A teenager who was part of a group throwing bottles and bricks at police during riots in Hartlepool said he was not motivated by far-right ideology and “got carried along” by the crowd.
Kieron Gatenby, 19, of Yeovil Walk, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 16 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.
Teesside Crown Court heard he was part of a group throwing missiles at police and smashing the windows of houses, cars and shops while chanting racial slurs.
Gatenby, who has no previous convictions, was captured on bodyworn camera footage throwing an egg during the disorder.
The defendant was seen on his bike in the town the next day by an officer who recognised him and was arrested.
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Gatenby told police he had been going to his girlfriend’s house when he saw the police and wondered what was happening. He denied having any racist beliefs but admitted his behaviour was unacceptable.
Calum McNicholas, defending, said Gatenby’s actions were not motivated by a subscription to far right ideology.
He told the court: “He has three half-brothers who are mixed race and is disgusted in himself for getting involved with people who were chanting racial slurs.”
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