Boy, 15, becomes first person charged with riot following disorder in Sunderland

Protests descended into violence in Sunderland in the wake of the deaths of three girls in a mass stabbing in Southport, Merseyside. Credit: PA

A 15-year-old boy has become the first to be charged with the more serious offence of riot in relation to recent unrest in England.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday where he was not asked to enter a plea.

The case was adjourned for two weeks.

Rioting is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – double that of a charge of violent disorder.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the boy, from Sunderland, is accused of riot following disorder in his home city on 2 August.

Gale Gilchrist, chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, said: “Following a review of further evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has today laid a charge of riot in relation to a 15-year-old boy, following disorder that took place in Sunderland on August 2.

“This is the first such charge to be authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service in the wake of recent unrest.

“The boy, from Sunderland, will appear at South Tyneside Youth Court today [August 15, 2024] where he will be asked to enter a plea.

“This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged with riot, and as these are live proceedings we remind all concerned that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Six people have so far been jailed for their part in the disorder in Sunderland - all having pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Several others have pleaded guilty to violent disorder and await sentencing.

Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson, of Northumbria Police, said: “I hope this sends a really strong message that, no matter how old you are, if you took part in the recent appalling events in Sunderland, you will face really serious charges.

“Our investigations team are doing a fantastic job trawling through the hours and hours of footage and intelligence we have from that night.

"I would like to thank the public who have continued to supply us with images, video and information to help us build that evidential picture.

“The team have worked amazingly quickly, with our criminal justice partners, to arrest those responsible and bring them before the courts."

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