First adult in England charged with riot

The Sunderland man was charged following disorder in the city

A man has become the first adult in England to be charged with riot following violent disturbances in Sunderland.

Kieran Usher, 32, from the Hendon area of the city, was remanded in custody after appearing at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Rioting is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison - double that of a charge of violent disorder.

A 15-year-old boy was also charged with the offence on Thursday, in relation to unrest which broke out on 2 August.

Prosecutors told the court Mr Usher had acted in an "aggressive manner" towards police officers and threw missiles at them during the riot on 2 August.

He had allegedly gestured towards officers and crowds in the city centre in order to "encourage violence".

District Judge Zoe Passfield said a series of video clips played to the courtroom showed the defendant had a willingness to engage in "large scale disorder".

He is due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court next Friday and will be remanded in custody until then.

Ten years' imprisonment

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a statement that Mr Usher was among a number of people expected to be charged with riot in relation to violent disorder across the country.

While he is the first adult in England to be charged, three men and a boy from Northern Ireland were charged with riot at the weekend.

Unrest, fuelled by misinformation relating to anti-immigration sentiments on social media, spread around the country following the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport on 29 July.

Additional reporting by PA Media.