Three men have been sentenced for their roles in a violent riot outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
The incident took place on August 4, 2024, when hundreds gathered at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, which was sheltering around 200 asylum seekers at the time.
The men, identified as Graham Harper, Luke Fowler, and Tomas Arnold, were involved in the chaos and were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on September 11.
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Graham Harper, 43, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. He was seen hurling bins at police officers and brandishing a riot shield, which he waved to encourage others during the unrest.
Harper had cycled to the scene after learning of the disorder on social media, joining the rioters after eating his Sunday dinner.
The court heard he was remorseful, expressing “considerable shame” for his actions. His previous criminal record, with the most recent conviction dating back to 2008, was also considered during sentencing.
Luke Fowler, 38, received the same sentence of two years and eight months. Video evidence showed him throwing objects at officers and carrying a large piece of plywood toward a fire that had been started outside the hotel.
Fowler, who works as a roofer, expressed regret and horror, especially after learning of the racial tensions tied to the incident.
His defense claimed he had initially intended to go fishing with his father-in-law but got caught up in the rioting.
The third man, 19-year-old Tomas Arnold, was sentenced to two years and two months in a young offender institution.
Arnold was captured on video kicking police officers during the riot.
South Yorkshire Police later released footage of him engaging in violent behavior outside the hotel.
Arnold’s actions were part of the wider unrest that saw hotel staff forced to barricade themselves in a panic room, fearing for their lives as rioters broke in and set bins on fire, blocking emergency exits.
In total, 37 people have been sentenced over the Manvers riot, with others around the UK also facing legal action following similar incidents of disorder.
The sentences reflect the seriousness of the offenses, highlighting the court’s stance on the violent outbursts that have taken place in recent months.
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This is a developing story, and updates can be found on the South Yorkshire Police website.
