Man encouraged violence that 'shames us all' - judge

Warren Gilchrest admitted his role in disorder in Manchester city centre

A man has been convicted of "encouraging violence" during large-scale disorder in Manchester city centre.

Warren Gilchrest, 52, of North Road, Manchester, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Jonathan Potter said a "large group of far-right protesters" had gathered in Piccadilly Gardens on 3 August where Gilchrest was "filming, goading the crowd and encouraging violence" and "actively encouraging others" to assault a man as well as making "numerous racist or racially aggravated comments".

District Judge Joanne Hirst told Gilchrest, who will be sentenced later this month, he was involved in disorder "which shames us all".

Mr Potter told the court Gilchrest made "numerous racist or racially aggravated comments" and was heard shouting "England, England, England – take it back".

After pleading guilty, Gilchrest told District Judge Joanne Hirst: "I’m guilty miss, but I’m not sure what it means."

The judge told Gilchrest that he had admitted being "involved in large-scale public disorder in Piccadilly Gardens which shames us all".

He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on 21 August.