Barbara Barker, 52, of Tyndall Avenue, Moston, has pleaded not guilty to charges of violent disorder at Manchester Crown Court. Barker is accused of buying eggs that were later thrown by protesters during unrest outside an asylum seeker hotel in Newton Heath, Manchester, on 31 July, following the Southport knife attacks. She has been bailed and is set to appear for a further hearing in November, with her trial scheduled for 13 February next year.
Sentences Handed Down for Violent Disorder
Meanwhile, Scott Chadwick, 34, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for violent disorder in Manchester city centre on 3 August. Chadwick, who is homeless, was found guilty of stealing alcohol from a Sainsbury’s supermarket and attempting to loot a vape shop during a riot. Judge Nicholas Dean KC condemned his actions as “loutish, looting behaviour” unrelated to protest or politics, reflecting a “mob mentality.”
Christopher Beard, 33, from Wigan, received a two-year and eight-month sentence after pleading guilty to violent disorder in Southport on 30 July. Beard, described as having a “maniacal grin,” was seen building a bonfire and throwing objects at police.
Further Convictions Across England
Courts across England have also been dealing with cases related to violence following the Southport attack. In the North East, Jordan Rawlings from Durham was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison for shouting racist abuse at police during a protest near Downing Street on 31 July. In Bristol, a 15-year-old boy, the first youth to be imprisoned over the recent unrest, was sentenced to four months in youth detention for participating in clashes during an anti-immigration march on 3 August.
These sentences reflect the ongoing legal response to the disorder and highlight the serious consequences of engaging in violent and disruptive behaviour.
