Ashley Smith, 26, jailed for 20 months after joining a Hull riot and looting stores. He claims he initially went to post on social media.
Ashley Smith joined a large group of troublemakers who confronted the police near a hotel housing asylum seekers. He joined others raiding four stores: O2, Lush, Shoezone, and Greggs.
Smith, age 26, admitted to violent disorder and four burglary charges. These crimes occurred on August 3. The prosecutor said the crimes occurred during widespread disorder in Hull’s city center. Police identified Smith through social media and found him at an address in Halifax.
He blocked cars by putting a fence on the road in front of the police, and he also carried a large object toward the police. Smith later launched a missile at the police.
He looted the O2 shop, took boxes out, and handed them to a friend. He took items from displays. Smith also went into Lush and took items from there. He was seen leaving Greggs with some items.
Smith entered Shoezone and took several pairs of Crocs, putting them on the ground before going back for more. Police questioned him, but he said nothing. Smith had no prior convictions.
His lawyer said Smith went to see what was happening, planning to post it on social media. However, he became involved himself, calling his actions very unusual. She said this was a wake-up call for him. He accepts his actions fully, feels remorse for what he did, and wishes he could undo it all.
These crimes were spur-of-the-moment actions. He saw others looting and also saw a chance to steal items. He played a smaller role by joining others. He admits throwing the missile and says someone told him to block the road, claiming he was not the one who started it.
He showed much remorse and understands what he did, knowing that his actions caused harm that impacted the police. He had worked as a security guard for three years prior to the crime.
The judge said his crimes were racist violence that lasted twelve hours and caused immense harm to many. The judge called it deplorable public disorder, with large numbers of people, racist chants, and looting, and people attacked the police.
Smith was involved in looting all four businesses. The judge stated that only prison time was appropriate. Smith, having been out on bail, was sentenced to 20 months in jail.