Apprentice jailed for targeting police during riot

Declan Dixon, 22, from the Wigan area, was jailed following riots in Hartlepool

A former apprentice electrician has been jailed following a riot in Hartlepool.

Declan Dixon, 22, from the Wigan area, was filmed hurling a missile at police lines on Wednesday 31 July.

He was in the North East due to his apprenticeship - a job he has subsequently lost.

Dixon was given an 18-month sentence at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine when he was arrested on 11 August in Stockton.

Unrest swept the country after false information spread about the man who fatally stabbed three young girls in Southport last month.

Judge Francis Laird KC told Dixon his behaviour on the night was "disgraceful".

More jailed

Meanwhile, Michael Stevenson, 34, from Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder in the town on Sunday 4 August.

He was filmed attempting to set fire to rubbish in a large wheelie bin, which was then pushed towards a line of police officers.

Stevenson was given a 26-month prison sentence by Judge Laird at Teesside Crown Court.

He will serve up to half of the sentence in custody before being released on licence.