Harsh sentences for rioters. Britain’s oldest rioter has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after tossing bricks at cops and wielding a bat during last week’s violence.
William Morgan, 69, was one of dozens of violent rioters across the UK jailed today as cops cracked down on a week of carnage.
Britain erupted into rioting after three young girls were stabbed to death in Southport. Violence rapidly spread as false rumours were shared online the killer was an illegal immigrant.
Some 400 people have since been arrested, with more than 100 charged as thugs appear in court today to be sentenced.
Ryan Sheers, 29, was bitten by a police dog that pulled down his shorts during rioting in Hartlepool. He has now been locked up for two years and two months.
And, Daniel McGuire, 45, who spat at police officers while on TV, was today sentenced to 32-months at Plymouth Crown Court.
The UK’s oldest rioter, retired welder Morgan, was arrested during rioting that saw a public library burned down in Liverpool on Saturday night.
Sentencing Morgan to 32 months, Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary said: “You are 69 years of age now, but your advancing years did not stop you from taking part.”
He pleaded guilty on Monday.
The court heard Morgan told police a wooden cosh he was holding was “for his own protection” after he was arrested.
Prosecutor Christopher Taylor said the thug dropped the weapon as he was charged by multiple officers, before “kicking out and swearing” as they tried to handcuff him on the floor.
As fireworks were shot at cops in the background, Morgan yelled: “I’m gonna die here. I’m English, I’m English.
“Get off me. I’m f***ing 70 years of age.
“F*** off, you c***, f*** off. You’re gonna kill me.”
An officer then asks: “Why are you here, why are you in a riot man?”
Morgan replies: “I’m trying to go home. F***s sake. I appreciate what you’re doing.”
He then told officers he was in the area “because I live here”, adding: “You don’t know what I have been through. I’ve been pepper sprayed.”
