Rioter who went viral after being hit in groin by flying brick while taunting police is jailed

A riot thug who went viral after being hit in the head and groin by flying house bricks has been jailed for two-and-half years.

Brian Spencer, 40, sank 10 pints and a litre of rum before taunting police during violence which erupted in the wake of the Southport stabbings. He was twice hit in the face and head after gyrating in front of officers, before turning around and being struck for a third time in the crotch.

Spencer, who admitted violent disorder, also racially-abused a Polish patient at the town's hospital while awaiting treatment for his injuries. Liverpool Crown Court heard how painter-decorator Spencer was at the centre of riots in the seaside town on July 30, a day after three children were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, the Mirror reports.

In footage which quickly swept across social media, he was filmed swinging his hips and dancing in front of a line of police officers in a bid to goad them. A previous judge described Spencer's dancing as delivering his 'best Mick Jagger impression'.

But as the father-of-four attempted to provoke a reaction, a large brick bounced off a riot shield into his face, while another hit the back of his head. As Spencer walked away, rubbing the back of his head, another block struck him in the groin causing him to double over in agony.

Jailing him, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said Spencer hurled wheelie-bins at police cars and was caught on camera 'cheering', 'bouncing around' and 'enjoying the chaos'. She said: "You were an enthusiastic and active participant, positioning yourself at the front of the mob.

"At times bouncing around, encouraging others and clearly enjoying the chaos and harm that you and other like-minded thugs were creating. You are