Man jailed for trying to instigate riot

Harvey Gardner has been jailed for nine months after pleading guilty at Leeds Crown Court

A man has been jailed for nine months after admitting trying to instigate a "riot" in Huddersfield.

Harvey Gardner, 20, pleaded guilty to encouraging violent disorder after sharing posts on social media urging people to gather at the town's train station on 5 August, stating in one "it's not going to be peaceful".

Leeds Crown Court heard his posts had encouraged people to gather at the station, and, though the disorder did not materialise, police and businesses had to prepare for it.

Passing sentence on Gardner of Queens Way, Kirkburton, Judge Guy Kearl KC said his intention had been to “instigate and incite an incident”.

The court heard Gardener posted Facebook and X, formerly Twitter: "Riot in Huddersfield on Monday. Meet at the train station at 1pm. Everyone come show your support. It's not going to be peaceful."

He also tried to post the same message on a Facebook group called Huddersfield Community, but the moderator stopped him.

When he was arrested he said he had "the right to protest", it was said.

His barrister told the court Gardner had no previous offences and was "deeply regretful" over the fact he had "jumped on the bandwagon".

Passing sentence Judge Kearl said: "There can be no doubt you were inciting others to engage in violent disorder, otherwise why post the comments?

"No violent incident took place, but the effect of your posts was that local businesses and police had to cater for disorder.

"Your intention was to instigate and incite an incident involving serious violence."

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