‘That’s rough’: Mugshot goes viral as men jailed for riot
A riot over a hotel housing asylum seekers caused huge amounts of damage — and now seven men have been convicted.
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A less-than flattering mugshot of a man involved in a brawl has the internet abuzz.
Thomas Mills, 47, is one of seven men convicted over a violent disturbance in February last year at a British hotel housing asylum seekers.
What was initially a peaceful protest turned violent as a mob formed and threw rocks and fireworks at police in Knowsley, Merseyside, near Liverpool.
Liverpool Crown Court was told the situation was inflamed by a video appearing to show an asylum seeker propositioning a 15-year-old girl.
A police vehicle was set on fire during the chaos and equipment including riot shields, helmets and metal bars were taken from the van.
Two police officers received minor injuries and a police inspector was sent to hospital.
About $160,000 (£83,686) worth of damage was caused by the incident, a press release from Merseyside Police stated.
Brian McPadden, 61 — considered the ringleader of the incident, was jailed for 42 months for violent disorder.
Other sentences handed down by the court for violent disorder include:
- John Tippler, 59, 24 months
- Liam Jones, 25, 27 months
- Paul Lafferty, 42, 32 months
- Thomas Mills, 47, 32 months
Additionally, Warren Cullen, 21, was jailed for 20 months for violent disorder and possession of a criminal drug.
Mugshots of the offenders were published online, and among those one of Thomas Miller, who appeared to be having a bad day, prompting thousands of comments online.
“OMG that’s rough,” one person wrote as his picture went viral.
Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said the incident stemmed from “misinformation, speculation and rumours on social media”.
He said it was “completely unacceptable to intimidate and target particular communities in Knowsley”.
Originally published as ‘That’s rough’: Mugshot goes viral as men jailed for riot
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