Boy, 13, sentenced for role in Rotherham riot

Fireworks were thrown at police officers during the disorder in Manvers on 4 August

A 13-year-old boy who threw fireworks at police officers during rioting in Rotherham last month has been sentenced.

The boy, who cannot be named due to his age, also picked up stones and launched them towards riot police, Sheffield Youth Court heard.

It happened during large-scale violence outside the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers, which at the time was housing about 200 asylum seekers.

At a hearing on Wednesday, the boy was handed a 12-month referral order and ordered to pay a surcharge of £26 after earlier pleading guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

During the hearing, the court was told how police body cam footage showed the boy picking up a firework, lighting it and then throwing it at the line of officers.

Another clip showed him throwing stones at police on two occasions, which, according to the prosecution, revealed he was "clearly aiming" them.

The violence in Manvers on 4 August led to dozens of police officers being injured.

The court heard that during an interview with the probation service, the boy had said the incident was "exciting".

'Willingly took part'

Sentencing him, District Judge James Gould said the boy's participation in events on the day "was at the highest level".

"It must have been clear to you how serious the disorder had become," the judge said.

"You asked for a firework, you lit it, and used it as a missile. Whatever was in your reach, you threw at police officers, including numerous stones, and you willingly and enthusiastically took part in that disorder."

Also appearing at Sheffield Youth Court on Wednesday were two teenagers who both pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder relating to the riot in Rotherham.

A 16-year-old boy was told by District Judge Gould that his case would be heard at Barnsley Youth Court on 15 October.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy was told he would be brought back before Sheffield Youth Court on 2 October.

Both were released on conditional bail.

A pre-sentence report was requested by the judge and he told both boys: “All sentencing options remain open.”

A fourth youth, who previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder, had his sentence adjourned until 28 September.

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.