Riot hotel staff feared for their safety, court told

Protesters and police clashed outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on 4 August

Hotel staff were left fearing for their safety as rioters broke into the building, a court has heard.

Major public disorder unfolded at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham on 4 August, where around 200 asylum seekers were housed at the time.

At Sheffield Crown Court earlier, Billy Pemberton, Michael Whitehead and Dylan White, became the latest people to be jailed following the unrest.

A victim impact statement read out during the hearing detailed how terrified staff barricaded doors with freezers to try and keep the mob out.

The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, was told how staff had become aware of a planned protest and had put "contingency plans" in place which included identifying panic rooms.

People began to gather outside the hotel at around 11:00 BST with the situation deteriorating and becoming more violent as the day progressed.

Dozens of police officers were injured as rocks, fence posts and other missiles were thrown and hotel staff hid in the kitchen area using furniture and freezers to create a barrier.

Stephanie Hollis, prosecuting the case of Whitehead, said: "Protesters gained entry into the hotel, throwing things at the door.

"If it had not been for the freezers they would’ve gotten access.

"Staff were panicking and crying, they were in fear for their safety. They feared if protesters gained access they would be physically harmed."

One of the hotel managers, who is 60, told the court in a statement that since the incident he had "felt at the edge of a nervous breakdown" and no longer felt safe outside.

He said: "What happened was shocking but I can't help but think what could’ve happened."

Michael Whitehead was captured chanting at the mob outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers

Among the crowd of around 400 people were Pemberton, Whitehead and White.

Whitehead, 27, was captured chanting and shouting "let's go mental" and "we want our country back".

He also made racist comments and told a police officer "you are not fit to wear the badge".

Whitehead, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for two years and eight months.

Judge Richardson told Whitehead his conduct that day had been "comprehensively shameful".

Billy Pemberton had his head in his hands as he was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court

While Pemberton, 31, did not involve himself directly in any violence, he "encouraged others" to participate, the court heard.

The painter and decorator of Rosehill Road in Rawmarsh, who had pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was jailed for two years and four months.

Dylan White, 48, took part in an attack on a police van on the 4 August.

Footage showed the self-employed businessman rocking the vehicle "vigorously" from side to side with the help of others.

He later pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Dylan White sobbed as he was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

The court heard White had previous convictions but had more recently "turned your life around" and was the owner of a successful scaffolding business.

White, of The Farmstead, Bolton Upon Dearne, sobbed as he appeared via video link from HMP Lincoln as he was told of the "anguish" he had visited upon his family and business partner.

Jailing him for two years, Judge Richardson said he could not comprehend why the father of 16-year-old twins would involve himself in public disorder.

"It was shameful on your part and you have caused a comprehensive disaster for your family and your business," he told the defendant.

"There is no point blaming the court or anyone else - you are to blame."

All three defendants were also made subject of a criminal behaviour order.

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