More jail sentences for those involved in riots in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough
A man who tried but failed to set fire to a wheelie bin which was pushed towards riot police during disorder in Middlesbrough has been jailed for 26 months.
A man who tried but failed to set fire to a wheelie bin which was pushed towards riot police during disorder in Middlesbrough has been jailed for 26 months.
Michael Stevenson, 34, of Newport Road, Middlesbrough, was later recognised by a police officer who watched YouTube footage of the widespread trouble in the town on August 4.
The defendant could be seen trying to set fire to rubbish in a large wheelie bin which he then helped push towards police lines.
When he was arrested four days later, Stevenson said he had been visited at his home by police five years earlier and he had "acted in retaliation for that", said Rachel Masters, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court.
He admitted a single count of violent disorder and Judge Francis Laird KC sentenced him to 26 months, saying: "You chose to take part in an organised and large-scale act of public disorder."
Gary Wood, defending, said Stevenson was isolated from other people, had mental issues and will find prison very hard.
Meanwhile, A 22-year-old electrician who threw a brick at police during disorder in Hartlepool was jailed for 18 months.
Declan Dixon, of Salisbury Avenue, Hindley, Wigan, was seen on video footage picking up a missile and throwing it at police in riot gear on the night of July 31 after a protest grew violent.
When he was arrested 11 days later, sitting in a BMW, he was found to be in possession of a small amount of cocaine, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said Dixon was working on Teesside at the time and he told police he was present that night "out of curiosity".
He admitted violent disorder and possessing cocaine and Judge Francis Laird KC jailed him for 18 months, saying: "Your behaviour, and the behaviour of others around you, was disgraceful."
Gary Wood, defending, said Dixon was immature, had no previous convictions and had now lost his ÂŁ1,600-a-month apprenticeship.
The judge accepted the defendant came from a "loving family" and added: "It is very difficult to understand how you came to be involved with a violent mob."