Shaun Doran jailed for ‘incitement to violence’ in Sunderland

Shaun Doran, 48, was among those arrested on the night of riot-like scenes that unfolded in Sunderland on Friday 2 August.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that he had not even taken part in the organised protest but was in a city centre pub having a drink when police arrived to clear the premises because of rapidly rising tensions outside.

Prosecutor Omar Ahmad said Doran had been identified as someone who appeared to have attempted to provoke unlawful violence.

(Image: Northumbria Police/North News)

He was seen in the city centre wearing a Sunderland football shirt, denim jacket and jeans and confronting the police line, then picking up bottles and throwing them into a bin, which was later pushed by others in the direction of the police officers.

Mr Ahmad said Doran could be heard shouting “come on, damn it”, goading police and urging others to come forward.

Some of the others began throwing projectiles at the police.

He then approached the police line and someone was heard shouting, “Go on, son,” and he was arrested.

Mr Ahmad said some of the officers involved in his arrest were subsequently attacked with further rockets.

As the evening progressed, numerous shops, a police headquarters and a citizens' advice centre were damaged and looted. Several police vehicles were damaged and four officers were injured, some of whom have not yet returned to duty.

Doran, of Villette Road, Sunderland, denied there had been any violent disorder but admitted threatening and abusive behaviour. The prosecution accepted these pleas as they reflected his behaviour on the night.

(Image: Northumbria Police)

The court learned that he had been in custody since his arrest and the subsequent first court hearing.

Chris Knox, defending, said that although the defendant's role in the events of that evening was relatively limited, he nevertheless had to accept that they were “part of a bigger picture”.

“His previous convictions in connection with any form of violence are old and date back to the last century.

“He's a man who could really use some guidance and help.

“He has been in custody for four weeks now.

“As soon as the prosecution presented a video and he viewed it, he received advice that led him to act on it and make his confession the way he did.

“He wasn’t even at the demonstration that evening, but in a pub that was being evacuated.

“The police cleared the bars for obvious reasons, so there was no suspicion that he was out to cause trouble.

“He was not violent towards people or property.

“He admitted to making threats and causing unrest in a disorderly situation.”

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Judge Tim Gittins said Doran was present during the riots in Sunderland but accepted he had no involvement in planning the events.

“As has happened in other cities, you have brought shame on the city of Sunderland and the shirt you wore.

“Without the slightest justifiable reason, you participated in what turned out to be an orgy of senseless destruction and disorder.”

Judge Gittins said the action had had a “terrible impact” on police and businesses in the city centre.

He told Doran: “Even though your conduct falls short of that of some others, you were nevertheless at the forefront of provoking and intimidating the police.”

The judge said the defendant tried to downplay his role by claiming he was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.

“It is clear that you deliberately participated in the public unrest, although you could and should have left the area.

“It was part of an ongoing incident and your conduct spanned a long period of time.

“It was part of a group action,” and the judge acknowledged that this was “untypical in recent times.”

The judge imposed a prison sentence of three months and said that, given the time already served on remand, the defendant would probably be released in the next few days or weeks.

Click here to see more crime stories from The Northern Echo.

Get more from the Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get 3 months' access for just £3. Click here.

* In a separate case arising from events in Sunderland in the late afternoon and evening of 2 August, Brian Gilby, aged 27, of Hendon Burn Avenue, Sunderland, pleaded not guilty to a charge of rioting but admitted violent disorder.

The case was adjourned for trial, but no date has been set because he may be joined by other defendants facing similar sedition charges.

Judge Gittins ordered that the defendant remain in custody and appear for a further brief hearing on 8 November, which will take place via a video link between the prison and the court.