Mum fined for teenage son's part in riot tells judge 'he'll be paying me back'

A mum told her teenage son, "you'll be paying that back" as she was ordered to pay compensation for his part in violence that flared in the wake of the Southport stabbings. The 13 year old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, got involved in disorder outside a Newton Heath hotel where asylum seekers were believed to have been housed.

He was part of a large group of adults and other children who hurled objects at the hotel and at police during the incident on July 31. It came as misinformation spread online following the deaths of three young girls in Southport.

Yesterday, Tuesday September 17, Manchester Magistrates' Court, sitting as a youth court, heard the cases of two more children who had been involved in the disorder. Peter Williams, prosecuting, said a 'hostile crowd' gathered, with items including eggs, bottles and bricks thrown, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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The 13 year old was seen taunting officers, trying to grab their hats and 'questioning them', before throwing an egg at the hotel. Mr Williams continued: "At one stage the police had to escort asylum seekers into the hotel. They were being targeted by the group who were throwing items."

The prosecutor described the situation as a 'volatile atmosphere'. Lucy Astley, representing the 13 year old, said: "He explained to me that he joined in with others. He has expressed remorse. He doesn't necessarily understand the reason he was there."

As the judge inquired if he felt sorry, the boy's mum expressed her disbelief: "I didn't expect it from him, judge." District Judge Margaret McCormack then questioned the teen: "What made you go down there? ".

He said: "I was walking past." The judge continued: "You know what you were doing was wrong?" To which he replied, "I know and I won't do it again,".

He received a 12-month referral order, and his mum was instructed to compensate a bus driver who had been attacked during the violence, with an order to pay £150. She assured the court her son would be paying her back, telling him, "You will be working it off."

Also appearing in court, a second youth aged 14, stood before the judge. He was seen throwing projectiles and kicking a bus. Subsequently the driver had to stop due to an assault, but this boy wasn't implicated in that.

The court learned the 14-year-old belonged to a cluster of youths taunting officers recording them on their phones, snatching at their headgear, and pestering them with questions like, "Why are you here? Give me your hat." Having viewed the footage, DJ McCormack praised the police, stating "The police are to be commended as well for all their hard work in identifying these thugs."

In commentary, Mr Williams remarked, "They showed remarkable restraint."

Tears flowed from the boy while his mum, shaking her head, dabbed at her tears. His representative, Ms Astley, attested to his supportive family environment, pointing out ongoing assessments for ADHD and 'moderate learning difficulties' he faces.

She continued: "His behaviour is inexcusable. He said he saw on Facebook there was a post in relation to the children who were killed, he doesn't understand. He tells me he has no racial prejudice views and he simply joined in. He is deeply ashamed by his actions and his mother is disgusted with his behaviour."

District Judge McCormack addressed the boy, saying: "I see a young lad who has dressed up for court, showing respect for the authority of this court. You did not show any respect for the authority of the police that day. What were you doing? ".

The boy said: "I just seen it - I got involved. I'm very sorry." His mum explained he had gone out with friends and didn't know he was there.

The judge remarked, "Your mum wants a son to be proud of," to which the woman affirmed, "One hundred percent," looking at her son. The youth was given a 12-month referral order, and his mum was told to pay £150 compensation to the bus driver.