Yob who travelled to Manchester to ‘join in’ with riots moaned jail was 'frightening'

A yob who travelled from West Yorkshire to Manchester to ‘join in’ with the riots has been jailed.

Liam Ryan, 28, was one of a large group of men who attacked a lone black male in Piccadilly Gardens on July 31. The incident was filmed and posted on social media.

In the footage Ryan was wearing a bright yellow coat with his hood up to conceal his identity. He was seen to punch the man twice as others shouted: “Kill him… fill him in… stamp on his f***ing face.”

READ MORE: Man GUILTY of careless driving after trying to run red light before crashing into lamppost that killed woman

The attack, which prosecutors claimed was ‘clearly racially motivated’, took place against the background of disorder across the country after the attack in Southport which saw three children killed and others seriously injured.

Ryan, of Bradford, admitted an offence of violent disorder and was jailed for 28 months.

Rob Hall, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was seen to throw a right handed punch at the black male but missed him. He then threw a left hand and hit him, then threw another right handed punch that hit him again.”

He said he moved off after others got involved but kept his hood over his head. Mr Hall also confirmed that the black male had initially thrown a missile into the crowd that had congregated before he was attacked.

Ryan was arrested and interviewed and said he had travelled from Bradford to ‘join in with the protests’.

“He claimed he was not affiliated to the far right group,” Mr Hall continued. “He stated he had several drinks and said he did not know why he became involved in the violence.

“He confirmed he had no reason to assault the male and nobody had encouraged him to join in with the assault, that he knew what he did was wrong and offered to write a letter of apology to the victim.”

The court heard Ryan has previous convictions for criminal damage, a public order offence and had previously been handed a football banning order.

Mitigating, Damien Zelazowski said Ryan was ‘deeply remorseful’.

“He was aware there was a protest and wanted to show support for the families from Southport,” he said. “His intention was not to become involved in the violence - he simply can not explain why he got involved.”

Mr Zelazowski added that Ryan, who works as a window fitter, found the prospect of custody ‘frightening’.

Jailing Ryan, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, Judge Patrick Field KC said: “Once in Manchester you became an enthusiastic participant in hateful and loutish violence along with a group of like minded people.

“It’s concerning that’s probably what you came to Manchester for. Nothing about what occurred in Piccadilly Gardens suggests that you or others were involved in a lawful, legitimate, well-intentioned protest.”

He added that it was ‘totally unacceptable, wanton, drunken violence’ by a group ‘motivated by hatred of other groups of people.

“Your behaviour was disgraceful and shameful,” the judge concluded.