Man threw 14 bottles at police officers then said it wasn't him

A man hurled 14 bottles at police before casually walking away from the scene, but tried to run when officers came knocking at his door two weeks later. Andrew Jackson became embroiled within violent scenes which unfolded in Southport following the fatal stabbings of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice Da Silva Aguiar.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Tuesday, that the incident on the evening of July 30 lasted for several hours, with around 50 police officers being injured and damage caused to vehicles, residents' property and a mosque on St Luke's Road which was "the focus of the violence". The 41-year-old defendant, of Ramford Street in St Helens, was one member of a crowd of around 1,000 who gathered in the area at around 8pm.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, described how Jackson was seen on CCTV filming the disorder before taking bottles from a wheelie bin in an alleyway and launching them towards PCs and force vehicles. He was captured on the footage throwing a total of 14 missiles over the course of several minutes before walking away from the scene.

Officers subsequently arrested him at his home address on August 12 after he had "initially tried to run". A quantity of cannabis "consistent with personal use" was also seized from the property.

Under interview, Jackson "denied being any part of the violent disorder". He has a total of 26 previous convictions for 51 offences dating back to 1999 and including possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, theft, motoring matters and breaching court orders.

Julian Nutter, defending, told the court: "Of course, it is wholly reprehensible behaviour. His anger appeared to be directed at the police. The police were not shown to be injured or their equipment damaged by what he did. In real terms, while his character can hardly be described as being good, this sort of reprehensible behaviour is out of character."

Jackson admitted violent disorder and possession of cannabis. Appearing in the dock with a shaved head and sporting a grey Berghaus t-shirt, he was jailed for 32 months.

Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: "Following the tragic events which took place in Southport on the 29th of July this year, serious disorder in the form of vandalism, intimidation and violence which was motivated by religious and racial hatred spread across Merseyside and the UK. There is an overwhelming obligation on the courts to do what they can to ensure the protection of the public.

"Consequently, those who choose to participate in disturbances of the magnitude that have occurred recently - causing injury, damage and fear to law abiding members of the community - must expect to receive severe sentences, intended both to punish them and deter others. This particular incident is made all the more serious by the fact that it took place soon after and nearby to the events of the previous day, undoubtedly adding to the distress already felt by the local community."