Boy, 15, appears in court charged with riot

Widespread disorder broke out in Sunderland on 2 August

A teenager, who was the first person in England to be charged with riot following the recent disorder, has appeared before magistrates.

The 15-year-old boy had previously admitted a charge of violent disorder and burglary of a vape shop following widespread trouble in Sunderland on 2 August.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service later announced he would be charged with the more serious offence of riot, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The Sunderland youth, who cannot be identified due to his age, entered no plea to that charge at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court and was remanded ahead of a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

During the 10-minute hearing, District Judge Zoe Passfield said the teenager would appear alongside adults charged with riot on 13 September or 1 October.