A rioter who punched a police officer in the face during unrest in Southport has been sentenced to three years in prison. The court heard that 93 Merseyside police officers had been injured during the past eight days of unrest, with injuries ranging from broken jaws to lost teeth. Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy expressed disbelief that no officer had been killed, and many officers were left fearing for their safety.
The rioter, Derek Drummond, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. This is the longest prison sentence handed out so far for the far-right disorder in England and Northern Ireland. The unrest has led to widespread criticism and concern, with many calling for an end to the violence and divisiveness.
Conservative leader hopeful, Robert Jenrick, faced backlash for his comments suggesting that people shouting “Allahu Akbar” should be immediately arrested. Critics, including Conservative peer Sayeeda Warsi, Labour MP Naz Shah, and others, condemned his remarks as ignorant and Islamophobic. There was also criticism of the Sky News presenter who conducted the interview for not challenging Jenrick’s comments.
Elected mayors, including Tracy Brabin from West Yorkshire, have called for an end to the violent far-right riots, emphasizing the importance of protecting communities and rejecting division. In light of the ongoing unrest, environmental activists group Just Stop Oil has announced a pause in their campaigning actions to ensure police resources can focus on ensuring community safety. The focus now is on working with law enforcement to deliver swift and robust justice and provide a sense of safety and security for all residents in the region.
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