The youngest person to face charges in connection with the recent riots that have been occurring across the country is a 12-year-old boy from north Sefton. Along with a 15-year-old boy from south Liverpool, the 12-year-old appeared in Merseyside Youth Court on Monday, August 8. The 12-year-old admitted to participating in violent disorder in Southport, while the 15-year-old denied a burglary charge in Liverpool city center. Due to their age, both boys cannot be named.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the 12-year-old was seen on footage throwing something towards a line of police officers wearing protective gear before riding away on a bicycle. This incident took place on St Luke’s Road in Southport, where a violent protest occurred, resulting in damage to property and a local mosque. The riots followed a peaceful vigil for three young girls who tragically lost their lives in a mass stabbing the day before.
In court, the 12-year-old was represented by defense attorney Heather Toohey, who stated that due to his age and lack of prior convictions, he could only be dealt with by a referral order. The sentencing was adjourned to September 17 to allow the youth offending team to prepare a pre-sentence report. The boy’s parents thanked the judge as they left the courtroom, and he was granted bail under the condition that he stays away from St Luke’s Road.
Another teenager, aged 15, also appeared in court on the same day, accompanied by his parents. He denied a burglary charge but indicated that he would plead guilty to theft. The teenager was accused of stealing a vape from a shop in the city center that had its windows smashed during the unrest. He claimed that he found the item on the street and did not enter the shop unlawfully.
The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Andrew Menary KC, condemned the riots and stated that they were used as a pretext for widespread violence, intimidation, and damage. In total, 30 individuals have been charged in connection with the disorder in Southport, Liverpool city center, and Walton. Following the initial riots in Merseyside, similar incidents occurred in various towns and cities across the country. As of Sunday afternoon, police had made 927 arrests and charged 466 individuals nationwide.
The case of these young boys highlights the impact of recent events on individuals of all ages and the importance of addressing the underlying issues that lead to such disturbances in our communities. It serves as a reminder of the need for support and intervention for young people to prevent them from engaging in criminal behavior and ensure their future well-being.
