Rioter had Sunday lunch then cycled to asylum hotel

Graham Harper cycled from Darfield to Manvers to take part in the riot

A rioter cooked Sunday lunch before cycling to the scene of major public disorder in Rotherham, a court has heard.

Footage captured Graham Harper, 43, throwing bins at officers and pushing against their riot shields outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on 4 August.

At one point he appeared to be holding a police riot shield and waving it "in encouragement" to other rioters, Sheffield Crown Court was told.

The labourer of Henry Street, Darfield, who was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison was one of three rioters to be jailed earlier.

Judge Sarah Wright heard how on the day of the unrest Harper had cycled to Manvers from his home after reading about it on social media.

About 400 people gathered outside the hotel, which at the time housed about 200 asylum seekers, before setting fires and smashing their way into the building.

Richard Adams, defending, said: "[Harper] hadn’t attended the demonstration as such in its outset.

"He prioritised cooking himself his Sunday dinner when he became aware of the demonstration."

Mr Adams said this was his client's first crown court appearance and he felt "considerable shame" over his actions.

Luke Fowler said he was horrified to learn the riot at Manvers was racist in nature

Sentenced at the same court was Luke Fowler, 38, who was captured on video throwing missiles at officers and carrying a large piece of plywood towards one of the fires set near the hotel.

Jessica Lister, prosecuting, said police confirmed that particular piece of wood had been added to the fire, but said there was no footage to prove it was the defendant's doing.

Michael Cane-Soothill, for the defendant, said Fowler had initially driven to Manvers to go fishing with his family before becoming embroiled in the unrest.

He said Fowler had been "absolutely horrified" to learn it was racist in nature.

"He is not some white supremacist and he is certainly not a racist," Mr Cane-Soothill said.

Fowler, of Margaret Close, Darfield, Barnsley, was jailed for two years and eight months for violent disorder.

Tomas Arnold was filmed kicking a police officer during the riot in Manvers, Rotherham

Tomas Arnold, 19, also appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday.

Arnold, of Cypress Road in Barnsley, had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating of an emergency worker.

During the hearing, the court was shown footage of Arnold kicking an officer, before repeatedly kicking out at others.

Ms Lister, said Arnold had arrived at the scene "by chance" and had denied any political or racial motivation during subsequent police interviews.

Mr Cane-Soothill said his client had no explanation or excuse for his actions which had been "out-of-character".

Arnold, who spent his 19th birthday in police custody, had no previous convictions and had worked as a roofer and warehouse officer.

He was sentenced to two years and two months detention in a young offenders institution.

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