Judge tells of 'unpleasant threats' after riot sentencing

Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC pictured during a live broadcast from Liverpool Crown Court

A judge who jailed some of those involved in violent disorder following the Southport stabbings says threats have been made against him and his family.

The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said he had received "some pretty unpleasant threats" after the sentencing of some of those involved in the riots in Merseyside - one of which was broadcast live.

"The odd dodgy package has arrived at the court containing threats towards me. But that, I'm afraid, goes with the territory of the job," said Judge Menary.

He was speaking at a National 999 Day service in Liverpool, dedicated to those who responded to riots in Merseyside.

He said the reaction had been "overwhelmingly positive" but there had been "some twits online who have posted all sorts of daft things about me".

Judge Menary told emergency workers a decision had been made to accelerate sentencing hearings for those involved not because of "political pressure", but because a quick response was needed for a "deterrent effect".

He also spoke about "some quite funny posts online", including one posted on X following the broadcast, saying: "Judge Menary should consider a side hustle in audiobook narration."

Judge Menary said so far in Liverpool there had been sentences for over 50 people who were involved in violent disorder.

The disorder broke out in Southport and later spread to Liverpool and across the country after the knife attack in which Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed on 29 July.

Thanking those working in the emergency services, the judge said: "It's been a busy few weeks but nothing compared to the pressure that so many of you and your colleagues have experienced and regularly experience day in and day out."