friday.
John Robinson, 31, of Quebec Avenue, Blackpool, has been charged with violent disorder, assault of an emergency worker, racially aggravated criminal damage and criminal damage.
Roger Haywood, 41, of Yew Tree Road, Blackpool, has been further charged with violent disorder.
Karl Thompson, 38, of no fixed abode, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Daniel Benson, 19, of Benson Road, Blackpool, has been charged with using threatening/abusive/insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence and possession of a bladed article.
The four adults will appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, the force said.
Sir Keir Starmer watches CCTV screens on a visit to the Engineering Suite of the Metropolitan Police Command and Control Special Operations Room at Lambeth Police Headquarters.
The Prime Minister viewed the surveillance operation with Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Commander Ben Russell.
The Prime Minister reiterated his message that the police should maintain “high alert” going into the weekend.
Speaking to broadcasters on a visit to Scotland Yard, he said: “My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert.
“I’m absolutely convinced that having the police officers in place these last few days, and the swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts have had a real impact.
“But we have to stay on high alert going into this weekend because we absolutely have to make sure that our communities are safe and secure and feel safe and secure.”
Social media is “not a law-free zone”, the Prime Minister has said.
Asked about social media, Sir Keir Starmer told broadcasters: “The first thing I’d say is, this is not a law-free zone.
“And I think that’s clear from the prosecutions and sentencing. Today we’re due sentencing for online behaviour.
“That’s a reminder to everyone that whether you’re directly involved or whether you’re remotely involved, you’re culpable, and you will be put before the courts if you’ve broken the law.
“And so that’s happening today, that sentencing.”
Sir Keir Starmer has met with Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine at the force’s Lambeth command and control base for a briefing on the police’s response to public disorder.
During the visit on Friday morning, the Prime Minister also spoke with public order officers, who are part of the territorial support group, and told them he appreciates the work they have been doing over recent weeks following unrest across the UK.
A Cabinet minister has urged counter-protesters to stay at home instead of adding to the “strain” on Britain’s police forces.
Far-Right demonstrators were vastly outnumbered by activists on Wednesday as anticipated unrest across the country failed to materialise.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Paymaster General, was asked by Sky News about Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, urging Labour MPs not to promote counter-demonstrations.
“I think when people actually went out to peacefully protest in line with the law, they are doing so in line with a fine British tradition.
“But I think what the Home Secretary is entirely right about, and I would echo having spoken to police officers yesterday about the strain that they are under, the hours that they are working, I certainly don’t think it helps for politicians to be encouraging even more people out on our streets…
“Nonetheless, we should make that distinction between that tradition of British peaceful protests, which is very much part of our politics, and the violent thuggery.”
A 49-year-old man has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm after video was circulated on social media on Monday.
Habeeb Khan was arrested by West Midlands Police at his home in Sparkbrook on Thursday.
He has also been charged with sending a communication threatening death or serious harm and homophobic abuse.
He will appear at Birmingham magistrates’ court on Friday.
A Labour councillor who was filmed saying far-Right rioters are “disgusting” and should have their throats cut has been arrested.
Ricky Jones, a councillor for Princes, in Dartford, was seen on video footage telling anti-racism protesters in Walthamstow, north-east London: “We need to cut all their throats.”
Read the full story here.
Body camera footage shows the arrest of William Nelson Morgan, 69, who was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon.
A former school governor who claimed he and his boyfriend joined a riot after going to an afternoon bingo session is among the rioters jailed on Thursday.
Steven Mailen, 54, and Ryan Sheers, 28, ended up “at the very forefront of the mob” in Hartlepool on July 31 and were charged with violent disorder.
Sheers, who was also jailed, sobbed in court as he was sentenced.
Read the full story here.
The Government and police are in a state of “high readiness” in the event of further disorder this weekend, the Paymaster General has said.
Nick Thomas-Symonds insisted any offenders would continue to be dealt with “very swiftly” when asked about the prospect of potential unrest in Belfast and elsewhere.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The Government’s strong message today is that we remain in a state of high readiness. We are vigilant. Going into the weekend, the Prime Minister chaired a Cobra meeting only yesterday, in which he set out that high state of readiness.
