Sunderland schoolboy, 15, becomes first person charged with riot following nationwide disorder

15 August 2024, 15:53 | Updated: 15 August 2024, 16:11

Violent disorder suspects across the country could face more serious charges following the recent nationwide unrest after a 15-year-old boy became the first person to be charged with riot.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday but his case was adjourned for two weeks following what a district judge called a "surprise" charging decision.

Rioting is an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison - double that of a charge of violent disorder.

The PA news agency understands riot charges are something the CPS is looking at nationally, as well as in the North East.

The boy, from Sunderland, is accused of riot following disorder in his home city on August 2 after having pleaded guilty to violent disorder and burglary on Saturday.

Chris Wilson, defending, said the situation "doesn't sit comfortably with me, professionally or personally", adding: "Clearly there are complex issues, and those issues may well have far wider repercussions."

Gale Gilchrist, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, said: "This defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged with riot."

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A senior officer at Northumbria Police said if an individual may have been involved in further criminality, they will "be brought before the courts again and charged with the most serious offence possible".

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'Strong message'

Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson said: "I hope this sends a really strong message that, no matter how old you are, if you took part in the recent appalling events in Sunderland, you will face really serious charges.

"The team have worked amazingly quickly, with our criminal justice partners, to arrest those responsible and bring them before the courts.

"However, as that evidence picture continues to build, if it becomes apparent that an individual may have been involved in further criminality, they will be brought before the courts again and charged with the most serious offence possible."