Teenager who livestreamed mosque attack detained

Brandon Welch livestreamed his involvement in disorder on TikTok

A man who livestreamed and yelled encouragement to a gang intent on attacking a mosque during a night of disorder has been detained for 15 months.

Brandon Welch, 18, shouted racial slurs as he filmed the violence in Darlington on 5 August, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He was part of a group of 30 white men clashing with about 60 Asian men in the Gladstone Street area, the court heard.

Welch, of Warkworth Way in Darlington, admitted violent disorder.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said a social media post had been circulating during the day, encouraging anti-immigration protestors to gather in the area that night.

At about 21:30 BST, violence between the large groups broke out, with Durham Police officers attacked with missiles while trying to calm the situation and keep the groups apart.

Ms Masters said the white men were attempting to get to a mosque on North Lodge Terrace, but the Asian men were stopping them.

Welch livestreamed events on TikTok and, in between asking people to follow his account, shouted racial slurs at the opposing group, the court heard.

He also yelled support for the English Defence League (EDL) as well phrases including "go on lads" and "let the town burn", Ms Masters said.

'Serious violence'

Welch went on to shout abuse at police officers and encouraged a group to attack a car, with all of his activity captured on his own livestream, the court heard.

In a statement read to the court, Durham Police Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said the disorder had caused devastation to the community and cost the force more than £200,000.

In mitigation, John Nixon said Welsh knew he had acted in an "appalling way" and caused "great fear", but he was genuinely remorseful.

Judge Francis Laird KC said Welch's group were chanting "racist and far-right slogans" and carried out "serious acts of violence".

He said Welch was at the "forefront" of the disorder which had caused public outrage.

The judge said the attack was racially aggravated but mitigation for Welsh included his young age, immaturity, "chaotic home life" and previous good character.