An asylum seeker hotel fire during the Rotherham Riot

An asylum seeker hotel fire during the Rotherham Riot resulted in a man being imprisoned for nine years.


In brief
Thomas Birley, 27, of Swinton, received the lengthiest prison sentence imposed by judges after widespread violence last month: nine years in prison for his involvement in a riot in Rotherham.

Birley participated in "grotesque" acts of violence and was "encouraged by malicious and ignorant" social media remarks, according to Judge Jeremy Richardson KC at Sheffield Crown Court.

He had already entered a guilty plea to charges of violent disorder, possessing an offensive weapon, and arson with intent to harm life.

In another development, Ricky Jones, a former Labour councillor, entered a not guilty plea to the allegation of inciting violent disturbance during a rally in east London's Walthamstow.

Real-Time Coverage
Aoife Walsh served as editor, and Oli Constable provided reporting from Sheffield Crown Court.

Nine-year jail term for Birley was announced at 12:45 in Britain Summer Time Breaking 12:45 BST

Reporting from Sheffield Crown Court is Oli Constable.

Birley received the maximum prison term imposed by judges in the wake of widespread violence and rioting when he was sentenced to nine years in imprisonment for his involvement in a riot in Rotherham on August 4.

He was a member of a gang that contributed wood to a fire against the asylum-seeking building and assisted in smashing windows at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers.

Birley, 27, of Swinton, Rotherham, earlier entered a guilty plea to charges of violent disorder, possessing an offensive weapon, and arson with intent to endanger life.

"You are unquestionably a dangerous offender," Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC declared at Sheffield Crown Court.

He has been sentenced to nine years in prison a license extension of five years