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Three individuals involved in the rioting in Sunderland on Friday have pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder.
Defendants and Charges
Leanne Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, and Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, admitted their involvement at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. Andrew Smith, 41, of High Street East in Sunderland, also pleaded guilty to the same charge at Newcastle Crown Court. All three are scheduled to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court next month.
Incident Details
During the disturbance, Hodgson was caught on film pushing a large bin towards a line of police officers. She claimed she did not take part in the original march but became involved in the disorder after a night of drinking when the pub closed. The court heard that Hodgson was “very drunk and angry” and had a “long-running alcohol problem.
John Garside, prosecuting, described how a “large crowd” cheered and joined in as Hodgson pushed the bin at the officers. District Judge Zoe Passfield stated that Hodgson chose to involve herself in the riot, describing it as “large-scale mob violence which resulted in fear to the public and damage to local businesses.”
Other Charges
Kellett was identified by police through his “distinctive tattoos” despite wearing a balaclava during the riot. He was seen on video throwing a stone towards police officers while part of a large group. The district judge ruled that Kellett’s case was “too serious” for magistrates to handle, resulting in his remand in custody until sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, a 27-year-old man of no fixed address pleaded guilty to burglary after admitting to stealing vapes from a shop damaged during the riots but pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. A 48-year-old man and a 31-year-old man, both charged with violent disorder, did not enter a plea and were remanded in custody for hearings at Newcastle Crown Court on 2 September.
Community Impact
Police Statement
Det Ch Insp Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s major investigation team, condemned the actions of the rioters: “All three individuals should be ashamed of their actions. We will continue to pursue every investigative avenue in order to bring justice against those involved, and further activity is planned.
