Man jailed for throwing beer cans at police during riot outside asylum hotel

A man received a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for throwing beer cans from a crate at police officers during a riot that occurred in August. Tommy McQuaker, aged 29, from Amington, Tamworth, had previously admitted guilt to a charge of violent disorder. Surveillance footage showed him, wearing a hoodie and a balaclava, as a crowd assaulted police officers outside the Holiday Inn. This hotel accommodated approximately 100 asylum seekers within the town. The demonstration originated from the murder of three young girls in Southport and subsequent inaccurate information suggesting the perpetrator was an asylum seeker. Rajbir Punia, representing the prosecution, informed Stafford Crown Court that Mr. McQuaker was bitten and taken to the ground by a police dog after failing to comply with instructions to retreat. Ms. Punia stated that he was part of a group that advanced rapidly towards the officer and his dog, who were isolated and safeguarding the hotel’s side. The violent incident involved over 300 individuals. Christopher O’Gorman KC, acting for the defence, stated that Mr. McQuaker, who has no prior convictions, expressed profound regret for his “reprehensible and shocking behaviour”. His 15-year-old niece, who is presently undergoing treatment for cancer, submitted a letter to the judge. The letter emphasized their “close relationship” and mentioned that prior to his arrest, he had accompanied her to all her hospital appointments. Judge Jonathan Gosling acknowledged that Mr. McQuaker was not among the “ringleaders” and remarked that he perceived him as a “decent, loving and caring family man”. The judge further stated that his participation was “truly out of character” and had resulted in “terrible consequences” for his family. Mr. McQuaker had already spent three and a half months in custody on remand, and the judge informed him that he would be required to complete at least half of his sentence. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.