“So I think we’ll continue to see the criminal justice system acting and processing people very swiftly, with sentences being handed down already of up to three years for violent disorder occurring only days before.
“And that sends a very strong message to anyone thinking of engaging in thuggish violent behaviour to think again, but also to keep available to us those thousands of specialist police officers who are available to be deployed visible on our streets. And the Government will continue to do all it can to keep people safe.”
A teenager who was playing bingo with his family to celebrate his birthday left to join a violent mob, a court heard.
Bobby Shirbon, who was involved in two consecutive nights of violence in Hartlepool after hearing about protests on social media, was jailed for a year and eight months.
The court heard he was part of riots on July 31 and Aug 1 seen throwing bottles, wooden planks, plastic bottles and bricks, and Shirbon was seen smashing windows and causing further damage.
Read the full story here. 
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Cabinet Office minister, said the Government was “vigilant going into the weekend”, following recent disorder across the country.
The Paymaster General told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The Government’s strong message today is that we remain in a state of high readiness. We are vigilant going into the weekend.
“The Prime Minister chaired a Cobra meeting only yesterday, in which he set out that high state of readiness, so I think we’ll continue to see the criminal justice system acting and processing people very swiftly.”
Asked about London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s comments that new social media rules were “not fit for purpose”, Mr Thomas-Symonds said the Government would keep the legislative framework for the Online Safety Act “under review”.
He added: “If we need to act in relation to online safety laws – we will.
“Sadiq Khan’s challenge is that we quickly review it, consider it, and that’s exactly what we will do.”
A Labour councillor who was filmed saying far-Right rioters are “disgusting” and should have their throats cut has been arrested.
Ricky Jones, a councillor for Princes, in Dartford, was seen on video footage telling anti-racism protesters in Walthamstow, north-east London: “We need to cut all their throats.”
The Labour Party said his behaviour was “completely unacceptable” and he had been suspended. He was also arrested on suspicion of encouraging murder.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed his arrest on Thursday in a post on X, formerly Twitter, which included the original footage of Mr Jones addressing protesters.
Read the full story here. 
Far-Right rioters jailed over recent disorder could be released from prison early under the Government’s scheme to tackle overcrowding, The Telegraph understands.
Last month, ministers announced that they were changing the law to allow some criminals to leave prison early because of a lack of jail space.
They said scores of criminals serving determinate sentences would be able to leave after serving 40 per cent of their custodial sentence rather than the current 50 per cent.
Read the full story here.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Cabinet Office minister, has said there is a distinction between the “tradition of British peaceful protest” and “people who turn up outside with weapons”.
Asked about peaceful gatherings and protests to counter recent violent disorder, the Paymaster General told Sky News: “Having spoken to police officers yesterday about the strain that they are under, the hours that they are working, I certainly don’t think it helps for politicians to be encouraging even more people out on our streets.”
He added: “Nonetheless, we should make that distinction between that tradition of British peaceful protest – which is very much part of our politics – and the violent thuggery we’ve seen on our streets.
“People who turn up outside with weapons are not coming to protest about anything – they are coming with criminal intent. We should be very clear about that distinction.”
English Football League (EFL) fans who “engage in violent, thuggish behaviour” face being dealt with quickly after days of violent disorder, a Cabinet Office minister has said.
Asked about fears “far-Right groups could seek to exploit” fixtures after kick-off on Friday, Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News: “You always are vigilant about far-Right activity and that is what the Government will continue to be.
“As I say, going into this weekend, it’s important that the message continues to go out that if you engage in violent, thuggish behaviour on our streets, you’re going to be dealt with quickly by the criminal justice system.
“We’ve already seen sentences of up to three years handed down, people now facing the inside of a prison cell because of the appalling way in which they’ve conducted themselves in recent days.
“But also we’ll continue to make those additional officers available and where there are communities with particular fears – I was in Bristol for example yesterday talking to Muslim community leaders – we will make sure that we make protection available to those communities as well. It’s hugely important.”