Man jailed over 'disgraceful' Blackpool disorder

Shane Taaffe Rhodes admitted violent disorder

A man has been jailed for his role in the "disgraceful" disorder in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings.

A group of nearly 1,000 people were involved in unrest in Blackpool on 3 August, Lancashire Police said, with reports of widespread looting in Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Shane Taaffe Rhodes, of Lindale Gardens, Blackpool, was involved in disorder on the Promenade and later joined in an attack on JD Sports in the shopping centre, police said.

The 20-year-old, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder at an earlier hearing, was jailed at Preston Crown Court for 27 months.

Taaffe Rhodes was seen attempting to conceal his identity during the disorder by putting a face covering over the lower part of his face, police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Phil Davies said: "Taaffe Rhodes chose to play a part in the disgraceful scenes in Blackpool, and I welcome the custodial sentence passed on him.

"Violent disorder will not be tolerated in our county and we will bring those who take part in it to justice.

"Several people have been sent to prison for the disorder in Blackpool on 3 August, and more will be brought before the courts in the coming weeks and months."