A County Durham man who went equipped with a "riot kit" to two planned protests which culminated in widespread disorder has admitted charges arising from both.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday (Friday, November 8), via video link from Durham Prison, Ashley Mark Wilkinson admitted a charge of riot in relation to his involvement to the Sunderland violence and destruction, on Friday August 2.

He also admitted a further charge of violent disorder for his involvement in the incidents which took place Hartlepool, two days earlier.

Wilkinson, of James Street South, Murton, was caught on CCTV throwing a brick at police on St Marks Road during the Sunderland disorder.

(Image: North News) He was later filmed throwing a beer barrel and a temporary fencing support at police officers in Keel Square as part of a larger group.

Wilkinson was also identified as being a part of a lager mob who hurled missiles at police in Hartlepool, on July 31.

He will now be sentenced at the court in Newcastle in the New Year, following preparation of a background report by the Probation Service.

(Image: North News) Speaking after Wilkinson lodged his pleas, Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit at Crown Prosecution Service North East, said: “Wilkinson played an active role in the disorder in Hartlepool and Sunderland.

"At each of these events, he was captured on camera carrying a distinctive black backpack on CCTV footage.

“At a further planned event in Newcastle, Wilkinson was recognised by an officer who had been involved in the policing of the Sunderland disorder.

"When stopped and searched, Wilkinson’s backpack was found to contain a ‘riot kit,’ comprising of fishing wire, firelighters, ball bearings, goggles and a face covering.

“It is clear that he was not simply swept up in these events in the heat of the moment, but that he attended them with a clear intent of becoming actively involved.

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"While it is fortunate that the planned event in Newcastle passed largely without incident, the disorder in Sunderland and Hartlepool both resulted in a number of police injuries, with significant damage caused to properties and businesses.

“The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to work alongside our criminal justice partners to ensure that anyone threatening the communities we serve is brought to justice for their actions."

Wilkinson will remain remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing on January 20.