Barnsley man appears in court charged with driving pick-up truck to Rotherham protest

Pieces of wood and other debris were allegedly taken out of the truck by rioters and thrown at police

The scene outside the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday
Author: Rosanna Robins Published 7th Aug 2024
Last updated 7th Aug 2024

A Barnsley man has been remanded into custody after appearing in court charged in connection with the violent disorder seen in Rotherham on Sunday.

Jake Turton, 38, from Darfield appeared at Sheffield Magistrates Court accused of driving a Ford Ranger pick-up truck to the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, from which those involved in the disorder allegedly took wood and other debris to use as weapons against the police.

District Judge James Gould heard how the whole alleged incident was caught on video by a police helicopter.

The defendant, who was wearing a blue t-shirt and grey track-suit bottoms, denied violent disorder, taking a vehicle without consent and having no insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 20th August/

As he left the dock one of his supporters in court shouted "keep it up" and Turton replied "see you in a bit, lads", with a thumbs-up sign.

Several other people have also been arrested following the disorder in Rotherham, including two boys aged 16 and 17.