Man who brought dog to hotel riot faces prison

A total of 64 police officers were injured during the violence in Manvers on 4 August

A man who was in charge of a dog used dangerously during a riot outside a Rotherham hotel has been warned he faces prison.

Christian Hemus admitted a charge of violent disorder following the unrest outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, where asylum seekers were staying, on 4 August.

Hemus, 35, of Clarney Place in Darfield, also pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog used dangerously in a public place.

Appearing via videolink at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday, Hemus was told his sentencing would be delayed to allow for an update on injuries suffered by police officers during the incident.

The dog involved remains in police-contracted kennels.

Addressing Hemus, Judge Jeremy Richardson said: "You will be going to prison, there is no doubt of that."

Judge Richardson described the case as an "unusual situation" and said he wanted to learn of the extent of any injuries caused to officers by the dog before sentencing Hemus.

The court was told 64 officers were hurt during the disorder outside the hotel, with three yet to return to duty.

Three police horses and one police dog were also injured, all of which are now back on duty.

Hemus will return to court for sentencing on 3 October.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.