Cocky teenager who thought it was all a big joke shamed by his mum with one-word put-down
A teenager who goaded police during violent disorder outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers said he ‘thought it was a joke’. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was one of many who gathered outside the hotel in Newton Health on July 31.
On the afternoon on July 31, a large group of people gathered outside the hotel on Oldham Road. Missiles were thrown at officers and hotel residents, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard.
The teenager kicked out at a bus, which had to stop and was abandoned. The driver was later attacked by others from the crowd.
READ MORE: Audi driver pleads guilty to not stopping after crash that left woman, 41, dead
“This defendant was identified by the footage in which he is goading police officers,” Laura Peers, prosecuting, said. "He appears to try and take the officer’s hat and he is also seen kicking out towards one of the officers. He is then seen running to pick something up and throwing it in the direction of the hotel where residents are going into.”
The bus driver that his vehicle was damaged had to be left stranded. He also said he feared for his passengers' safety.
Representing the boy, Gabrielle Black said her client was not known to the authorities and he ‘clearly misunderstood what he was getting involved in.
“He has not had a strong male role model in his life,” she added. She told the court the boy ‘some form of ruckus’ and thought it was in relation to the attacks in Southport.
“He decided to join in with this behaviour being shown by older members - there were a lot of people present and he simply joined in not understanding the consequences of his actions,” Ms Black said.
“He denies using racist language or being there for a racist purpose. He