Couple jailed for post-bingo rioting as police across North East arrest and charge latest suspects

Pictures from social media captured Ryan Sheers being bitten by a police dog as he and partner Steven Mailen confronted police at the 'front of the mob' in Hartlepool

A couple who became involved in riots in Hartlepool after going to an afternoon bingo session have each been jailed for two years and two months.

Former postmaster and school governor Steven Mailen, 54, of Arch Court, Hartlepool, was described as “one of the main instigators” of a large-scale disturbance on Murray Street.

His partner Ryan Sheers, 28, of Powlett Road, Hartlepool, was bitten on the hip by a police dog during the incident.

The pair, neither of whom had any previous convictions, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after 200 people gathered in the North East town on Wednesday 31 July.

They were among five men due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday (8 August) in connection with disorder in Hartlepool.

A judge said Mailen and Sheers were “at the very forefront of the mob”, and tried to push their way through a police cordon, with Mailen taunting officers and encouraging others to use violence towards them.

Christopher Atkinson, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said sentenced handed down to rioters should "serve as a lesson" for anyone considering taking part in similar disorder.

He added: "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.”

The court heard the pair had been at the bingo where they had been drinking. They then went home and continued drinking and then walked to the shop for more alcohol when they came across the disturbance.

In Sheers' first interview he said he was “a bit cheeky” to police officers. But when shown body cam footage of the incident he said his behaviour was "aggressive and disgusting" - and fuelled by alcohol for which he expressed remorse.

Mailen also said initially that he was "cheeky" to officers. He later described his actions as "pathetic" and agreed they were aggressive and that he had plenty of opportunity to leave the scene but did not. He was also remorseful.

The court heard it took three officers to arrest him and another two to get him into the police van.

Sheers shook his head and cried in the dock as Judge Francis Laird passed the sentence.

Two teenagers were also denied of their freedom at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.

Bobby Shirbon, of Cornwall Street, Hartlepool, was detained for 20 months after taking part in two consecutive nights of disorder in the town.

He was seen smashing windows during violent scenes on 31 July – the day he turned 18 – while part of a group that was throwing bricks and bottles at police.

The defendant then threw beer bottles at a police van while wearing a balaclava the following night as part of further disorder involving a smaller group of youths.

Shirbon, who pleaded guilty to two charges of violent disorder, said “it’s okay, everybody else is doing it” when he was arrested, it was said.

Kieron Gatenby, 19, of Yeovil Walk, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 16 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Teesside Crown Court heard he was part of a group throwing missiles at police and smashing the windows of houses, cars and shops while chanting racial slurs.

Gatenby, who has no previous convictions, was captured on bodyworn camera footage throwing an egg during the disorder.

The defendant was seen on his bike in the town the next day by an officer who recognised him and was arrested.

Gatenby told police he had been going to his girlfriend’s house when he saw the police and wondered what was happening. He denied having any racist beliefs but admitted his behaviour was unacceptable.

Calum McNicholas, defending, said Gatenby’s actions were not motivated by a subscription to far right ideology.

He told the court: “He has three half-brothers who are mixed race and is disgusted in himself for getting involved with people who were chanting racial slurs.”

Carl Holliday, 30, of Tankerville Street, Hartlepool, was jailed for two years and eight months.

Teesside Crown Court heard he “repeatedly threw metal sheeting” at police during the riot.

Duncan McReddie, defending Holliday, said he was a chronic alcoholic with no extreme political or racist views.

Mr McRaddie said he had heard the commotion while drinking a few streets away and “joined in”.

Cleveland Police have now made a total 21 arrests relating to the Hartlepool disorder.

Yesterday officers arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been released on conditional bail.

Also arrested was a 28-year-old man on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been remanded.

A 38-year-old man voluntarily attended a police station in connection with an image circulated by police relating to the disorder in Hartlepool. He has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and is now in police custody.

The force are still seeking to identify other men, pictured below, as part of their investigation.

Meanwhile, two men are due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Thursday in relation to disorder in Sunderland city centre on Friday (2 August).

They were arrested after Northumbria Police simultaneously executed warrants at addresses in Washington.

Riley Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent, and Reece Greenwood, 31, of The Gardens, are charged with violent disorder

It takes the total arrests in connection with the Sunderland unrest to 18.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT), said: “We will not let up in tracking down those responsible for the unrest last weekend.

“Our officers are relentlessly trawling through items of intelligence to locate the offending individuals – and I must praise their continued efforts and commitment.”

Det Ch Insp Barr added: “I also want to thank members of the community for coming forward with information that has proved crucial in our investigations.

“It has been truly amazing to see the huge amount of support for the Force in the past week.

“It just goes to show that the thugs who were involved in the violent displays do not represent the communities we serve.”

Anyone who has any information to assist in identifying those responsible is asked to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function on the Force’s website.

Alternatively, for those unable to contact police online, call 101.

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