All behind bars: Builders, market workers and war veterans jailed for Hanley riots chaos.
Trouble exploded on Saturday, August 3, as hundreds flooded Hanley city centre. Protesters marched through the streets sparking violent clashes that saw a massive police response.
Riot police swarm Hanley
About 100 police officers, equipped with riot shields and dog units, scrambled to control the chaos. The protests kicked off at 11.30am but by 1.30pm violence broke out near Darul Falah mosque on Town Road.
Groups opposing the protesters gathered around local mosques. Both sides were spotted carrying weapons. Police arrested scores connected to the unrest, which is still under investigation.
Anyone with info is urged to call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Who faced jail for Hanley riots?
Here’s a roundup of some rioters locked up for their roles:
- Ciaran Lockett & Deana Evans Lockett, 34, a scaffolder from Newcastle, chanted, blocked police and threw a bottle. He got 32 months for violent disorder. Partner Evans, a 32-year-old warehouse worker, filmed and shouted abuse. She was jailed for 20 months after pleading guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker.
- Ashley Morris The dad of three was attacked during the riots and later jailed for 2½ years after throwing a brick near St John’s Church, planned to become a mosque. Morris lost his groundworker job and pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
- Andrew Townley The 45-year-old builder’s hi-vis shirt blew his cover. Claiming he was trying to get home, he was still jailed for 34 months for violent disorder and concurrent 8-months for assaulting an emergency worker after taunting police.
- Lee Whitby An Iraq war vet with PTSD, Whitby was caught on camera at the front lines of the clashes. The 41-year-old, with a history of 42 offences, got 26 months for violent disorder.
- Marcus Ramsden Ramsden, 22, spat at police during the mayhem and will miss his son’s first birthday locked up for 2 years after pleading guilty to violent disorder and assault.
- Ryan Perry Market worker Perry, 23, claimed he just stumbled on the riots. He was jailed for 22 months after assaulting officers and making obscene gestures near Salahuddin Mosque.
- Dominic Cartwright Dad Cartwright threw missiles and fought officers after a night shift. The 34-year-old was locked up for 28 months for violent disorder.
- Joseph Pointon A first-time buyer dragged into trouble, Pointon, 23, threw bricks and dismantled street fixtures. He was jailed 28 months for violent disorder.
- Lee Grocott Protesting ‘illegal immigration’, Grocott, 48, hurled missiles and shouted anti-Islamic slurs. He admits violent disorder and received 32 months behind bars.
- Jordan Jones Jones, 27, was caught on CCTV chucking bricks at police. Also convicted for cannabis possession, he was jailed for 26 months.
- James Watkins After battling addiction and homelessness, Watkins, 35, became involved in the riots. The dad-of-four got 3 years for violent disorder.
- Jarrod Hollinshead Homeless Hollinshead, 26, thought the chaos was a music parade with free beer. Instead, he threw bricks and cursed before being arrested. He faces 28 months inside.
Hanley District left reeling
The August 3 riots left Hanley shaken and dozens behind bars. From war veterans to market workers and desperate locals, the violent disorder saw communities divided and plans for a new mosque scarred by violence.
Despite jail sentences handed down, police continue to seek witnesses to piece together the full story of that chaotic day.
