Teen's attack 'racially motivated' during disorder - court

Disorder broke out in Liverpool after three children were killed in Southport

A teenager has admitted kicking a man in an attack during disorder that broke out in Liverpool city centre.

George Clements, from Egerton Street in New Brighton, pleaded guilty to committing affray in Church Street on 3 August after the court was shown footage of him assaulting a man.

The prosecution told the court Clements’ actions were racially motivated and caused serious fear or distress.

The 18-year-old was sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders institution but the punishment rose to two years, as he had breached the terms of a suspended sentence from May for motoring offences.

'No excuse'

Mobile phone footage showed him hitting a man's hand before kicking him and making an offensive gesture, while other members of the public tried to protect the victim and shouted “Stop it, get back” at Clements.

His defence said he did not have a leading role in the violence but was “a young fool acting in an aggressive way”.

Riots erupted nationwide following the Southport knife attacks, in which three young girls were killed.

The teenager’s defence said he was ashamed of his actions and that he had come from a hard-working family.

The defence said the 18-year-old was suffering from “mental torment” after a relative had been diagnosed with a serious illness, however Judge Cummings KC did not accept that it played a part, adding: “Nothing excuses your behaviour.”

The riot in Southport took place a few hours after a vigil in the town centre

The court also heard a man threw bricks at a police vehicle with an officer inside shortly after attending a peaceful vigil for the victims of the Southport knife attacks.

Tom Neblett, who is from the town, stood on top of a van while throwing items at police.

The 20-year-old admitted violent disorder at the riot that took place outside Southport Mosque.

The disorder followed the spread of false claims on social media, including that the knifeman was Muslim.

His defence said he was ashamed of his actions as he was sentenced to two years and six months in jail.

A police van and bins were set on fire during the disorder outside the town's mosque

Tony Hazlett, 46, from Bootle, also admitted violent disorder after footage showed him throwing two items at police in the riot.

Stuart Nolan, defending, said the father-of-six, who was jailed for two years and four months, offered his deep apologies to the residents of Southport and police.

Judge Watson KC said “It’s no exaggeration to say this was a pitched battle which lasted several hours.

“The effect of your actions will have encouraged others to become involved and to do likewise.”