A group of eight men have been sentenced following violent disorder at a hotel that was accommodating asylum seekers in Knowsley, Merseyside. A large group had gathered outside the Suites Hotel and rocks and fireworks were thrown at the police. The protest turned violent, damaging several police vehicles and setting a police carrier van on fire, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. Police officers were injured, and one required hospital treatment. The incident occurred in February of last year.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Brian McPadden, 61, was sentenced to three years and six months in jail for his role in the disorder. Thomas Mills, 47, was sentenced to two years and eight months, while Paul Lafferty, 42, received the same sentence. Jonjo O’Donoghue, 21, of Liverpool, was sentenced to three years and six months in a young offenders institution. Former British Army soldier Liam Jones was sentenced to 27 months and John Tippler, 59, was jailed for two years. Warren Cullen, who was on a community order at the time of the protest, was sentenced to 20 months. Harry Boynton was given a 16-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of unpaid work.
While these eight men had admitted being present on the night of the protest, they had denied violent disorder. However, the judge found them guilty of the charge. Senior prosecutor David Jones stated that the protest was not peaceful and descended into violence and hostility, most of it directed towards the police who had to use all their protective gear to protect themselves. He added that the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in law, but this protest descended into criminality.
Following the sentencing, Jones said it was important for residents to know that behaviour like this would meet with the full force of the law. The disorder was shocking for many in the local community, and it is essential that they have assurances that such behaviour will not be tolerated
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