Rioters who were involved in violent acts across the country have faced expedited court cases to serve as a warning to others that they will face consequences if they engage in such behavior. Some individuals have been imprisoned for targeting mosques, immigration centers, and other community buildings amidst misinformation surrounding the Southport knife attack.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, former director of public prosecutions during the London 2011 riots, has labeled the rioters as “far-right thugs” and assured that they will experience the full extent of the law. Here are the individuals who have been incarcerated thus far:
Derek Drummond, 58
Drummond, from Liverpool, was given the lengthiest sentence among those convicted for their roles in the riots. He received three years in prison after admitting to striking PC Thomas Ball in the face in Southport during an attack on a mosque, as well as participating in violent disorder. Drummond was present outside the mosque in Merseyside when a group of approximately 300 people began marching towards it in an aggressive manner, shouting, “This is our f***ing country.” The court heard that police officers at the scene had to retreat as they were at risk of being overwhelmed, while protesters continued to advance, shouting, “England till I die.” PC Ball was trying to safeguard his colleagues as they donned riot gear, but Drummond insulted them and punched the officer in the face. Drummond later turned himself in to the authorities, expressing his deep regret for his actions.
Declan Geiran, 29
From Liverpool, Geiran was imprisoned for two-and-a-half years after confessing to violent disorder and setting a police van ablaze in Liverpool city center. He was discovered with three lighters and seen on CCTV igniting the van with a group of people. Geiran had several prior convictions for various offenses.
Liam James Riley, 41
Riley, from Kirkdale, was sentenced to a year and eight months following a guilty plea for violent disorder and a racially aggravated public order offense. He was part of a crowd that was throwing rocks and bricks, breaking at least one shop window in Liverpool city center. Riley was found with a poster that read, “this is Allah’s city” and made derogatory remarks towards police officers when apprehended.
Adam Wharton, 28
Wharton, along with his brother Ellis, was arrested near Spellow Lane library in Walton and was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison for being involved in an attack on the community hub. Wharton had 16 prior convictions for various offenses, including theft and burglary.
Ellis Wharton, 22
Adam Wharton’s younger brother, Ellis, was caught by police inside the library with stolen goods. He received an 11-month prison sentence for burglary with intent and assaulting a police officer during his arrest.
William Nelson Morgan, 69
A semi-retired welder, Morgan was given two years and eight months in prison after admitting to violent disorder and possession of a weapon in Liverpool. Morgan, who had no prior convictions, was part of a group that caused chaos by setting fires and throwing objects at local businesses and the library.
John O’Malley, 43
O’Malley was handed a two-year and eight-month sentence after pleading guilty to violent disorder outside a mosque in Southport. Despite claiming that he was not directly involved in any criminal acts, the judge deemed his actions as contributing to the disorder.
Steven Mailen, 54
Mailen was sentenced to two years and two months in prison for his involvement in violent disorder in Hartlepool. He was described as one of the main instigators of the violence in the town that day.
Ryan Sheers, 29
Sheers, who was bitten by a police dog during the disorder in Hartlepool, was also given two years and two months in prison for pleading guilty to violent disorder.
Lucas Ormond Skeaping, 29
Ormond Skeaping received an 18-month prison sentence after being captured on Go Pro footage engaging in violent behavior in Plymouth city center.
Daniel McGuire, 45
McGuire was handed a two-year and two-month prison sentence for spitting at a police officer and participating in violent disorder in Plymouth.
Michael Williams, 51
Williams was involved in violent disorder in Plymouth, where he kicked a man, threw rocks and bottles at police, and made derogatory remarks. He was imprisoned for two years and eight months.
Guy Sullivan, 43
Sullivan was sentenced to 16 months in prison after admitting to violent disorder and burglary during the disorder in Plymouth.
In total, nearly 500 individuals have been arrested and 150 charged across the UK since the outbreak of violence in Southport on July 30th. Such swift legal action sends a strong message that violent behavior will not be tolerated in society.
