Man sentenced following disorder in Southport

A man has been sentenced today, Friday 31 January, for his role in violent disorder in Southport last summer.

John Rasburn, of Gibson Street, Wigan, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty at a previous hearing for violent disorder in Southport on Tuesday 30 July.

Rasburn was captured on CCTV at the forefront of the disorder on St Luke’s Road. He was seen throwing a traffic cone at officers who were trying to protect the community. He then went onto confront officers before spitting at them.

The 47-year-old man was seen throwing an item at officers before then running up to an officer and kicking them.

The court heard that on 11 August, Merseyside Police circulated Rasburn as wanted for his role in the disorder. However, on 16 January he handed himself in to a police station in Greater Manchester.

The next day, Merseyside Police detectives arrested and charged Rasburn with Violent Disorder and two counts of assault emergency worker.

Today, Rasburn was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Sloan said: "Rasburn went on to the run but ultimately knew he couldn’t hide forever and would need to answer for his actions and the role he played that day to a community that was in mourning.

“He eventually handed himself in, albeit five months later. I hope Rasburn takes the time while in prison to reflect on his shocking actions that day.”

Detective Sergeant Sloan added: “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.

“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 129 charged and 106 sentenced to a combined 208 years 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.