Faces of UK riots as protestors confronted court docket – from pink balaclava to canine chew

The UK has seen heavy disruption and anger on the streets as cities across the country have seen numerous protests take place.

Protests were first sparked by the stabbing of three girls at a Taylor Swift event in Southport.

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, all lost their lives and several others were injured following the attack on July 29.

Misinformation was rife on social media, wrongly suggesting the suspect was from a Muslim background.

The results saw protests in Southport following a vigil for the girls that led to a mosque being damaged.

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana was later charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Despite the false rumours on social media, protests grew to other areas of the country, resulting in chaotic and violent scenes in the likes of Sunderland, Bolton, Liverpool, Hull, Plymouth and more.

Police made hundreds of arrests and many are now being seen in court.

Pink balaclava-wearing teen

James Nelson, 18, was spotted smashing several cars but what gave him away was his distinctive headwear.

The teen was wearing a pink balaclava and has since become one of the first jailed for causing damage in Bolton’s Morrisons car park on Sunday (August 4).

At Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Nelson was jailed for two months after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage and ordered to pay nearly £5,000 in compensation.

During proceedings, defending solicitor Gabriella Black said: “He accepts he was involved in this violence. He brought a pink balaclava, though he was clearly identified by witnesses.

“He was not thinking properly, he was immature and naïve to the gravity of the consequences of the offences he committed.”

Liam Powell of Hendon Court, Buckshaw Village, in Chorley, was given a 12-month community order which will be in place until August 2025.

Powell also pleaded guilty to being in possession of cocaine during the disorder on Sunday in Bolton.

‘Drunk and angry’

In Sunderland, Leanne Hodgson, 43, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

She was caught on camera pushing a large bin towards a police line during the riots on Friday (August 2).

Hodgson denied being involved in the original protest but admitted to being “drunk and angry” when the pub she was in closed and joined in the disruption.

Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, Andrew Smith, 41, of High Street East in Sunderland, also admitted the same offence.

Bradley Makin became the fourth person convicted in court over the attacks. He appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside today (August 6) and pleaded guilty to violent disorder, as well as possession of cocaine and heroin.

The 21-year-old was remanded in custody until he is due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on August 9.

‘Nice one lad’

Adam Wharton, 28 and of Selwyn Street, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court after he was charged with burglary in relation to serious disorder on Saturday night.

He was remanded in custody after pleading guilty and is due to be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on August 29. He was heard saying “nice one lad” as he was taken down to the cells.

Adam Wharton’s brother Ellis Wharton, 22, of Selwyn Street, Liverpool, also pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court to burglary other than dwelling, with intent to steal, at Spellow Library on County Road in Walton.

He pleaded not guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker, a police officer.

Ellis Wharton was remanded in custody to Liverpool Crown Court on August 29.

Bitten by a dog

Ryan Sheers, 28, of Powlett Street, admitted a single charge of violent disorder during a series of hearings for seven defendants at Teesside Magistrates’ Court over incidents in Hartlepool.

Sheers was reported to have wept during the hearing as the court heard he was then bitten on the hip by a police dog.

Sheers, who has no previous convictions, was granted bail and is due to appear before Teesside Crown Court for sentencing on September 2.

He was asked why he pleaded guilty and Sheers replied: “Wrong place, wrong time, sir.”

Many others arrested during disruptions will also be appearing in court during the next few days as fresh protests are expected to be held.

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