Newton Heath rioter told police he was 'committing crime in Derbyshire' in baffling alibi

A thug who has been jailed for his role in Manchester's summer riots told police footage of the violence 'couldn't possibly' be of him - because he was out 'commiting crime in Derbyshire that night'.

Jack Cregan, 32, launched a violent and unprovoked attack on a bus driver in Newton Heath on July 31. It came as part of the spell of nationwide violence that followed an attack on several young children in Southport.

Cregan was tracked down by officers, but lied to police during his interview claiming he was not in Manchester at the time. However, videos recovered from a phone Cregan hid by sellotaping it under his kitchen cabinet caught him in the act. He had mistakenly left the phone on vibrate, so all it took was one phone call to unravel his lies.

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Cregan, of Argyll Close, Failsworth, pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm against the bus driver and violent disorder. He has been jailed for two-and-a-half-years following a sentencing at Manchester Crown Court.

He is one of several rioters facing justice for their role in the violence that caused thousands of pounds worth of criminal damage and saw emergency workers assaulted across the UK.

Also jailed this week was Colin Brown, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder and robbery at an earlier hearing.

Brown was part of a group that breached the metal barriers separating protest groups in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. He was also found to have attacked a man and stolen a scarf from a victim with force.

Brown, of Moorcroft Road in Northern Moor, was jailed for two-years-and-four-months.

DCI Jill Billington said: “GMP are committed to protecting all communities and as demonstrated we are dedicated to employing our resources to seek justice for those subjected to racially motivated crimes.

"To date 20 adults have been sentenced for the disorder at Newton Heath, resulting in more than 25 years of custodial sentences.

“We are continuing to investigate, locate and trace those who were involved in this deplorable and unnecessary violence, and we remain focused on keeping our communities safe whilst bringing swift justice alongside the Crown Prosecution Service.

“Your help has seen more than 200 reports of information submitted to us which has helped identify 151 suspects. Many of our suspects may have been through court, but we’re not done yet.

“If you recognise any of these people then please get in touch and help ensure all those involved are brought to justice.”