Two men from Wigan have been sentenced to a total of four years and ten months in prison for their involvement in violent disorder in Southport on 30 July. The men were filmed throwing bricks, bottles, and other objects at police officers during the chaos.
Paul Harrison, 30, of Warrington Road, Wigan, used a St. George’s flag in an attempt to conceal his identity as he hurled a wheelie bin, bottles, and bricks at officers. Harrison appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (9 September) and was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Jordan Gibson, 33, of Whelley, Wigan, was seen goading police officers, dismantling a wall to throw more bricks, and damaging police vehicles. He also appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Their sentences bring the total number of individuals jailed for their roles in the Southport and Liverpool disorder to 45, with combined sentences totalling 99-and-a-half years.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts condemned the actions of the two men, saying, “The despicable actions of both men, who travelled to Southport intent on causing mayhem and destruction, have landed them both in prison. Their decision that day has cost them dearly but, more importantly, their actions and those of others left a town in shock and fear, and left more than 50 officers injured.”
Roberts also praised the community for coming together to restore the town, adding, “I hope the fact so many of those who brought such awful scenes to Southport are being jailed reassures those who suffered most at their hands and sends a very strong message to anyone who would consider bringing disorder to our streets.”
Merseyside Police have continued to investigate the incident, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and mobile phone recordings to identify more people involved in the violence. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact them via the Public Portal or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
This case highlights the efforts of law enforcement to ensure justice is served and order is restored in the wake of public disorder.
