'I'm guilty - but I didn't know a stick was a weapon'

A man was captured on CCTV carrying a 'four foot stick' during the large-scale disorder in Bolton.

Hiwa Nouri, 37, was identified on footage as part of a large group of men, a number of which were carrying weapons. He was seen to be carrying a 'large stick or pole' before dropping it and picking it back up again.

He was in the middle of the group, and the male next to him appeared to be carrying a knife, Manchester Magistrates Court heard.

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Nouri, of Bolton, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon. As he entered his plea, he said: "I'm guilty - but I didn't know a stick was a weapon." He was remanded into custody and will next appear at Bolton Crown Court on August 22 for sentence.

Prosecuting, Nicola Dunkerley said that on August 4 in Bolton town centre, Nouri was present during the 'widespread disorder'.

"There was a large number of mostly Asian males, many of which were carrying weapons," she said.

"The defendant was seen carrying a large stick or a pole, described as being four foot in length and an inch wide."

Addressing the judge through an interpreter, he said: "I have a 12-year-old daughter from an English woman - and I have been doing business in this country. I haven't done anything wrong in this country. I will surrender myself to the court and do what you say."

Nouri, of Chorley New Road, was remanded into custody and will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 22. He was not represented at the hearing.

District Judge Jane Hamilton told him: "Because custody may well be a likelihood, I am remanding you into custody."