Man cries in court during sentencing for kicking female police officer to the ground in Hull
Connor Whiteley was also part of a group that targeted a garage, setting cars alight
A judge has encouraged prosecutors to consider charging offenders who played central roles in the recent disorder in parts of the UK with rioting, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The words of Judge John Thackray KC, the Recorder of Hull, came after a three-year prison term was handed to Connor Whiteley, who kicked a female police officer to the ground during riots in the city.
Whiteley, 26, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, after playing a "prominent role" in the "racist, hate-fuelled mob violence" that unfolded in the city on August 3rd.
Hull Crown Court heard he was at the front of a group confronting police who were trying to protect a hotel known to house asylum seekers, and was seen charging at officers.
Whiteley was also part of a group that targeted a garage, setting cars alight and threatening staff, who were forced to lock themselves inside.
Sentencing him on Wednesday, the judge said: "The prosecution do need to look, for those who are playing front and central roles, at the alternative charge of riot rather than violent disorder."
Violent disorder carries a maximum sentence of five years, and the maximum term for rioting is 10 years, according to sentencing guidelines.
At the same court, father-of-three Trevor Lloyd, 49, who was part of a mob that stormed the hotel, was also jailed for three years.