By Blessing Chinagorom
The United Kingdom Government has confirmed that 460 people were arrested in connection with the violent disorder earlier this month have faced their day in court and at least 99 have already been sentenced.
In a statement released through the Ministry of Justice on Friday, stated that the rapid action taken across the justice system by police, prosecutors and those working in courts led to over 300 of those individuals being remanded into custody.
Recalled that the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer has taken immediate action following the far- right thuggery that have seen taken place after the devastating events in Southport last month.
Starmer promised that those taking part in this disorder – whether it be directly or online will face the full force of the law and the police will continue to make arrests, held on remand, charges and convictions will follow.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Hon. Shabana Mahmood in his reaction thanked the collective efforts make by the Police, the Prosecutors and those working in courts, saying this has kept the communities safe and free from further violence.
The data released on Thursday has it that 480 defendants had first hearing scheduled in the magistrates’ court and 460 already taken place, 99 were sentenced in either the magistrates’ court or Crown Court
185 have been sent to Crown Court for sentencing, 153 have been sent to Crown Court for trial, 69 have received a custodial sentence in the Crown Court
The statement stated further that all these numbers will continue to increase over the rest of the month as more suspects are arrested, charged and sent to court.
It comes as more than 500 prison places are also being brought online to boost capacity over the coming weeks and ensure there are cells ready to receive all those sent to custody by the courts.
It was reported that more than 1,000 people have now been arrested in connection with riots sparked by the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport.
It comes as a number of prison sentences and community orders have been handed to individuals involved in the disorder, which spread across the United Kingdom.
Of the 460 named adults charged so far, 170 (41%) are between the ages of 18 and 30 with the youngest to date being two 12-year -old boys who have both pleaded guilty to the charge of violent disorder.
However the numbers are lower among older ages groups, with 47 adults over 51 being charged, which is 11% of the total number.
The oldest person to be charged so far is William Morgan, 69, from Walton in Liverpool, who was jailed for two years and eight months for violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom authorities faced growing pressure on last month to put an end to England’s worst rioting in 13 years after disturbances linked to child murders and involving far-riot agitators flared across the country.
