Darlington teen who 'celebrated' after throwing bricks at police among those in court over disorder
A teenager seen “celebrating” after throwing an object which hit a police officer during riots in Darlington has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Cole Stewart, 18, of Victoria Road, Darlington, was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Friday.
He is among a number of suspected rioters appearing in court on Wednesday (7 August) following disorder across the region.
Footage from Durham Police shows Stewart “throwing objects at police”.
A district judge heard Stewart, who had bruises on his face when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court, was seen “throwing objects at police” during the disorder in Darlington on Monday.
Heather Blair, prosecuting, said an officer “felt a sharp blow to his wrist” from an object believed to be thrown by Stewart, who was then seen “celebrating with his arms in the air”.
Brandon Welch, 18, of Warkworth Way, Darlington, did not enter a plea to a charge of violent disorder when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
The teenager is accused of using racist language and encouraging people to smash up property while live streaming the Darlington riot on TikTok.
The court heard he accepts filming some of the incident but denies being involved in it.
Welch is also accused of making plans to be involved in further disorder and is alleged to have been part of a Snapchat conversation called “Riots”.
Welch, who has no previous convictions, was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on 28 August.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old described as “the main instigator” of a large group pushing against a police line during riots in Middlesbrough has admitted throwing stones and rocks at officers.
Charlie Bullock pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, which heard he was part of the “disorder which descended into violence”.
Heather Blair, prosecuting, said Bullock was wearing a black balaclava as he threw stones at police who were trying to control the group on Linthorpe Road.
The court heard an officer took hold of him and he resisted, “kicking out and struggling”.
The officer took Bullock to the floor and was then surrounded by other members of the group who “repeatedly assaulted him” until other officers came to his aid.
The defendant was remanded in custody until Friday, when he will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old described as “the main instigator” of a large group pushing against a police line during riots in Middlesbrough at the weekend has admitted throwing stones and rocks at officers.
Charlie Bullock pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, which heard he was part of the “disorder which descended into violence”.
Heather Blair, prosecuting, said Bullock was wearing a black balaclava as he threw stones at police who were trying to control the group on Linthorpe Road.
The court heard an officer took hold of him and he resisted, “kicking out and struggling”.
The officer took Bullock to the floor and was then surrounded by other members of the group who “repeatedly assaulted him” until other officers came to his aid, the court heard.
The defendant was remanded in custody until Friday, when he will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.
Also appearing at the same court was a father accused of leading racist chants during riots in Hartlepool
Mark Crozier, 38, of Oliver Street, Middlesbrough, did not enter a plea to a charge of violent disorder.
He was remanded in custody by a district judge who cited the “ongoing volatile situation” in the country.
He is also accused of throwing a can at police officers.
Crozier, who has a four-year-old daughter, was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 28 August.
People in the public gallery called “keep your chin up” as he was led away from the dock.
Lucas Taylor, 44, did not indicate a plea to the charge of violent disorder when he appeared at the same court over rioting in Middlesbrough on Sunday.
He was remanded in custody until his next hearing at the crown court on 28 August.
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