Three men and a woman who were involved in Friday’s disgraceful disorder in Sunderland have today been jailed.

Bradley Makin, Leanne Hodgson, Josh Kellett and Andrew Smith have become among the first to be put behind bars for their roles in the riots that blighted areas of the UK last weekend.

All four were seen contributing towards Friday’s appalling scenes in Sunderland city centre – and now find themselves in prison barely one week on.

Smith, while wearing all black and a face covering, threw an object at officers before resisting arrest and being detained by a police dog.

Kellett was recognised on a live stream of the disorder – and was found to throw missiles at officers four times. The balaclava Kellett wore while offending was later discovered when he was arrested.  

Hodgson, who was under the influence of alcohol, shouted abuse at officers and handed out bricks to others. She later smashed the window of a police vehicle and pushed a large wheelie bin into officers.

Makin shared disorder footage on his own Instagram account and was later identified through his handle. He was captured chanting and encouraging people to commit disorder. Upon arrest, Makin was found in his bedroom with suspected cocaine and heroin.

Leanne HodgsonLeanne Hodgson (Image: Contributor) Josh Kellett Josh Kellett (Image: Contributor) Bradley Makin Bradley Makin (Image: Contributor) Andrew Smith Andrew Smith (Image: Contributor) A large-scale investigation is continuing into the disorder, and police have warned the wheels of justice will continue to turn as they close in on other suspects believed to be involved.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “It has been an incredibly difficult week for all our communities who’ve been affected by this unnecessary and senseless violence.

“The scenes witnessed are completely inexcusable – and from the outset we vowed that anybody involved would face the full force of the law.

“Today – barely one week on from the disorder in Sunderland – these four criminals now find themselves in a prison cell. This should act as a clear warning to anyone else thinking of getting involved in violent disorder across our region.

“Our investigation is well underway to identify and detain other suspects believed to have been responsible, and they too will have their day in court.

“I would like to thank our communities who have shown the true spirit of Northumbria by pulling together in recent days, supporting each other and uniting in the face of such appalling division and hostility.

“I’d also like to praise our criminal justice partners and local authorities who’ve worked with us and done everything they can to ensure the wheels of justice have turned swiftly and decisively to put these offenders where they belong – behind bars.”

Those jailed today (Friday) at Newcastle Crown Court are:

  • Bradley Makin, 21, of Simonside Road, Springwell, Sunderland, jailed for two years after pleading guilty to violent disorder, possession of cocaine and possession of heroin.
  • Leanne Hodgson, 43, of Holborn Road, Sunderland, jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
  • Josh Kellett, 29, of Southcroft, Washington, jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.
  • Andrew Smith, 41, of High Street East, Sunderland, jailed for two years and two months after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit, for CPS North East said: “Only a week ago in Sunderland, those sentenced today were part of a small minority of people involved in shameful mob violence on the streets of the city.

“The cumulative effect of that disorder was to create immeasurable fear for Sunderland residents and cause significant damage to local businesses. 

“As a result of their actions, each of them now faces a significant jail sentence and a criminal record that will follow them for the rest of their lives.

“I would like to praise the excellent work of Northumbria Police in dealing with this disorder. Their officers effectively tackled the immediate situation while also securing key evidence against multiple offenders, which has helped us to build particularly robust cases against each of those involved.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with our partners across the criminal justice system, responding swiftly and robustly to activity which poses a threat to those living in the communities that we serve.

“We’ve been extremely clear; we stand ready to secure convictions against anyone found to have broken the law as part of these appalling scenes of violence, chaos and unrest.”

A string of other individuals also appeared before magistrates earlier this week facing charges related to the disorder in Sunderland.

On Monday, Brian Gilby, 27, of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary but denied violent disorder, Shaun Doran, 48, of Villette Road, Sunderland, pleaded not guilty to violent disorder, while Clinton Morrison, 31, of Saint Barnabus Way, Sunderland, did not indicate a plea. They have each been remanded in custody until their next court appearance.

On Thursday, Riley Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent, and Reece Greenwood, 31, of The Gardens, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder. They were remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, August 14.

On Friday, Dean Groenewald, 32, of no fixed abode, Paul Williams, 45, of Esdale, Sunderland, and Liam Doeg, 33, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, each pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder, and Doeg also admitted burglary.

They have been remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, August 15.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “Today’s sentencing serves as a brilliant warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with this hate-filled criminality in our region.

"Just think again because Northumbria Police will be coming after you and you will be following in the footsteps of people like this – racist thugs who have brought harm and fear to our communities.

"Good to see they are rightly getting locked up and investigations are happening around the clock so many more will be identified and will be following in their footsteps, watch this space.”

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Anyone who has any information to assist in identifying those responsible should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function on the Force’s website.

Alternatively, for those unable to contact police via these ways, call 101.

Members of the public can also provide information and submit materials in connection with the investigation by visiting Northumbria Police’s dedicated Major Incident Public Portal online at: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)