A man has been sentenced to six years for his role in violent protests in Sunderland and Hartlepool, blaming misinformation for his actions.
Wilkinson, 35, was caught on camera throwing things at police. He had a mask on and was waving a baton. The judge said his actions were shameful, especially with the St George’s flag he carried.
The trouble started when people shared posts online about asylum seekers. This led to a protest that quickly turned violent. By the end of the night, many officers were injured.
Three days later, he showed up in Sunderland, where things got even worse. He was part of a huge crowd that attacked police, throwing heavy objects and bottles. Four officers ended up in the hospital.
Wilkinson was arrested later with some suspicious items but faced no charges for those. He has a long criminal history with 59 previous convictions.
In court, he admitted to violent disorder and rioting. The judge noted that he had been influenced by misinformation from right-wing media, which he now regrets.
While in custody, he met with an Imam and expressed remorse for his actions. His lawyer mentioned that he realized he had been misled by extremist views online.
The judge acknowledged his mental health struggles and the impact of misinformation on his behavior. It’s a tough lesson learned for Wilkinson, who now faces the consequences of his actions.
