Boy, 15, ‘first child ever’ jailed for taking part in a riot after Southport killings
A BOY of 15 is believed to be the first child to get time behind bars for taking part in a riot after the Southport killings.
The teenager, who cannot be named, was sentenced to four months detention for joining an anti-immigration march.
He threw a bottle at officers and a chair at a stationary police vehicle — which he also kicked — parked near a hotel housing asylum seekers.
The youth, who had been drinking, handed himself in to police and admitted violent disorder in Bristol on August 3.
Addressing the city’s youth court, the boy, who has no previous convictions, said: “I really regret it. I’m very sorry.”
The lad was not locked up immediately as he was given bail when his lawyer lodged an appeal.
Nicola Hutchinson, defending, said the boy had gone into the city centre with a friend after watching a football match but was unaware of the planned protest.
“The friend said they didn’t feel safe and they left. With hindsight he feels he should have done the same.
“It is clear to me from speaking to him that he has little understanding of where this disorder came from.
“He does not watch the news or read newspapers and he got caught up with something far more bigger than he was aware of.
“He cannot tell me why he just didn’t walk away. He wished he did – it is a stern lesson he is going to have to learn.
“He is embarrassed for bringing his family into disrepute and is ashamed for his actions.”