Teenager, 19, who was at the front of far-right mob pelting riot police with stones, bottles and cans and chanting Tommy Robinson’s name is jailed

A teenager who was part of a crowd which hurled objects at police while chanting the name of Tommy Robinson has been jailed for 16 months.

Kieron Gatenby, 19, was at the front of a far right mob which pelted riot police with stones, bottles and cans in Hartlepool on July 31st in the wake of the Southport killings.

He was part of a crowd which gathered and were chanting racial slurs and ‘Tommy, Tommy,’ Teesside Crown Court was told.

Gatenby later claimed on arrest that he had no right wing tendencies and pointed out he had three mixed race half brothers.

He looked stunned as he was sent to prison and relatives in the public gallery burst into tears.

It comes as:

 Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said: ‘The defendant was observed to be part of the group throwing missiles towards police officers.

‘In the group an officer observed wooden planks, glass bottles and bricks to be thrown.

‘The defendant was seen to be smashing windows at a residential address and causing damage to vehicles and shops.’

A video was played to the court which showed Gatenby, from Hartlepool, to be hurling an object — thought to be an egg — at police lines.

In a statement to the court Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mark Webster said 14 police vehicles had been damaged beyond repair in the violence leaving a bill for the taxpayer of £300,000.

He said his officers had faced ‘hatred, bile and violence on an unprecedented scale.’

Calum McNicholas, for Gatenby, said: ‘It is common knowledge that the genesis of this was political but Mt Gatenby is at pains for me to stress that his actions were not motivated by a subscription to far right ideology.

‘I could not find any evidence of racist attitudes. He has three mixed race brothers and he is disgusted at himself to be associated with people who were chanting racial slurs.’

Judge Francis Laird, KC, told Gatenby: ‘In interview you denied any racial motive for your behaviour, however you did acknowledge that some of the group of which you were a part were shouting racial insults.

‘I watched footage of the incident, including what you did, and your behaviour and that of others around you was truly disgraceful.’

After the case Christopher Atkinson, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said: ‘The tough sentences handed out today should serve as a lesson for anyone considering taking part in this type of disorder across the North East.

‘This show of violence on the streets of Hartlepool has done nothing but instill fear in local residents and cause damage to local businesses.

‘I would like to praise the excellent work of Cleveland Police in dealing with this disorder. In addition to their brave response to a particularly difficult situation, they have also secured key evidence against multiple offenders which has assisted us greatly in building such robust cases against those involved.

‘We will continue to work closely with our police partners, responding swiftly and robustly to any activity which threatens the safety of the communities we serve.

‘Our message is clear: we stand ready to secure convictions and push for the strongest possible sentences against anyone involved in violent unrest.

‘The appalling scenes of violence like those seen in Hartlepool last week will not be tolerated. The CPS will continue to work swiftly alongside partners in the criminal justice system to haul anyone involved before the court to face the full consequences of their actions.’

And Assistant Chief Constable David Felton, of Cleveland Police, said: ‘Over the last week officers have been faced with extremely challenging situations involving individuals who had nothing else in mind but the intent to cause violence.

‘Within seven days of the Hartlepool disorder those set on committing serious violence have been arrested, charged and now sentenced by the court. 

‘This sends a very firm message to anyone continuing to think of committing sheer violence.

‘Our investigation remains on going and I want to encourage members of the public to keep reporting information no matter how small you think it might be.’