Rioters arrested in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool

Since violent riots in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool earlier this month, dozens of suspected rioters have been arrested by police.

Troublemakers from all three cities were jailed by judges after admitting their role in the riots.

Mother of six children

A mother of six who threw a brick at police during a violent demonstration in Hartlepool has been sentenced to two years in prison as a judge described her behaviour as “truly scandalous”.

Donna Conniff was identified through surveillance and video footage of a demonstration on Murray Street on the evening of July 31. She was seen throwing a brick and a rock toward a line of police officers.

The 40-year-old, who was arrested on August 13, was dressed in black and wearing sunglasses and was seen handing a brick to a youth who threw it in the direction of police officers.

Donna Conniff (Image: Cleveland Police)

Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, was part of the crowd that rushed towards the officers and joined in the cheering as projectiles were thrown.

Martin Scarborough, defending Conniff, told Teesside Crown Court she came across the protest, which was announced on social media, “by chance” at around 6pm.

While acknowledging that Conniff, who had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was remorseful, Judge Francis Laird KC said a custodial sentence was the right course of action.

“During the riots, you were a prominent part of a group that threw projectiles at police officers. You were observed throwing a brick, giving a young boy a brick and encouraging him to throw it at the police officers.

“They extended their leg and kicked a police officer. During the riots, buildings were attacked, windows were smashed and shops and vehicles were damaged.

“Your behavior and the behavior of others around you was truly scandalous. You were a persistent participant and the disturbances took place in a busy residential area. Children were present.”

Conniff must serve no more than half of her 24-month sentence in custody before being eligible for parole.

Ex-soldier

A former soldier caught on video throwing a wooden plank and stones at police officers as violence broke out in Hartlepool has been identified by his conspicuous clothing.

Joel Bishop, who had never been in trouble before, was filmed attacking officers in the Lothian Road area of ​​the city while wearing a T-shirt with his name on the back.

The 27-year-old father of two was arrested as he returned home from his job as a truck driver across the country.

Teesside Crown Court heard that Bishop called officers “black wankers” as he repeatedly attacked them during the large-scale riots.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said police had secured three short footage showing Bishop walking toward police officers and then throwing wood and rocks at their riot shields.

Joel Bishop (Image: Cleveland Police)

Bishop, of Tweed Walk, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon – the board and stones – following the riots on July 31.

Rod Hunt said his client had a clean record during his five years of military service and had worked for all but one week of his adult life prior to his involvement in the riots.

Sentencing Bishop to 18 months in prison, Judge Francis Laird KC said: “I have viewed the footage of the incident, including what you did. Your behaviour and the behaviour of the people around you was scandalous.”

Brick thrower

An “immature” electrician picked up a brick and threw it at police during riots in Hartlepool when a planned protest march turned violent.

Declan Dixon, who was working in the area at the time of the unrest, was at the forefront of a group of people involved in a standoff with Cleveland police.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the 22-year-old was later arrested in possession of cocaine while driving a BMW in the Stockton area.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said: “The defendant appears to be part of a large group on the corner of Dent Street in Hartlepool. The group provoked an altercation with police officers in riot gear.

“You can see him walking towards the police cordon and throwing a brick at the officers.”

The court heard that Dixon had previously been of good repute and had worked as an apprentice electrician in the area.

Declan Dixon (Image: Cleveland Police)

Dixon, of Hindley, Wigan, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of cocaine.

Gary Wood, mitigating, said his client had lost his well-paying job as a result of his conviction after his behaviour on August 31 was marked by bravado and immaturity.

Judge Francis Laird KC sentenced Dixon to 18 months in prison for his “disgraceful” conduct.

“The footage shows you on the corner of Dent Street throwing a projectile at the police. You were identified from that footage. I have the footage of your behavior and it was scandalous,” he said.

“As a result of your arrest, you have lost your job and I understand that this may have a significant impact on your future career and employment prospects.”

Police complaint

A rioter who unsuccessfully attempted to set fire to an industrial barrel with wheels and then push it towards police officers was arrested.

Michael Stevenson is seen on video as a group of people confronted police as they marched through the streets of Middlesbrough.

The 34-year-old was caught trying unsuccessfully to light the red bin with his lighter, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said up to 1,000 people had gathered at the Cenotaph and then marched along Linthorpe Road towards the city centre before violence broke out.

The court heard that Stevenson only got involved because he had had trouble with the police several years previously.

A police officer heard Stevenson shouting abuse at her in an attempt to get her to walk towards Linthorpe Road.

Miss Masters said Stevenson was arrested four days later when he was being spoken to about a separate incident. The officer searched YouTube for footage of the riot and identified the accused.

The defendant, who constantly interrupted the trial, said that he had only been at the scene for about 20 minutes and then left the crime scene because he had injured his leg.

At some point he shouted: “I just saw red.”

Michael Stevenson (Image: Cleveland Police)

Stevenson, of Newport Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the riots on August 4.

Gary Wood, who mitigated the sentence, said his client had struggled with mental health issues throughout his life and pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

Judge Francis Laird KC sentenced Stevenson to two years and two months in prison for his role in the riots.

Main initiator

A Middlesbrough rioter who threw stones, bottles and debris at police officers after kicking and punching one of them has been branded an “instigator” of violent unrest.

Video footage shows Matthew Putson verbally abusing officers as protesters turned violent on their way to Middlesbrough city centre.

The 27-year-old was considered one of the main instigators of the violence before he climbed up a traffic light and became embroiled in a torrent of racist abuse.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said: “The defendant came to the attention of the officer because he was part of a group making racist comments. He then approached the officer and verbally abused them, including calling them sex offenders.”

“He appeared to be angry. While the officer continued to observe the defendant, he ran towards him and kicked him in the leg. Since the officer was wearing leg guards, he was not injured.

“The defendant then strikes the officer on the right hand and several other people grab the defendant and pull him away to prevent the officer from arresting him.”

Miss Masters said later in the day that Putson was observed throwing bricks and bottles at officers for about an hour, and the officer believed he was one of the main instigators of the violence.

Matthew Putson (Image: Cleveland Police)

Putson, of Palmer Street, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault on an emergency medical worker for his conduct on August 4 this year.

Gary Wood said in his mitigating comment that his client had spent most of his adult life behind bars.

Judge Francis Laird KC sentenced Putson to a total of two years and eight months for both offences.

“The group you were part of shouted insults about Asians. You cursed at police officers and then ran towards a police officer, kicked him in the legs and hit him on the hand,” he said.