Shropshire Star

Man first to admit charge of riot in UK after nationwide disorder jailed

Kieran Usher was in a group of around 20 yobs who hurled missiles at police during a night of trouble in Sunderland.

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A 32-year-old who encouraged “mob violence” and was the first defendant in the UK to admit a charge of riot following nationwide disorder last month has been jailed for four years and four months.

Kieran Usher, from Bramwell Road, Hendon, Sunderland, was in a group of around 20 yobs who hurled missiles at police during a night of trouble in the city on August 2, which left bystanders terrified.

He was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting a charge of riot at a previous hearing – becoming the first defendant in the country to do so.

Court artist drawing of Kieran Usher appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, via video link from HMP Durham
Court artist drawing of Kieran Usher appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, via video link from HMP Durham (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

CCTV evidence showed Usher donning a mask and wearing a Union flag, encouraging others to participate in violence and throwing missiles at police from close range.

Judge Tim Gittins took into account that Usher, who has learning difficulties, made full admissions to police and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

Court artist drawing of His Honour Judge Tim Gittins delivering sentence at Newcastle Crown Court
The judge took into account that Usher made full admissions to police and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity (Elizabeth Cook/PA)

After he pleaded guilty earlier this month, Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, said: “It is clear from the evidence in this case that Usher played an active role in the mob violence that unfolded on the streets of Sunderland.”

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