Further sentencing for violent disorder in Merseyside

Pictured above: Gavin O'Connor, 46 years, from Bradford

Two men have been sentenced today, Tuesday 25 March, for their role in violent disorder in Southport last summer.

Thomas Birchmore, of Manley Street, Ince-in-Makerfield in Wigan, and Gavin O’Connor of Idle Road, Bradford appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today after they all pleaded guilty at a previous hearing for taking part in violent disorder in Southport on 30 July last year.

Pictured above:  Thomas Birchmore, 31 years, from Wigan

Birchmore, 31 years, was captured kicking a police vehicle on the day of the disorder in Southport and received two years in prison.

O’Connor, 46 years, was seen to throw numerous missiles at police officers during the disorder in Southport and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

Also in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Monday 24 March, was 30-year-old Ryan Williams for his involvement in violent disorder in Southport last July.

The court heard that Williams, of Black Brook Close in Southport, threw full bricks at police and the mosque on St Luke's Road. He persistently participated in the disorder and received one year and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.

Pictured above: 30-year-old Ryan Williams from Southport

Meanwhile yesterday, Monday 24 March, detectives arrested a 35-year-old man from Wigan on suspicion of violent disorder when he landed at Manchester Airport from Spain. The suspect was seen throwing missiles at officers during the disorder at Southport. He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “This latest sentencing of three men brings the total number to 237 years for the 128 people that have been brought before the courts so far.

"In addition, we have made 185 arrests and charged 146 people in connection with violence and disruption which damaged our communities on Merseyside.

“The disgusting scenes witnessed will not be tolerated and we advise anyone else who took part in the disorder to do the right thing and hand themselves in.”

Images and footage are still being worked through so please contact us with any information via our public portal mipp.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Latest galleries of people we would like to speak to can be found on our X and Facebook pages, and on our force website https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2024/november/latest-cctv-appeal-following-disorder-in-merseyside-during-the-summer/