13-Year-Old Admits Violent Disorder Amid Tears, Receives Referral Order

A 13-year-old boy, who had thrown a traffic cone at a police vehicle during the unrest this past summer, received a 12-month youth referral order. With tears running down his face, he assured the judge that he would “never be bad again.” The 13-year-old, whose identity is protected by law, was additionally captured on CCTV footage holding a hammer in Hull city centre on August 3. Earlier, at Hull Magistrates’ Court, which was convened as a youth court, the teenager, accompanied by his parents, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He did so while crying profusely and being consoled by his mother. Judge Mark Daley acknowledged during the plea hearing that the boy’s actions were not premeditated to cause trouble. Widespread violence erupted in numerous towns and cities throughout England after the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in Southport, Merseyside, on July 29. In Hull specifically, a hotel became a target, police personnel faced attacks with projectiles, stores were looted, and vehicles were damaged and set on fire as a protest escalated into tumultuous disorder. Prosecutor Emily Robinson informed the court that the boy was part of a large group and had thrown the traffic cone at a police car, which was stationary on Ferensway. The cone landed just before striking the vehicle. Court-presented footage showed the youngster moving through a crowd of individuals carrying the cone before throwing it. The group, which featured John Honey, later imprisoned for his involvement in the riot, was repeatedly assailing the police vehicle. The judge was informed that the 13-year-old observed a hammer on a bench and picked it up, stating he was “not knowing what to do with it.” In mitigation, solicitor Craig Davie stated that his client had not used the hammer to threaten anyone and expressed profound regret for his conduct. Mr. Davie added that the boy’s involvement was minor, and he acknowledged that he should not have participated. Mr. Davie further commented, “At the time he didn’t think of the consequences but only afterwards did he realise how serious it was and the impact of it.” He continued, “He attended town with a friend and it took him by surprise. He allowed himself to get involved.” According to Mr. Davie, the boy’s actions have caused him apprehension regarding their future implications. As he issued the referral order, Judge Daley clarified to the boy his rationale for not imposing a custodial sentence. Judge Daley stated, “A lot of people went into town to cause trouble but I don’t think you were one of them.” Immediately preceding the sentencing, the boy’s father remarked to the judge, “This has given him a kick up the bum.” The child, while wiping his tear-streaked face, then added, “I’m never gonna do anything bad again.”