A father of four who said he has 'no right wing beliefs' has been jailed after taking part in recent summer riots. James Watkins, 35, had managed to turn his life around after losing his job during Covid, battling addiction to monkey dust, and experiencing homelessness.
But he has found himself in trouble with the law again after the unrest on August 3. During the riots, Watkins was a persistent figure, engaging in verbal abuse, making gestures, and brandishing a bottle after being hit by a police shield, reports Stoke on Trent Live. READ MORE: Mum dies in train accident tragedy whilst out walking her dog Watkins, from Sherwin Road, Stanfield, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
He was handed a three-year prison sentence. Prosecutor Dylan Wagg said: "He shouted 'come on then' to try to raise more angst.
He pulled out a half empty VK glass bottle from his bag and said to someone else 'get a lighter out of your bag', and there was a fear he may have used it as a missile towards officers.