Woman denies buying eggs for rioters to pelt police

Barbara Barker is accused of buying items to be used as missiles against police

A woman has denied buying eggs and water for protesters to throw at police during a riot outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.

At Manchester Magistrates' Court, Barbara Barker, 52, of Tyndall Avenue in Manchester, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder during unrest on Oldham Road, in Newton Heath, on 31 July.

Prosecutor Suzanne Ludlow alleged Ms Barker was a "willing participant" who "aided and abetted the riots" by buying eggs and water from a nearby shop for protesters.

The 52-year-old had "no reason" to believe the eggs would be "used in any unlawful purpose", her defence lawyer John Black said.

He told the court his client went to the area because she was "nosey" and was not present when "violence occurred".

Ms Barker was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 3 September for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Meanwhile, at the same court, a 25-year-old man has been convicted of throwing bottles at police outside the hotel in Newton Heath.

Dane Freeman, of Timson Street in Failsworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was remanded in custody to appear on 20 August at Manchester Crown Court.

Prosecutor Suzanne Ludlow said Freeman was "seen to throw bottles towards police" and "smash bricks up" in footage of the 31 July disorder.