Four men involved in a night of disorder in Harehills, Leeds, which included arson attacks and violent offending, have been sentenced to significant jail time. West Yorkshire Police welcomed the sentencing of the men today (Tuesday, 1st October), with three of them jailed for an arson attack that destroyed a First bus.
Iustin Dobre (37), Mark Mitchell (34), and Milan Zamostny (30), all from Leeds, were convicted of violent disorder and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered for their role in attacking a First Bus on Foundry Approach, Harehills, on July 18th.
Dobre, of Clifton Mount, was sentenced to six years in prison, while Mitchell of Strathmore View and Zamostny of Seaforth Road received sentences of six years and five years and four months, respectively.
A fourth man, Celan Valentin Palaghia (21), of Dorset Mount, was jailed for three years for violent disorder and setting fire to boxes and furniture during the unrest on July 18th.
All four men had admitted to the offences during previous court hearings and were remanded in custody before their sentencing.
West Yorkshire Police has stated that it continues its investigation into the July 18th and 19th disorder, which caused significant distress to residents in the Harehills area. Officers have made extensive use of technological tools, including CCTV and facial recognition, which helped identify Dobre. So far, 41 people have been arrested in connection with the offences, with five charged.
Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds, District Commander of Leeds District Police, said: “The disorder which took place in Harehills earlier this summer was shameful. It saw these men and others engage in disgraceful acts that harmed the very communities in which they lived.
All were remanded in prison custody before their sentencing, and we welcome the decision by the court to jail them today.
The events of July 18th and 19th shocked residents, and we made it clear at the time that a major investigation would be launched to identify and prosecute those responsible. These four convictions are evidence of that, and I can promise that our investigation into other offences that night is ongoing.
Investigators continue to use sophisticated technology such as the facial recognition system used by officers to identify Iustin Dobre.
Chief Superintendent Dodds also highlighted the positive work being done in the community, saying, “It should be stressed the disorder in Harehills did not reflect the views of the majority of residents there. It also should not detract from the months of work carried out with those residents to substantially reduce crime in the Harehills area through an ongoing Clear Hold Build programme.
That positive work carried out through Clear Hold Build and other local initiatives continues, and I want to thank communities for continuing to engage positively with us. I also continue to urge anyone with information that could assist our investigation into the July disorder to come forward. It is not too late to speak with us, and I can promise that all information is assessed.
The Clear Hold Build programme and other community initiatives continue to foster positive relationships between police and the Harehills community while working towards reducing crime.
