Couple jailed over Stoke-on-Trent violent disorder

Ciaran Lockett and Deana Evans have both been jailed for their involvement in the disorder

A man and his girlfriend have been jailed for their involvement in violent disorder that broke out in Stoke-on-Trent amid a wave of unrest in the UK.

Ciaran Lockett and Deana Evans, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday over the disturbances in Hanley on 3 August.

Lockett, 34, was given a 32-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to violent disorder in which he aimed projectiles towards a mosque.

Evans, 32, was jailed for 20 months after admitting violent disorder and common assault of an emergency worker.

The disorder came as riots and anti-immigration protests took place across the UK at the beginning of August.

The unrest followed the fatal stabbings of three girls in Southport in July, and was fuelled by false rumours online the suspect in the killings was Muslim and an asylum seeker.

Dylan Wagg, prosecuting, said Lockett played a leading role in the disorder, which involved shouting at police officers and trying to push through their lines.

He was then seen throwing rocks and missiles over police and towards a mosque in the centre of Hanley.

Both Lockett and his partner Evans were caught on CCTV being verbally abusive towards officers, Staffordshire Police said after sentencing.

The force added the pair were also seen stopping a police van that was trying to get through the crowds on blue lights.

The court heard Evans had elbowed an officer while she was being arrested at the couple’s home on 22 August.

Steve Hennessy, defending, said they both “deeply regretted” their actions.

The court was told they had previously been homeless and struggling with drugs but they had managed to get themselves clean.

Police were injured during the disorder in Hanley on 3 August

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison, of Staffordshire Police, said: “We’ve been working tirelessly to review all of the evidence available to identify those involved in the disorder and take decisive action.

“More arrests, charges and convictions will follow across Staffordshire as we continue to act on information from the public and put a stop to those who subjected our communities to senseless violence.”

Staffordshire Police has arrested 60 people and charged 25 in connection with the unrest in Hanley and also Tamworth.