Kieran Usher, 32, from Sunderland has been sentenced to four years and four months in jail for his involvement in the riots on August 2nd. Usher is the first adult in England to be charged with riot following the widespread disorder in the area last month. Usher was filmed with a group of at least 20 people who rained down missiles on attending police officers in the city, the Crown Prosecution Service reported. Judge Gittings told Newcastle Crown Court Usher’s actions had brought “shame on the city of Sunderland and shame on the union flag he was wearing”.
The night of August 2nd saw hundreds of people involved in a night of violence. Police officers were repeatedly attacked, a building was set on fire, and businesses looted. Usher’s video footage showed him holding a phone in one hand and a can of lager in the other. Usher was also filmed throwing missiles at police officers while urging others to join in the violence. Four officers needed hospital treatment as a result of the attack.
Despite claiming that he did not associate with the far right and wore the flag to fit in with people, Usher pleaded guilty to the charge. In his sentencing, Judge Gittings said that right-thinking members of the community were left “shocked, distressed and in fear” by the violence they witnessed. He also took into account that Usher has learning difficulties and made full admissions to police, pleading guilty at the first opportunity.
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine has said that the cost of policing the riots ran to more than £1m. Northumbria Police reported that they plan to “hunt down” everyone whose activities can be identified in connection with the violent disorder. Usher is not the only person to be charged, and Northumbria Police have indicated that other individuals will be facing charges in the near future.
Follow BBC North East for more updates on this story and for information on sending story ideas to their team
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
