Yahoo News Hull riot: Man hurled street signs and traffic cones at police during 12 hours of 'racist, hate-fuelled mob violence'
A troublemaker who was part of the frightening scenes of public disorder in Hull city centre hurled street signs and traffic cones at police during 12 hours of "racist, hate-fuelled mob violence".
Harvey France took part in "serious acts of violence" and it was only by pure good fortune that no police officers were hurt by the "multiple missiles" that he threw during the rowdy disturbances and racist chanting, Hull Crown Court heard.
France, 25, of Munstead Way, Welton, near Brough, admitted violent disorder on August 3.
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Jennifer Gatland, prosecuting, said that France was identified from CCTV pictures as being involved in large-scale public disorder in Hull city centre.
He was among a crowd outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway where asylum seekers were being housed at the time. Police formed a protective line outside the hotel and France was seen there at about 2pm.
He threw objects towards the police, including street signs and two traffic cones. A street sign hit one officer but he managed to deflect it away with his arm.
France went to the police on September 9 and identified himself as one of those who had been featured in a police press release. He made no comment to questions during police interview. He had no previous convictions.
Rachel Scott, mitigating, said that France was very well thought of and he was not someone who would be expected to be in a courtroom. "He is a man who won't return to the courtroom," said Miss Scott.
"This defendant, thankfully, didn't cause any injury but he could so easily have done. He shows a great deal of insight into his offending, particularly into how the officers must have felt."
France had worked in the same job for 10 years and, in that time, his boss had never had any reason to discipline him. The job would still be open to him when he was released from custody and France would "get his head down" while serving his prison sentence for his "appalling" behaviour.
France had done charity work in the past, including running in marathons and boxing matches, and he hoped to do a triathlon for charity next year. There were references for him.
Judge John Thackray KC told France: "Your offending formed part of 12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence. You threw traffic cones. Due to good fortune, none of the traffic cones actually caused any injury.
"You were seen throwing multiple objects towards police, including traffic cones and street signs. You threw a traffic cone towards a police officer, who deflected it with his arm. Only good fortune prevented injury.
"You participated in serious acts of violence. The offending was motivated by hostility based on race. Fear and distress was caused to those communities that were targeted and they were frightened to go about their daily life.
"Ultimately, only appropriate punishment can be achieved by way of an immediate custodial sentence."
France, who had been in custody on remand, was jailed for 16 months.
