Four Men Deny Violent Disorder Allegations During Middlesbrough Unrest Trial

A court has been informed that four individuals facing charges of involvement in violent disorder did not intend to participate in a “peaceful protest.” Kaleb Peacock-Lightfoot, 20, Joseph McKenzie, 28, Anthony Brown, 38, and Christopher Howard, 42, made an appearance at Teesside Crown Court, having previously entered not guilty pleas to multiple alleged offences in Middlesbrough. The unrest, which officers at the time characterized as “staggering,” originated from an afternoon protest at the town’s cenotaph on 4 August. The proceedings are anticipated to continue for a duration of five days. Rachel Masters, representing the prosecution, informed the jury that none of the defendants were present in the town with the intention to “engage in a peaceful protest.” Ms. Masters stated that Mr. McKenzie, residing at Skeldale Grove in Darlington, who is charged with violent disorder, was observed to “be at the forefront” of the disturbance, uttering expletives and launching projectiles at police officers. Surveillance camera footage, purportedly depicting Mr. McKenzie on Linthrope Road while the disorder progressed, was presented to the court. Jurors were informed by Ms. Masters that Mr. Brown, from Windsor Road in Middlesbrough, had assaulted a police officer deployed to the front line to assist in controlling the disturbance. He stands accused of one charge of violent disorder and an additional charge of assaulting an emergency worker. The allegation was made that Mr. Brown positioned himself in front of the officer and declined to move, subsequently picking up a bicycle that struck the officer’s shoulder. Furthermore, jurors heard that Mr. Peacock-Lightfoot, residing at Dixon Grove in Middlesbrough, was facing a charge of violent disorder, and that “actions prior to arrest were captured on CCTV.” Ms. Masters asserted that Mr. Peacock-Lightfoot was at the “forefront of the disorder and placed himself directly in front” of police personnel. She further stated that during a police interview, he “accepted having gone to the protest but stated he didn’t participate in any violence,” though she noted he was wearing a face covering. According to Ms. Masters, Mr. Peacock-Lightfoot informed police that he wore a face covering because “he knew people would be taking videos and he was a private person and didn’t want to be seen.” The fourth defendant, Mr. Howard, from Huntley Close in Middlesbrough, also faces an accusation of violent disorder, and Ms. Masters indicated that police officers had observed him in the Parliament Road vicinity of the town. She mentioned that Mr. Howard had participated in “kicking” an officer’s shield but denied involvement in “any of the violence.” The judicial proceedings are ongoing. Previously, Ethan Bowes, 19, of Guisborough, altered his pleas to guilty, having initially denied charges of violent disorder, employing threatening or unlawful violence, and possessing an offensive weapon. His sentencing is scheduled for 14 January.