A man involved in widespread disorder in Sunderland who has had his alleged offending “upgraded” to the category of riot has today (Thursday, October 24) admitted the charge.

Liam Doeg was arrested amid police inquiries after the scenes of vandalism and unrest in the city centre following a planned “protest” march on Friday, August 2, in the wake of the killing of three girls in Southport, on Merseyside, four days earlier.

The 33-year-old defendant of Tatham Street, Sunderland, was initially charged with violent disorder, over the throwing of missiles at police lines, and burglary of a vape shop, which was looted during the disorder.

But, having pleaded guilty to both counts when he appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates Court, a week later, he subsequently learned that following a review of the available evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service the charge of violent disorder, in his case, was to be elevated to the more serious offence of riot.

(Image: Northumbria Police/North News) While violent disorder carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine, the upper sentencing tariff for riot is ten years, also with the possibility of an unlimited fine.

Appearing at a “plea” hearing at Newcastle Crown Court today, via video link from HMP Durham, where he has been on remand, the charge of riot was put to Doeg.

It was said that he was one of at least 12 people together to have threatened unlawful violence for a common purpose, on August 2.

(Image: Northumbria Police) Following the defendant’s guilty plea, Judge Tim Gittins said he would be unable to move on to passing sentence today, but he could fit the hearing into his list on November 4, when he is dealing with other cases arising from the disorder in Sunderland on August 2.

(Image: VapeLocal) Doeg’s lawyer, Sophie Allinson-Howells, asked that he is produced from prison at court on the day of the sentencing hearing.

“It would be desirable to have a post-hearing conference with the defendant given the severity and inevitable sentence he will receive.”

Judge Gittens agreed and told the defendant: “Obviously, I’ll listen carefully to everything that’s said by the prosecution and your advocate and you will receive significant credit for your early plea.

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"You will be remanded in custody in the meantime and produced at court on the day of sentence to allow you to speak to your advocate before and after the hearing.

“We’ll see each other again on November 4.”

Other defendants whose violent disorder charge has been upgraded to riot will also be appearing at the court next month, including a 16-year-old boy, who was 15 at the time of the incident.