Latest arrests, charges and sentencing following disorder in Southport

Detectives investigating incidents of violent disorder in Southport last summer have made further arrests and charges, with three males sentenced today, Tuesday 28 January.

Three juveniles, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Liverpool Youth Court today after pleading guilty at a previous hearing. They were:

• A 16-year-old male from Ainsdale was sentenced to a Youth Rehabilitation Order, 120 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 court cost for his involvement in violent disorder. The youth was seen causing damage to the mosque wall and fence in Southport on 30 July last year. He was seen to throw a piece of the damaged wall at the police line
• Another 16-year-old male from Ainsdale was referred to youth offending panel for 12 months for his involvement in violent disorder in Southport. He was captured throwing several missiles towards officers and kicking down a brick wall. He was then seen to enter Windsor Mini Mart and steal items from the shop
• A 17-year-old male from Southport was referred to youth offending panel for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 court cost for his involvement in violent disorder. He was captured throwing missiles at the police officers during the disorder.

Yesterday, detectives charged two people for their involvement in violent disorder in last July in Southport:

• Gavin O’Connor, 46 years of Spring Close in Oldham, has been charged with violent disorder. He has been bailed and will next attend Liverpool Magistrates Court on Monday 10 February
• Emma McAteer, 26 years of Pollard Road in Wavertree, was arrested and charged with violent disorder and burglary. McAteer has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, Tuesday 28 February.

Finally, detectives arrested a further two people on suspicion of violent disorder in Southport last July:

• A 22-year-old man from Tarleton was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries.
• A 30-year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. He is in police custody to be questioned.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Sloan said: "This latest update demonstrates that we are relentless in bringing those who helped cause such violence and disruption to our communities to justice, and continue to be committed to ensure those responsible are held to account.

“The actions of those who decided to take part in the disorder last summer was shocking for all to witness and brought disgrace to the region.

“We are identifying more people who displayed such abhorrent behaviour which damaged our communities, and would encourage anyone with information to contact us.”

The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 171, with 128 charged and 102 sentenced to a combined 205 years and four months in prison.

We would encourage anyone with information to contact us by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Current galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website: Latest CCTV appeal in relation to summer disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police.