Man jailed for three years following violent disorder in Southport

A man from Southport who threw bricks at officers, climbed on top of a police carrier and took a riot shield from the vehicle has been jailed for three years.

Joseph Corey, 20, of St Thomas More Drive, in Birkdale, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to the shocking scenes on Tuesday 30 July and he was sentenced today, Friday 27 September.

Officers analysed various footage and were able to identify Corey at the forefront of a large group of people who threw missiles at officers in Southport.

He then kicked a police carrier several times, climbed on top of the vehicle and continued to throw missiles. After jumping down from the vehicle, he then opened the side door and took a riot shield.

He made a concerted effort to cover his face during his actions, but footage later shows him fleeing the area and removing his face covering and hood, which clearly identified him.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “Corey’s appalling actions were one of the worst examples of violent disorder that we have witnessed in Southport.

“Not only did he throw bricks at officers, but he also took it upon himself to climb on top of a police carrier and then took a riot shield from the vehicle.

“Corey clearly tried to hide his identity throughout all of this, but let his guard slip when fleeing the area and we were able to identify him.

“We continue to locate more people who took part in the disorder in Merseyside and we will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts.” First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.