A student got '10 out of 10 drunk', now his veterinary career plans are in tatters

The career plans of a student who wants to become a vet were in tatters today after he was convicted and jailed for his role in rioting sparked by the Southport stabbings.

Shane Taaffe-Rhodes stormed a shopping centre in an 'orgy of self indulgent, lawless behaviour', a court was told.

Taaffe-Rhodes was one of a number of people involved in mass disorder in Blackpool following the deaths of three young girls in Southport. The 20-year-old, who the court was told hoped to become a vet, has been jailed for 27 months following his actions in the seaside resort on August 3.

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Major tourist attractions were forced to close and the Houndshill shopping centre went into lockdown as an angry crowd marched through the town. St John's Square became a battleground as protesters clashed with punks attending the annual Rebellion festival at the Winter Gardens.

Judge Ian Unsworth KC said trams and buses were suspended as members of the mob "rampaged through the streets". Taaffe-Rhodes, of Lindale Gardens, Blackpool, said he was "10 out of 10" drunk when he joined in the disorder.

He was seen wearing a balaclava and throwing punches as security guards attempted to pull down the shutters on JD Sports, to protect staff and shoppers and prevent looting, reports Lancs Live.

"It was in the Houndshill shopping centre where you played your most active role. You were clearly animated and carried along by the mob. It was utterly disgraceful behaviour and it was cowardly," Judge Unsworth KC said.

"The staff were outnumbered and they were in real fear for their safety. You lifted not a finger to help them. You ran away to what you thought was