Riot sentencing of boy, 12, adjourned as mum in Ibiza

Disorder broke out in Manchester on 3 August

The sentencing of a 12-year-old boy who admitted taking part in two separate episodes of disorder in Manchester has been adjourned because his mother went on holiday to Ibiza.

District Judge Joanne Hirst told the youth court hearing the boy had played "a greater part in the recent disorder than any adult I have seen".

She said she was "frankly astonished" that the boy's parent had gone on a five-day holiday and was not prepared to proceed without her present.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had earlier admitted taking part in rioting in Manchester on 31 July and throwing a missile at a police van in Manchester city centre on 3 August.

Widespread disorder broke out in towns and cities across England in August, following the Southport knife attack in which three young girls were killed.

During the hearing at Manchester Magistrates' Court, Judge Hirst was told the boy's mother had gone away on Sunday and was due to fly back to the UK on Thursday.

The judge said the court had not been notified until only days ago, and that she intended to issue a parental summons to compel her to come to court when he is eventually sentenced.

Widespread disorder broke out in towns and cities across England in August

The boy will now be sentenced for two counts of violent disorder on 11 September.

The youngster, who was accompanied to court by his uncle, had earlier admitted being part of a mob that attacked a bus outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on 31 July.

Days later on 3 August, in Manchester city centre, he was part of a group filmed kicking the windows of a vape shop and throwing a missile at a police van.

Judge Hirst thanked the boy's uncle for attending the hearing.

She said: "One day before the hearing we find out the mum has gone on holiday and is not with her son who played a greater part in the recent civil disorder than any adult or child I've seen coming through these courts.

"I will require a full explanation from mum on her decision to go on holiday one day before her 12-year-old son comes to court facing a potential custodial sentence."

The judge went on: “This is a serious situation, it has now deteriorated in my view because of the actions of the mother.

“She is on notice, I will be challenging her about this decision.”

Addressing the boy as she adjourned sentencing, the judge said: "Boys like you need their mums in their lives. I need your mum here."

Additional reporting by PA Media