Rioting teen who hurled bricks at Middlesbrough Chinese takeaway is freed after appeal

A teenager who hurled bricks at a Chinese takeaway during the Middlesbrough riot has been freed from prison after appealing his sentence.

Dylan Willis, 18, had his 14-month sentence suspended for two years by Court of Appeal judges on Thursday, after admitting violent disorder. The Hartlepool defendant was previously jailed for his role in Middlesbrough disorder on August 4.

Teesside Live previously reported Willis began throwing a missile at the Red Lantern’s window as hundreds filled the streets in Middlesbrough town centre. But when his first brick didn’t smash the eatery’s window he continued.

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Willis, who was wearing black sunglasses and a black t-shirt, was caught on police footage carrying a brick on Parliament Road. He threw the brick towards the window of the Red Lantern restaurant - but the “large window” didn’t smash.

However, Willis threw a further two missiles towards the windows and smashed the glass, Teesside Crown Court heard. Following the riot Cleveland Police launched a campaign to catch the culprits involved in the large scale disorder.

Willis of Masefield Road, handed himself in on August 19 and admitted his actions. Gary Wood, mitigating, stated that his client has “truly exceptional circumstances”.

Mr Wood added that the teen was “throwing bricks or rocks at a window” and caused damage. He told His Honour Judge Francis Laird KC that Willis did not throw missiles towards people or any police officers - and was “limited to causing damage”.

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