Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
More far-right rioters received lengthy jail terms on Thursday as the prime minister announced another emergency meeting to prepare for possible unrest.
Rioters sentenced included a pensioner and a man who claimed a stone he was carrying during disorder in Plymouth was a “healing stone”, as courts across England hold fast-tracked hearings to deal with those involved in the past week’s violence.
Ministers are hoping “swift justice” can help dissuade would-be rioters and prevent further disorder after a feared wave of violence on Wednesday night failed to materialise.
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, said on Thursday that potential rioters were “defeated” by a “show of force” from the police and a “show of unity from communities”, after anti-riot rallies were held across the country in locations that had expected far-right gatherings.
Sir Keir Starmer will chair a Cobra emergency response meeting on Thursday afternoon to “reflect on last night” and plan for the days ahead.
Starmer warned it was “important we don’t let up” as he told broadcasters he would summon police chiefs and other senior figures to review plans to grip the unrest in coming days. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson earlier said there was “further intelligence of events during the next few days”.
Those jailed on Thursday include William Nelson-Morgan, 69, who received a 32-month sentence after he admitted charges of violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon — a small wooden truncheon — in Liverpool.
Handing down the sentence at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Andrew Menary KC told him it was “very sad indeed to see someone of your age and character” in the dock.
John O’Malley, 43, also received a 32-month jail term after he took part in disorder near a mosque in Southport last week. Menary said he was part of a “baying mob”.
In Plymouth, Michael Williams, 51, received a 32-month term after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He was found with a stone in his possession, although he did not throw it. Judge Robert Linford told him that this his explanation the item was a “healing stone” was “ridiculous”.
“Thugs like you descended on this city and ran amok,” Linford said.
“The word’s going to go out from this court . . . If you come here and you do this you are going inside, and you are going inside for a considerable period of time.”
Credit: Source link