Riots thug who hurled object at police brought 'chaos and destruction' to streets of Southport

A man from Manchester who hurled missiles at police officers and a police vehicle during the rioting in Southport has been locked up for more than two years.

Police said Lawrence Howarth, 33, is the 73rd person to be sentenced in the courts after the disorder.

Violence flared in the Lancashire town and police came under attack from a mob after the deaths of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. The girls were all fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29.

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Police said more than 50 officers were injured, with windows smashed and walls and cars damaged during the resulting riot.

Howarth, of Carnoustie Close, Moston, Manchester was convicted of violent disorder and was sentenced by a judge at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday. He was jailed for two years and two months.

Police said he was identified throwing objects at officers and at a police vehicle. Merseyside Police said jail sentences topping 155 years have now been handed down to those convicted of being involved in the disorder.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: "The actions of those involved in the disorder in Southport – including Howarth - left more than 50 officers injured, windows smashed, garden walls destroyed and local residents in fear.

"Howarth will now have time in a prison cell to reflect on his decision to bring chaos and destruction to our streets.

"We have now seen 73 people sentenced to a total of 156-and-a-half years in prison for the part they played in disorder in Merseyside, with 131 arrested and 93 of those charged.

"We continue to identify more people who attended the disorder in Merseyside and we will not stop until we've put everyone we possibly can before the courts."