Three teenagers sentenced for violence at protests

The three teenagers were sentenced after a hearing at Plymouth Youth Court

Three teenagers who took part in violent disorder in Plymouth city centre last month have been handed referral orders by a court.

A referral order deals with young people between 10 and 17 years old who have appeared in court for the first time and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Plymouth Youth Court heard one of the teenagers, a 16-year-old girl, had thrown a vodka bottle at police and made a Nazi salute after a series of incidents across the UK on 5 August.

District Judge Jo Matson described their behaviour as "violent thuggery".

Prosecutor Lewis Aldous told the court the 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named due to her age, threw a vodka bottle which hit a police officer in the chest but did not injure him.

He said the girl made a Nazi salute but told probation staff she did not know what it meant.

She admitted violent disorder but had never been in trouble before.

She told the judge she felt "bad" for what she had done, and said: "It was really childish and I am sorry.

"I was drunk. it was heat of the moment, I got caught up in it."

The judge said the Nazi salute was a "horrific symbol of racism" and is a "highly offensive sign".

She explained an immediate custodial sentence would have a detrimental effect on her and imposed a 12-month referral order which included a three month curfew.

Referral orders can include terms to repair any damage caused, making financial recompense, or interventions and activities to address their offending behaviour.

'Wouldn't do again'

A 17-year-old male also admitted violent disorder, and was filmed being aggressive to police and chanting "we want our country back" as he was surrounded by hooded and masked men.

The youth put up his middle finger to police and counter demonstrators.

He told the judge: "It's something I should not have done. It is one of those things I wouldn't do again."

He was sentenced to a referral order and a three month curfew.

'Horrendous incident'

Another 17-year-old male admitted violent disorder after he threw a road cone and a vape at anti-fascism demonstrators in Plymouth city centre.

He cried as he told the judge he was "petrified" of being jailed.

He said: "I went to have a look and got myself in trouble. I was so silly."

The judge said he took part in a "horrendous incident of violent thuggery".

She imposed a nine month referral order with reparations and restorative conditions.

The judge told all three: "Don't let there be a repeat of anything like this."