Teenager accused of encouraging rioting in TikTok livestream
A teenager accused of encouraging violence and damage while live-streaming a Darlington riot on TikTok has appeared in court.
Brandon Welch, 18, accepts filming some of the disorder as bricks were thrown at police near a mosque in the town in County Durham on Monday.
But he denies being involved in the violence, Teesside magistrates court heard on Wednesday.
Welch, of Warkworth Way, Darlington, has been charged with violent disorder and was remanded in custody until an appearance at Teesside crown court on August 28.
The court heard Welch is also accused of making plans to be involved in further disorder and is alleged to have been part of a Snapchat conversation called "Riots".
The case against the teenager came amid a flood of criminal charges being brought against suspected rioters.
At Liverpool crown court on Wednesday, three men were jailed for involvement in violent disorder in Merseyside.
Derek Drummond, 58, was sentenced to three years in prison for punching a police officer and throwing a brick towards police lines.
Declan Geiran, 29, received a two-and-a-half year sentence for setting fire to a police van, while Liam Riley, 40, was jailed for 20 months after racially abusing officers.
Leeds resident Jordan Parlour, 28, is facing a prison term after he admitted making Facebook posts between 1 and 5 August with the intention of sparking tensions.
He has admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words and is set to be sentenced at Leeds crown court on Friday.
On Wednesday, the Crown Prosecution Service announced the latest defendants to be charged, including some accused of online activities.
Aaron Johnson, 33, of North Reddish, Stockport, who is accused of stirring up racial hatred over an alleged recording made outside a hotel in Stockport on Monday.
Julie Sweeney, 53, is due to appear at Warrington magistrates court on Wednesday to face a charge of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, the CPS said.