UK riots: mother brings baby, others face court for violence
Mother with baby, knife carrier, and others sentenced for UK riot crimes
A mother pushing a pram, a man wearing a balaclava, and another who exposed himself to female police officers are the latest individuals to face court following widespread riots across the UK.
Nevey Smith, 21, from Oldham, brought her baby in a pushchair to a riot and was seen throwing liquid at police officers trying to maintain order in Newton Heath, Manchester, on July 31. Judge Patrick Field KC, who warned Smith she could still be jailed, released her on bail until her sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on September 23. Smith had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Hundreds have been charged after unrest erupted following the stabbing of three girls at a holiday club in Southport on July 29. False information about the alleged killer spread on social media is believed to have fuelled the violence.
Nevey Smith, who brought her baby in pushchair to a riot in Manchester, plead guilty to violent disorder and will be sentenced next week. The judge said she put her child at risk. pic.twitter.com/e7P1jBb28L
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) August 14, 2024
On Monday, Tom Sedbury, 29, appeared in court. He had brought a bag of knives to an anti-racism protest in Walthamstow, east London, on August 7. Sedbury told police he was on his way to a friend’s house and wore a balaclava to avoid being caught on camera due to his introverted nature. He admitted five counts of possessing knives and obstructing a police officer. His sentencing will take place at Inner London Crown Court on October 2.
Kelly Wildego, 41, from Greenwich, received a four-month suspended sentence for charging at police officers and hurling abuse during a demonstration in Whitehall. Inner London Crown Court heard that she had aggressively approached the police after most of the violence had subsided on July 31. Wildego, a full-time carer for her son, was given a suspended sentence for assaulting an emergency worker.
In Middlesbrough, a mother and daughter appeared in court charged with violent disorder. Grandmother Amanda Walton, 52, and Megan Davison, 24, were remanded in custody. Walton is accused of throwing a stone at a building and damaging a car wing mirror while walking her dog on August 4. Her daughter allegedly jumped on the roof of the same parked car. Both are set to appear before Teesside Crown Court on August 29.
Jake Wray, Davison’s partner, faced charges of violent disorder and arson with intent in a neighbouring courtroom. Wray, 23, is accused of stopping cars to inquire if the driver was white or English and setting a wheelie bin on fire during the Middlesbrough unrest.
Mother-of-six Donna Conniff, 40, was sentenced to two years for violent disorder after throwing bricks and rocks at officers in Hartlepool on July 31. Conniff was seen handing a brick to a boy and encouraging him to do the same, according to Judge Francis Laird KC, who condemned her actions as disgraceful.
Thomas Ward, 35, from Manchester, was jailed for 32 months after exposing himself to female police officers during riots in Manchester. He admitted violent disorder and exposure after joining a far-right demonstration on August 3. Ward was seen on social media footage stamping on fencing and throwing a plank of wood at officers. During his sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, it was revealed he deliberately targeted female officers, waving his penis at them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened during the rioting in the UK?
Widespread rioting occurred after false information spread about a stabbing incident at a holiday club in Southport.
Did Nevey Smith face jail time for her actions?
Nevey Smith could still face jail time; she was released on bail until her sentencing on September 23.
Why did Tom Sedbury bring knives to a protest?
Tom Sedbury claimed he brought knives because he was on his way to a friend’s house and kept his balaclava on for privacy.
What sentence did Kelly Wildego receive?
Kelly Wildego received a four-month suspended sentence for assaulting an emergency worker.
What were Amanda Walton and Megan Davison accused of?
Amanda Walton was accused of throwing a stone and damaging a car, while Megan Davison was accused of jumping on the car roof.
