Protesters arrested for first time over far-right disorder in Southport and Liverpool

Three men were the first to be arrested over the Porto Sul and Liverpool riots in between continued unrest throughout England and Northern Ireland.

In the longest prison sentence to date for far-right disorder, Derek Drummond, 58, was sentenced to three years in prison after punching a police officer during the riot that broke out in Southport following the fatal knife attack on three girls in the town on 29 July.

Drummond, of Pool Street, Liverpool, has previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, after punching a police officer in the face and later being seen dismantling a wall and throwing bricks at police near the Southport mosque.

He was one of three men arrested in Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday – alongside Declan Geiran and Liam James Riley, who were sentenced to 30 and 20 months in prison respectively after Geiran tried to burn down a police van and Riley threw rocks and bricks at police.

Riley, of Walton Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool, and Geiran, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following riots in Liverpool city center, with Geiran also admitting arson of a police vehicle.

Commenting on the trio’s sentences, District Attorney Jonathan Egan said: “The three men sentenced today are the tip of the iceberg and just the beginning of what will be a very painful process for many who foolishly chose to engage in violent unrest. Many of those involved will be sent to prison for a long period.”

In a post on X, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “This is the swift action we are taking. If you provoke violent disorder on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law.”

Deputy Chief Constable Paul White added: “I hope the speed at which the wheels of justice have turned makes it abundantly clear to anyone considering getting involved in disorder that they could end up in a prison cell soon afterwards.”

Prosecutor Christopher Taylor said Drummond was among 1,000 people who gathered for several hours on St Luke’s Road. Around 50 police officers were injured in clashes with protesters, causing damage to police vehicles, residential properties and the mosque. The group’s chants included “England until I die”, the court heard.

Body worn footage of PC Thomas Ball showed the defendant approaching the cordon and saying ‘s*** houses, s*** houses’. Drummond was told to go back and then punched Pc Ball in the face.

About 30 minutes later, Drummond faced officers again and began trying to break through another cordon.

After a public appeal, the defendant handed himself in to the police and said he was “a fool”.

Lionel Greig, defending Drummond, said the defendant – who had 14 previous convictions, including offenses of violence – had lost his job since the incident and wished to further apologize to the police for his conduct towards them.

Other suspects are expected to appear in court in connection with the widespread violent disorder on Wednesday.

The court appearances come as police prepare for more than 100 protests across the country tonight as far-right groups attack immigration services, The Independent he understands.

Officers also expect more than 30 counter-protests as 6,000 riot officers prepare for another night of potential unrest.

Following the verdict of Drummond, ACC White said: “Drummond took to the streets of a city still reeling from the devastating news that three children were killed in a dance class. He engaged in destructive and threatening behavior that inflicted fear and destruction on a grieving and shocked area.

“We have deployed police officers to the area to protect the public. They showed immense courage in the face of terrible aggression, and Drummond chose to attack them. They were officers whose colleagues had only a day earlier faced unspeakably tragic scenes on Hart Street while tending to victims and arresting a man later accused of murdering three children.

“Drummond’s disgusting behavior that day put him right where he belongs – in a prison cell. He deprived himself of his freedom and left his family to count the cost of his actions.”

Following Geiran’s sentencing, ACC White said: “Officers were sent to Liverpool city center after hundreds of people gathered at Pier Head and began moving through the city throwing stones and assaulting police officers, damaging property and bringing fear to people. of all ages visiting our city.

“Not only did Geiran engage in this despicable behavior, he was also seen trying to set fire to a police van. That van had to be taken off the road for repairs, leaving officers without a vehicle that is a vital part of their ability to respond to incidents and protect the public.”

Following Riley’s sentencing, ACC White added: “Riley was heavily involved in the disorder that brought violence, fear and destruction to the streets of our city. This mayhem left police officers injured and families running for safety. It was stupid, reckless and downright shameful. Riley now has plenty of time in his prison cell to reflect on the impact of his actions.”