2 more jailed in connection with violent disorder in Sunderland

Two men from Washington who hurled missiles and racial slurs at officers during the recent disorder in Sunderland have become the latest to be jailed

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 14th Aug 2024

Two men from Washington who hurled missiles and racial slurs at officers during the recent disorder in Sunderland have become the latest to be jailed.

Riley Adey and Reece Greenwood each pleaded guilty last Thursday to one count of violent disorder for their involvement in the scenes on Friday, August 2.

Footage from the scene showed Adey stood on top of an upturned vehicle which had been set alight, with the 19-year-old handing out bricks to the crowd, encouraging them to being thrown at officers.

Adey also attempted to injure two officers by launching a metal pole in their direction, requiring them to deflect it with shields.

Police image of Adey on top of an upturned vehicle which had been set alight

Footage also revealed Greenwood actively encouraging others to participate in the disorder before approaching the police line.

The 31-year-old then directed racial abuse at officers, calling on others to throw bricks at them.

Adey, of Heworth Crescent, Washington, and Greenwood, of The Gardens, Washington, both appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday.

Adey was jailed for two years, while Greenwood was sentenced to 30 months behind bars.

The pair have become the fifth and sixth individuals jailed for their involvement in the disgraceful disorder, and work from the Force’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) remains ongoing to bring all responsible before the courts.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is another fantastic and swift result, with Adey and Greenwood both quickly facing the consequences of their despicable actions.

“Both men put the safety of all others at risk in their own violent actions and their efforts to encourage others to participate in the shocking violence that took place.”

Det Ch Insp Barr added: “As a Force, we have zero tolerance for anyone who attempts to engage in this form of criminality.

“I hope these latest sentences – along with the other four who have been sentenced already – reassures communities that we will use every tactic at our disposal to identify all who participated in the disorder.”

Since August 2, those convicted are:

• Bradley Makin, 21, of Simonside Road, Springwell, Sunderland, jailed for two years after pleading guilty to violent disorder, possession of cocaine and possession of heroin.

• Leanne Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

• Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

• Andrew Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, jailed for two years and two months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

• Riley Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent, Washington, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder and is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 14.

• Reece Greenwood, 31, of The Gardens, Washington, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder and is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 14.

• Paul Williams, 45, of Esdale, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. He is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 15.

• Dean Groenewald, 32, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. He is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 15.

• Liam Doeg, 33, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. He is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 15.

• Philip Cawthorne, 38, of Southend Road, Sunderland, has pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. He is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 20.

• A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be name for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder and one count of burglary of a business. He will next appear at South Tyneside Youth Court on August 15.

• John Kirtley, 26, of Rutherglen Road, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. He is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 22.

• Jack Fowler, 24, of Beaumont Terrace, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder. He is due to appear for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 23.

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