Eighth man jailed for role in violent outbreak at Knowlsey hotel

Shelley was jailed for an additional two months for failing to appear in March, when seven other men were jailed.

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A vehicle in flames outside the hotel (Image: PA)
On Friday, February 10, 2023, a police van was set on fire and missiles were thrown at officers facilitating an initially peaceful protest which turned violent at the Suites Hotel on Ribblers Lane.

Police equipment including riot shields, helmets, and metal bars were also taken from inside the van.

Three officers were injured in total, with two sustaining minor injuries and one Inspector requiring hospital treatment. In total £83,686 of damage was caused by the incident.

As part of extensive investigations, officers analysed over 150 pieces of body worn video footage, 75 social media clips and four hours of drone footage to prevent any further crime and bring those responsible to justice.

The men have been jailed after the protest turned violent (Image: PA)
In March, Thomas Mills, 47, Brian McPadden, 61, Paul Lafferty, 42, and Jonjo O’Donoghue, 21, Daniel Fulham, 39, Liam Jones, 25, and John Tippler, 59, St were sentenced to two years in prison.

Seven youths, aged between 13 and 17, were also sentenced after they admitted violent disorder, while another six were given referral orders and one was fined.

Jared Skeete, 19, of Irwell Close, Aigburth, Liverpool, was sentenced to three years’ detention last April after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder, having thrown fireworks and snorted ketamine while shouting abuse at police.

Harry Boynton, 20, of Sherdley Walk, Kirkby, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work, 40 days of rehabilitation (RAR).

Three women –  Nicola Elliott, 52, of Ellison Drive, Old Eccleston, St Helens, and Jennifer Knox, 41, and Cheryl Nicholls, 44,  both from Kirkby, were found not guilty of violent disorder halfway through the trial following a direction to the jury from the judge, who said there was “insufficient evidence”.

Seven men were jailed for their involvement in March (Image: Merseyside Police)
Knowsley Local Policing Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “Shelley attempted to evade justice when others were sentenced in March. However, we relentlessly pursue criminals who attempt to avoid their fate at court, so the outcome was inevitable and an extra two months jail time was added for his actions.

“The violence outside the hotel resulted in £83,686 of damage to our vehicles and facilities which could have been used to protect our residents. Officers were bombarded with various missiles and dispersal zones were put in place in the aftermath of the disorder to prevent any further incidents.

“It is completely unacceptable to intimidate and target particular communities in Knowsley in this appalling manner and those who did caused fear and distress to those residents inside the hotel and to the local community.

“We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful but such violence that endangered our officers and others will not be tolerated.

“In this case social media speculation, misinformation and rumour can and does cause serious violence in our community.

“Their sentencing sends a clear message of zero tolerance towards this kind of behaviour within our communities and regions across Merseyside.”

If you have any information about violence, disorder, or hate crimes in your area please contact the police social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.