A couple has been jailed for their involvement in the Hanley riots, where they participated in violent and disruptive behavior. Ciaran Lockett, 34, was sentenced to 32 months in prison, while his partner, Deana Evans, 32, received a 20-month sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
Lockett was accused of chanting, participating in a sit-down protest, obstructing a police van in the city center, and throwing a bottle at the police. Evans, meanwhile, filmed the incident, shouted, and chanted slogans alongside him.
The riots took place on August 3 against a backdrop of tensions following the deaths of three girls in Southport. According to Prosecutor Dylan Wagg, what began as “so-called peaceful protests” devolved into “violent enterprises causing havoc for members of the public and the police.” He described the scene as involving both far-right protesters and counter-protesters separated by a police line.
During the protest, Lockett and Evans were heard shouting offensive slogans such as “You are all protecting nonces” and “We want our country back” in Cheapside. Lockett was also seen pacing and moving through a police cordon at Cannon Place while Evans recorded the events.
Both attempted to block a police van on Broad Street, with Lockett