Yahoo News The thug who 'attended vigil to lay flowers' but will now miss baby's birth
A father-to-be is set to miss the birth of his first child after being handed an 18-month prison sentence for his role in violent riots that erupted following a vigil in Southport. Dylan Carey, 26, was seen by his pregnant partner Natasha Keenan breaking down in tears in the public gallery as Liverpool Crown Court delivered his sentence for admitting violent disorder.
The court heard how Carey had travelled with Keenan to Merseyside on July 30 to pay respects, laying flowers and lighting candles in memory of three girls tragically killed at a dance class the day before. However, what began as a peaceful vigil descended into chaos involving around 1,000 individuals, with violence directed at a local mosque, spurred on by false rumours spread via social media.
During the mayhem, chants such as "who the f*** is Allah? " and "this is our f****** country" rang out as police officers were bombarded with missiles while they tried to stop the crowd from advancing towards the mosque. The prosecution presented CCTV evidence showing Carey, dressed in black shorts, a grey T-shirt, and a black cap, attacking a police van with flying kicks and throwing objects including a bottle and a tin of paint at the vehicle.
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On Monday, prosecutor Nardeen Nemat revealed that CCTV and mobile phone footage of the incident was swiftly shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, and other social media platforms. A police officer at Southport railway station viewed the footage and stopped Carey around an hour later at 9.05pm as he strolled past with his girlfriend and father.
The defendant informed the officer that he was present during the disturbance but denied any involvement. He was arrested at his homer in Wigan on August 5 and when subsequently interviewed, he stated he was at the vigil when he noticed a notice for a 'peaceful' protest about the stabbing attack, reports the ECHO.
He attended and as missiles were launched, the crowd's anger escalated, the court was told, and Carey also "grew angrier" and began throwing items himself. Ms Nemat stated: "He said he decided to go to his pregnant girlfriend and leave once a concrete slab had been thrown."
Colin Buckle, defending, urged the judge to consider a suspended prison sentence, arguing that Carey's first time in custody since his guilty plea last week had already acted as a deterrent.
He stated: "This was wholly out of character and unexpected. His family and partner cannot comprehend why he behaved in this manner. He said his intention was not to travel to Southport with criminal intent. He became involved, he was not forced to be involved.
"The mood began to change and others behaved in a disgraceful way. He joined in. Only he knows why he did that. It has been his first time in custody. The defendant told me this morning through teary eyes that he has never been so frightened in his life.
"He has been in three separate cells with three serving prisoners, all who clearly realise he is quite vulnerable. For the defendant, the deterrent has worked because he has never been in this situation before.
"He cannot believe he has gone from being a hardworking family man to sitting before the Crown Court. For the defendant and his family it is an unmitigated disaster. If your honour returns him to custody he will miss the birth of his child.
"His girlfriend desperately needs the support of the defendant. He has been a rock to her, although of course she has lost him by his own hand and behaviour. I submit that the case can fall in the suspendable range."
Judge Dennis Watson KC disagreed and told the defendant, who had no previous convictions: "You were an active and persistent participant. Those who choose to take part in mob violence can expect to receive significant sentences.
"The violence which was directed at the mosque and its community was racially aggravated. Violence was also directed at the police who were performing a difficult and dangerous task. The appropriate sentence can only be achieved by immediate custody."
Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: “The arrests, charges and sentencing of those involved in Merseyside disorder continues this week and Carey is the latest person to find himself behind bars for his appalling actions.
“Carey chose to travel from his home in Manchester to Southport and took part in violent scenes in a town that was still reeling from the horrific murders the previous day. The actions of those who took part in the disorder not only seriously injured officers, but also caused harm and fear in an already devastated community.
“The sentencing results we have seen so far for disorder shows how seriously the courts take this matter. Carey now finds himself at the beginning of an 18 month jail term. If you are thinking of taking part in any planned disorder, ask yourself, is it worth it?”
