MORE than a 20 Barnsley men have now been convicted for their roles in a ‘shocking’ riot which saw police officers come under attack and a hotel set alight after violence broke out following an anti-immigration protest.
South Yorkshire Police said 64 officers, three horses and a police dog were injured during the rioting at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on August 4.
The chaotic event saw around 750 rioters descend upon the hotel - some of whom were on motorbikes and quad bikes.
Rioters broke in and took out furniture and fire extinguishers to be used as weapons against the police.
Paving stones were pulled up and broken apart to be used as ammunition and fires were lit at the building’s side doorway which resulted in smoke engulfing the area.
The Chronicle can reveal 24 Barnsley men have now been convicted for the violent-related offences committed on the day, after several were jailed this week.
However, police who continue to investigate the incident confirmed several more - all of whom have pleaded guilty - are due in court in the coming weeks.
Barnsley thug Brad Westerman, 24, told officers during his arrest that he was ‘proud’ of his actions having launched missiles at officers bravely protecting the hotel and the staff and residents inside.
Last Friday Westerman, of Washington Road, Goldthorpe, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court.
Others including Luke Fowler, 38; Tomas Arnold, 18; Gareth Lunn, 40; Scott Kendall, 24; Richard Harrison, 37; Lee Marshall, 39; Mason Reddy, 24; Christopher Rodgers 38; Graham Harper, 51; Cameron Callear, 30 and Michael Woods, 64, all appeared in court this week.
Ryan Deering, 34 and Michael Shaw, 26, are due to be sentenced in the coming weeks.
A police spokesperson said: “On August 4, several of our officers were injured during deplorable acts of violence outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel in the Manvers area.
“It began at around 11.30am, when a group of 250 arrived - a further group of around 500 people arrived shortly after.
“Since this time, a number of people have been arrested and charged in connection with the incidents and our detectives are continuing their complex investigation to identify those involved in the horrendous scenes.
“Violent disorder can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.
“We are continuing to urge our communities to support us in ensuring those involved are punished.
“All these criminals played a part in the abhorrent violence and vile abuse our officers were forced to endure.
“Since the horrendous scenes, we have had officers working round the clock to bring those responsible for these deplorable acts of violence to justice.
“These sentences should be a reminder to those involved that you will be arrested, you will be put in front of a judge and you will be punished.”
If you have any footage, images or information about the disorder, contact police on 101, quoting incident number 239 of August 4.
If you wish to submit information anonymously, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on the freephone number 0800 555 111.
