Dad forces police to 'fight for their lives' while targeting 'smaller female' officers in Rotherham asylum hotel attack

Undated handout photo issued by South Yorkshire Police of Kurt Hooley who has sentenced to two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court for his role in the violence outside a hotel housing hundreds of asylum seekers in Rotherham. Issue date: Tuesday September 10, 2024.
-Credit: (Image: South Yorkshire Police)


A father-of-two who tried to snatch a police riot shield during violent clashes outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham has been jailed.

Kurt Hooley, 34, was captured on the body-worn camera of a police officer as he aggressively confronted her and her fellow officers outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on August 4. Sheffield Crown Court was shown the footage on Tuesday, September 10, where a judge was told the incident was part of disorder involving about 400 individuals who surrounded the hotel, which was providing shelter to 240 asylum seekers.

During the chaos, some members of the crowd forced entry into the hotel and attempted to start a fire while 64 police officers, three police horses, and a police dog sustained injuries. Judge Sarah Wright was told that Hooley was among those hurling missiles at the police line and shouting insults, although there was no proof that he personally threw anything.

Read more: Smug faced brute waves police baton in riot brag as two more thugs jailed for Rotherham hotel attack

In a statement read to the court, the officer whose footage was shown to the court said: "I cannot describe or put into words how this incident has made me feel." Judge Wright said: "The fear and panic in the officer's voice can clearly be heard in the footage."

Additionally, the court heard from a high-ranking officer present during the incident who said: "It felt like we were fighting for our lives and the lives of the people in the hotel." He also mentioned his belief that the attackers were intentionally targeting smaller and female officers.

Rioters attack Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham -Credit:SWNS
Rioters attack Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham -Credit:SWNS

The court was told Hooley's partner, who was visibly distressed in the public gallery, is due to give birth to another child in October. The defendant, who has no fixed address, previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Judge Wright described the incident as "terrifying incident" and pointed out that Hooley was a key player. Hooley was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Read more: Moment evil Rotherham rioter blocks hotel exit with bin blaze

Richard Harrison, who knocked over a police officer holding a riot shield outside the hotel, was sentenced to two years and six months by the same judge on Tuesday. Prosecutor Neil Coxon stated that Harrison's push on the officer triggered further attacks from the crowd, including punches and assaults with an unidentified weapon.

The court viewed several video clips showing the father-of-three at various stages of the disorder, verbally abusing police officers behind their shields. Bianca Brasoveanu, defending, said her client felt "shamed" by his actions and added that alcohol has been a lifelong struggle for him.

Undated handout photo issued by South Yorkshire Police of Richard Harrison who has sentenced to two years and six months at Sheffield Crown Court for his role in the violence outside a hotel housing hundreds of asylum seekers in Rotherham. Issue date: Tuesday September 10, 2024.
Richard Harrison -Credit:South Yorkshire Police

Harrison, 37, from Ings Field Lane, Wath-Upon-Dearne, Rotherham, also admitted to violent disorder at a previous hearing. Four other men due to be sentenced for violent disorder at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday had their cases postponed for various reasons.

Daniel Kendall, 21, from Sandymount Road, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, will now be sentenced on September 23. Lee Marshall, 39, from Princess Street, Barnsley, will now face sentencing on September 17.

Mason Reddy, 24, from Victoria Street, Goldthorpe, Barnsley, is now set to be sentenced on September 19. Sonny Ackerman, 29, of Birkdale Drive, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, is due for sentencing on October 29.

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