A 41-year-old man from Blackpool, Roger Haywood, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for his role in violent disorder and assaulting two police officers during unrest in the town.
The incident occurred on August 3, when Haywood led an angry crowd through Blackpool, inciting violence against police and causing chaos at a local shopping center.
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During the sentencing at Preston Crown Court, Judge Robert Altham described Haywood as an “instigator and leader” of the unrest, highlighting his intoxication and aggressive behavior.
Haywood assaulted two officers, kicking one in the hand and another in the arm, and also attacked a security guard at the shopping center.
Despite pleading guilty, Haywood will serve up to half of his 30-month sentence behind bars before being released on license.
The case is part of a broader crackdown on disorder across the UK, with the Ministry of Justice reporting that 460 people have been arrested in connection with similar incidents nationwide, and 99 have already been sentenced.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised the swift action of the courts, emphasizing that those involved in the recent lawlessness will be held accountable.
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