Arsonist jailed for nine years in strictest prison sentence yet for migrant riots
Thomas Birley pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon
PA
Thomas Birley, a 27-year-old arsonist from Rotherham, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in last month's riots targeting asylum seekers.
Birley pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The sentence, handed down at Sheffield Crown Court, is the longest given for the riots to date.
CCTV footage showed Birley, wearing a black hooded coat and red mask, placing wood on a fire outside a hotel housing asylum seekers and shouting abuse at police officers.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC condemned Birley's actions, stating: "From first to last, the venom of racism infected the entirety of what occurred."
He emphasised the intent to "perpetrate mob rule" and commit serious criminal offences.
Thomas Birley pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weaponPAThe judge praised police officers for maintaining order in difficult circumstances.
He highlighted the peril faced by those inside the hotel, saying: "They were in peril of being killed or seriously injured. You intended to endanger the lives of them all."
Judge Richardson also noted hints of a "white supremacist mindset" in the case.
CCTV footage showed Birley, wearing a black hooded coat and red mask, placing wood on a fire outside a hotel housing asylum seekers and shouting abuse at police officers
PA
The court heard a statement from Paul Coulson, a maintenance manager at the hotel. He described how staff were forced to barricade themselves in a panic room behind fridges and freezers.
Coulson said they were "scared to death" as they smelled smoke from the fire outside.
The incident had a profound impact on both hotel staff and asylum seekers. Judge Richardson noted: "Those in the hotel were terrified by what was happening outside."
The violence and arson attempt left approximately 200 asylum seekers inside the building at risk of serious harm or death.
The riots in Rotherham saw widespread disorder, with over 50 officers injured as a mob attacked them with bricks, fence panels, fireworks and bottles.
Some rioters forced their way into the hotel, attempting to set it ablaze with 200 asylum seekers inside.
The violence erupted following an arranged demonstration sparked by false claims about the murder of three girls in Southport.
Birley's defence barrister, Dermot Hughes, told the court that the former painter and decorator was "appalled" and "expresses heartfelt remorse" over his crimes. Hughes added: "He is ashamed."
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