A 21-year-old man, Paul Smith, reveled in terrorizing asylum seekers housed at a hotel in Newton Heath. Smith was part of a group that hurled projectiles at the Holiday Inn and the police officers stationed there to protect it.
During the chaotic events of July 31, an asylum seeker was injured by flying glass, a bus was heavily damaged, and its driver was assaulted. Smith, who was caught on video throwing objects like a bottle and part of a brick, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
The Manchester Crown Court heard that Smith tried to conceal his identity by wearing a T-shirt around his head, but his face had already been captured on camera earlier. Prosecutor Philip Hall noted that Smith was seen smiling during the violence, seemingly enjoying the mayhem.
Mr. Hall also revealed that police became aware of a troubling Facebook post that encouraged people to gather outside the hotel, gaining momentum with the message: “Let’s get them out. 6pm today. Stand up and take note, because if you don’t, no-one will,” accompanied by fist and English flag emojis.
When police arrived at the scene, they found a group of men, women, and children, some draped in the England flag and others drinking alcohol. The situation escalated as some members of the crowd began smashing bricks and throwing them, along with bottles, at the hotel and police.
Around 7:30 pm, a male resident of the hotel returned and attempted to enter, only to be met with abuse and a bottle thrown at him. The bottle shattered against a wall, causing glass to cut his back. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and later expressed that the incident left him feeling unsafe, both in the hotel and in general. “I came to this country to feel safe, but now I’m constantly looking over my shoulder,” he said.
Later, a group blocked Oldham Road and attacked a bus, severely damaging it and injuring the driver, who was also hospitalized. The driver, who had worked in the industry for 14 years, said he had never experienced anything like it and was left shaken and fearful of returning to work.
The hotel has since increased security, hiring three additional guards for round-the-clock protection. One hotel employee admitted he was now scared to come to work and had considered looking for a new job.
Judge John Potter, addressing Smith, noted that each person in the group had made a deliberate choice to be there, and the footage showed Smith engaging in violent acts multiple times. Smith, who has previous convictions for possessing an offensive weapon and assaulting a police officer, was described by his defense barrister, Laura Broome, as usually being ‘inclusive, positive, and caring,’ though she acknowledged the severity of his actions. Smith, she added, takes full responsibility for his behavior and expressed regret and remorse.
After the hearing, Janet Potter, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, emphasized that the sentence sends a clear message to those who participate in public disorder. She affirmed the Crown Prosecution Service’s commitment to delivering swift justice and ensuring that those involved in creating fear and chaos in their communities face the full force of the law.
