Six individuals were brought before the court today following violent disturbances in Bolton town centre on Sunday, August 4. The unrest stemmed from a protest and counter-demonstration, leading to multiple arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Among those who appeared was Daniel Robinson, 37, from Lesley Street, Bolton. He admitted to carrying a claw hammer, which was discovered by police near the Army Careers Office. Although Robinson did not participate in the protests, CCTV footage showed him with the hammer at 5.35 pm. His sentencing has been deferred to September 2 at Bolton Crown Court.
Prosecutor Mr Cooper noted Robinson’s extensive criminal history, with 11 previous convictions spanning 13 offences, although his last offence occurred 12 years ago. Defence lawyer David Philpott explained that Robinson, a pipe fitter and father of three, was provoked into action after objects were thrown at his car, which contained two of his children. Robinson has expressed deep remorse for his actions and was granted bail under the condition that he stays out of Bolton town centre.
Gareth Rigby, 43, of Masefield Drive, Bolton, was fined after he admitted to using threatening language and behaviour. Rigby became hostile towards police officers who stopped him around 2.30 pm on suspicion of carrying illegal substances, which were not found. He threatened officers and used offensive language. Rigby has a history of 15 previous convictions, including a charge of being drunk and disorderly last year. District Judge Joanne Hirst fined him £120 and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge.
Hamza Mohammed, 23, from Whitegate Drive, Bolton, faced charges of possessing offensive weapons, specifically multi-shot fireworks, firework mortars, and rockets during the protest. Mohammed did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Bolton Crown Court on September 9.
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, pleaded guilty to possessing a cricket bat and a baseball bat during the disturbances. CCTV footage showed him with the baseball bat in Coronation Square. The boy, described as intelligent and from a close-knit family, had no previous convictions and claimed he was holding the items for someone else. District Judge Joanne Hirst released him on conditional bail, pending a pre-sentence report, and emphasised the seriousness of his involvement in the mass disorder.
Ajaz Ahmed, 43, of Boundary Street, Bolton, pleaded not guilty to possessing a long coated wire with hooks at both ends. The item was found during a police search in a ‘sterile area’ between the protest groups. Ahmed was remanded in custody and will reappear at Bolton Crown Court on September 9.
Matthew Edge, 34, who has no fixed address, is charged with possessing a hammer and cannabis during the Bolton disorder. However, he did not appear in court as scheduled.
The disturbances in Bolton followed a heated confrontation between two groups, one calling itself ‘Enough is Enough: Stand up for Country’ and a counter-demonstration group. Tensions escalated when around 300 additional demonstrators joined the counter-protest. The clashes outside Bolton town hall involved bricks and other missiles being thrown at riot police who were trying to maintain order.
District Judge Joanne Hirst denounced the violence, describing it as a ‘disgraceful mass disorder.’ Chief Constable Stephen Watson has vowed that all responsible parties will be held accountable as officers continue to review CCTV and body-cam footage from the incidents.
The judge’s remarks underscore the severity of the situation as court proceedings continue. More individuals are expected to be charged in the coming weeks as the investigation progresses.
In conclusion, today’s court actions mark a significant step in addressing the disturbances in Bolton. The focus on justice and accountability sends a clear message that such violent and disruptive behaviour will face serious consequences. Future developments are likely to see further individuals brought to justice, reinforcing the stance that mass disorder will not be tolerated.
