Two men plead guilty to their role in Hartlepool disorder

Ryan Sheers struggled to contain his emotions as the court heard how he was bitten by a police dog during the disturbance moments after his partner, Steven Mailen, was struck with a baton.

Teesside Magistrates Court heard how the pair were among the hundreds of people who caused chaos in Hartlepool town centre.

Paul Doney, prosecuting, said Mailen continuously got in officers’ faces before refusing to move away as Cleveland Police battled to regain order.

The 54-year-old, of Elliott Street, was arrested after he was knocked to the ground by officers.

Scene of destruction in Hartlepool in the wake of rioting (Image: Graeme Hetherington)

Sheers, who was holding a can of beer at the time, was bitten on the right hip as he went to the assistance of his stricken partner, the court heard.

After his arrest, he accepted that his behaviour was out of order and wanted to apologise for his actions.

Mailen accepted that he had been ‘cheeky to officers’ before he was arrested. He described his own behaviour as 'pathetic' after being shown footage of the incident.

Colin Sleeman, who represented the couple, said they 'foolishly' stayed in the area and accept that did what they did but were not involved in any of the serious disorder that followed.

Mr Sleeman said neither of them were involved in any serious violence or inciting the crowd to further violence.

Officers preparing to force back small groups of rioters in Hartlepool (Image: Graeme Hetherington)

District Judge Helen Cousins released the pair on conditional bail until they appear for sentence at Teesside Crown Court on September 2.

She said: "I do accept your remorse is genuine but I need more information from the Probation Service.

"I make no promises that custody will not follow."

Sheers fought back tears as he thanked the judge for releasing him on bail after they decided to plead guilty to their role in the disorder.

As they left the court, Sheers was asked why he had got involved in the disorder, and he replied: “I didn’t. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Five other men also appeared in court following the disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday night.

Cleveland Police car was torched by rioters in Hartlepool (Image: Terry Blackburn)

Anthony Allen, 42, of Ormesby Road, Hartlepool, is charged with using or threatening unlawful violence, no plea was entered during the hearing. He has provisionally indicated that he will plead guilty to assault on an emergency worker.

James Elliott, 41, of Raby Road, Hartlepool, is charged with using or threatening unlawful violence, no plea entered by this defendant either.

Allen is accused of shouting religious slogans and kicks out upon arrest on Murray Street, Hartlepool.

Peter Clark, of Ladykirk Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, who is accused of violent disorder in Hartlepool.

The 47-year-old, who was represented by Tyler Plunkett who made no application for bail on behalf of his client, remained silent throughout the hearing.

Clark is also accused of exposure when he bared his behind and genitals towards police.

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John Barton and Dylan Robert Wiley, who were both represented by Nick Woodhouse, were the final two to appear in court.

Barton, 33, of Duke Street, Hartlepool, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.

While 28-year-old Wiley, of St Catherine’s Court, Hartlepool, also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder and pleaded not guilty to possession of an offensive weapon - a plank of wood.

Allen, Elliott, Clark, Barton and Wiley, were all remanded in custody until the day of their trial on September 2.