John Kirtley jailed for rioting after kicking a police shield and inciting violence at a UK riot fueled by rumors.
John Kirtley, age 27, got into serious trouble. He was part of some violent stuff that happened last August. Police first charged him with violent disorder, then changed it to the more serious crime of rioting.
The court learned Kirtley was really drunk that night and actively joined in on the riot. This riot was one of several across the UK, started by online rumors about the Southport stabbings.
Someone filmed Kirtley during the riot carrying an England flag. He yelled insults at the police and at one point, said, “Come on this is f** England.” He also tried to block a police car that night.
He threw rocks at officers guarding a mosque and even kicked a riot shield. Then, he jumped around like a boxer, the court was told. The court heard Kirtley led the group that threw beer barrels at the police officers.
He encouraged other young men to vandalize buildings, damaging windows in Keel Square. Kirtley covered his face with an England flag at one point. He went around blaming the government.
The court heard Kirtley drank vodka and pled guilty to rioting. His lawyer said he wasn’t political.
The judge sentenced Kirtley to prison for four years and eight months. The judge said his actions were disgraceful, bringing shame to his flag and himself.