WATCH: First three men JAILED after riots following Southport attack - 'Thought they would escape justice!'

The first three men have been sentenced by the Crown Prosecution after being involved in the Southport riots last week.

Liam Riley, 40, of Walton Road, Liverpool, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 20 months in prison after he admitted violent disorder and racially aggravated behaviour in Liverpool on August 3.

Derek Drummond, 58, of Pool Street, Southport, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to three years in prison after he admitted violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker in Southport on July 30.

Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to 30 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Liverpool on August 3 and sending a malicious communication last year.

In a statement outside court, senior district crown prosecutor Jonathan Egan said: "Three men have just been sentenced for offenders involved in the widespread and unacceptable disorder we saw in Southport and Liverpool last week.

"Drummond, Riley and Geiran's actions would have caused panic, revulsion and chaos in their local communities. The three men sentenced today are the tip of the iceberg and just the start of what will be a very painful process for many who foolishly chose to involve themselves in violent unrest.

"Many of those involved will be sent to prison for a long time. The disturbing images we've seen across the country, manipulated by agitators both in person and online, while local families still grieve their loved ones, is an unforgivable and selfish act that every person sentenced today will have to live with.

"Violence, rioting and aggression will never be tolerated in this country, and we stand ready to use the full force of the law against any others who have been or are considering joining these intolerable scenes.

"The Crown Prosecutions' message is clear. Whatever your motivation for targeting police, inciting hatred or wreaking havoc on your community, you'll be swiftly punished.

"Riley, Drummond and Geiran mistakenly thought they would escape justice. They now face an extended period behind bars, and their criminal convictions will stay with them forever.

"There are hundreds of prosecutors working flat out across the country, making real-time charging decisions and helping put offenders before the courts.

"We will continue to work side by side with our police partners to ensure that the criminal justice system responds to any and all incidents of disorder as swiftly as possible.

"Let today's result serve as a warning to all those who carry out criminality on our streets. You will always suffer the consequences. "

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