Three men have been sentenced for their involvement in subsequent riots in the wake of the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport protests.
The sentences, handed down by the Crown Court, come after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised swift and severe consequences for those involved in the unrest.
Who are the culprits of Southport protests?
Liam Riley, 41, from Kirkdale, admitted to charges of violent disorder and a racially aggravated public order offence that took place in Liverpool city centre on Saturday night. The court heard that Riley had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and was found carrying a poster stating, "This is our city." He has been sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Derek Drummond, 58, from Southport, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker in Southport the day after the tragic incident. Drummond was part of a group of around 300 people who aggressively marched towards a mosque, chanting "this is our f***ing country." He received a three-year prison sentence.
Declan Geiran, 29, from Liverpool, admitted to charges of violent disorder and arson. Geiran was captured on CCTV setting a police van on fire in Liverpool city centre and was found with three lighters upon his arrest. He was sentenced to a total of 30 months—28 months for the riot-related charges and an additional two months for sending threatening messages to a woman.
Judge Andrew Menary KC remarked that "every decent member of the community affected by these events will have been appalled, horrified and deeply disturbed about what had taken place in their neighborhood."
UK PM Starmer on Southport rioters
Prime Minister Starmer expressed hope that these sentences will send a "powerful message" to anyone considering participating in future unrest, as police brace for potential further disturbances across the country.
