Sunderland man jailed for throwing fencing and beer at police during riots
A 45 year old man who threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police during the rioting in Sunderland has been jailed for 2 years and 2 months today.
Last updated 16th Aug 2024
A 45 year old man who threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police during the rioting in Sunderland has been jailed for 2 years and 2 months today.
The court heard how Paul Williams, from Esdale, Sunderland took off his shirt and ran at the line of police riot shields in the city centre on August the 2nd.
Newcastle Crown Court was shown video of Williams, of Esdale, Sunderland, acting aggressively towards lines of police during the widespread disorder.
The court heard how Williams shouted "put your shields down and let's go, let's f** go" and took his shirt off as he squared up to police, running at the line of riot shields.
Sophie Allinson, defending, said her client had not been aware of any protest and had gone into Sunderland city centre to collect takeaway food after a spot of gardening in the sun.
Ms Allinson said her client's "moment of madness" was down to having drunk eight cans of lager and pointed out that, earlier in the afternoon, he had been chatting with police officers, sharing his disgust at the mayhem which was escalating.
She said it was "utterly bizarre" that he then "changed his behaviour in the most disgraceful fashion", becoming the "front-runner" of the mob.
The barrister said her client, who admitted violent disorder, has no political opinions around immigration and was "entirely unaware of the basis of what started this".
Judge Paul Sloan KC said Williams was part of "an orgy of mindless destruction, violence and disorder".
He noted that the defendant's behaviour appeared to spur on the rest of the mob, saying it was "clearly inflaming the situation the square", especially after he removed his shirt.
The judge rejected Ms Allinson's submissions that her client's prison sentenced should be suspended due to the caring responsibilities he has for his son.
Meanwhile, The sentencing hearing of a 33-year-old man in relation to disorder in Sunderland has been adjourned while prosecutors consider whether he should face the more serious charge of riot.
Liam Doeg, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, admitted violent disorder and burglary before magistrates in South Shields last week and was to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday.
However, Judge Paul Sloan KC agreed to a prosecution application to adjourn the matter while consideration is given to charging the defendant with riot.