Rioter jailed over disorder outside Rotherham hotel dies in prison

A man who was jailed for his part in rioting outside a hotel in Rotherham housing asylum seekers has died in prison. Peter Lynch, 61, was filmed hurling abuse at riot police as a mob surrounded the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers in Rotherham.

Lynch was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for his part in the disorder, and had been serving his sentence at HMP Moorland near Doncaster. The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that Lynch died in prison on Saturday.

In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson for the prison service said: “HMP Moorland prisoner Peter Lynch died on October 19 2024. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”

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A mob of people had gathered outside the hotel, which was being used to house asylum seekers. Bodycam footage showed Lynch shouting 'you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them' and 'scum' at police officers who were holding riot shields.

Around 240 asylum seekers became trapped by the mob in the upper storeys. Staff have revealed that they had barricaded themselves in a panic room and that they feared for their lives during the chaos.

Police were targeted missiles including fencing. A bin outside the hotel was also set on fire, and some rioters attempted to break into the building.

The 61-year-old grandfather pleaded guilty to violent disorder. During his sentencing hearing on August 22 the court heard that he suffered from thyroid issues, diabetes, angina, and had previously had a heart attack.

A cause of death for Lynch has not been confirmed.

Further footage of Lynch showed him confronting police officers, shouting: 'we are on the streets now to protect our kids' and 'protect my children'. He was also seen to be carrying a placard accusing police, the media, MPs, and judges of corruption.

Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said: “You did not yourself attack any police officer, as far as can be detected, but what you did was encourage by your conduct others to behave violently and you were part of this mob.”

Judge Richardson asked mitigating barrister Ian West the meaning of the placard. West replied: “It’s a general conspiracy theory against anyone and any form of authority. This was slightly off-topic from what was going on that day.”

Lynch, from Wath-upon-Dearne in Rotherham, was married for 36 years and had four adult children and three grandchildren. He was one of more than 50 men who have received prison sentences at Sheffield Crown Court after the rioting in Rotherham.