Two twelve-year-olds have been convicted for involvement in the riots in Manchester and Southport.
Fatal Stabbings Lead to Riots
Riots broke out across the UK following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in a dance class, and eight other children were critically injured.
Misinformation About Suspects Leads to Disorder
Misinformation about the suspect’s identity circulated on social media, leading to unrest and disorder across the UK.
First Riot Resulted in 50 Injured Police
More than 1000 people gathered outside a mosque after the misinformation was spread, resulting in almost fifty injured police officers.
Almost 1000 People Arrested Since the Riots Began
Since the 29th of July, when the unrest began- more than 975 arrests have been made, with a further 546 charges filed, according to Police Chiefs.
Youngest Convicted of a Criminal Offence
Due to their age, the youths cannot be named in public, but they have appeared in court after being identified and pleaded guilty.
Charged With Murder and Attempted Murder at 17 Years Old
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana has been charged with the murder of the three girls with a further ten counts of attempted murder.
Identity of Underage Suspect Revealed to Stop Misinformation
Initially, Rudakubana’s identity was kept confidential due to his age. However, following the “idiotic rioting” as characterised by Judge Andrew Menary, his identity was disclosed to address misinformation, mainly as his 18th birthday was imminent.
Unruly Youth Joining in on Riots
The Merseyside Police said that one of the twelve-year-old boys is a Southporter who was charged with involvement in the Southport riots.
12-Year-Old Put Before the Court
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that he confessed to the violent disorder at the Liverpool Youth Court.
12-Year-Old Admitted to Two Charges
Another young 12-year-old has admitted to two charges of violent participation after taking part in separate incidents in Manchester.
Missile Thrown at Police Van
Prosecutors had said that the boy threw a missile at a police van and was involved in disorder when he joined the large group outside the Holiday Inn that is housing the asylum seekers and was seen handing a rock to another minor.
Boy Seen Kicking Things in Sight
The boy was also “filmed by police kicking the front window of a vape shop” as well as kicking a moving bus.
Judge Dealing with Someone Involved in Two Incidents
District Judge Joanne Hirst had said that the offences were “ very serious” and noted that it was the first time that she had to deal with someone involved in two separate incidents that involved disorder at two different locations.
Youth Shows Remorse Over Actions
It was reported that the youth has shown remorse, and according to his defence attorney, Natasha McGarr, she said that he was “very sorry.”
Hate Is Taught
The director of Exit Hate Trust, Nigel Bromage, who runs the organisation that aids people who wish to exit racist groups, has said that he has come across children who get radicalised by their older siblings or parents.
Far-Right Groups Are Influencing ”Lay People”
In light of the recent disorder, Bromage warned that the far-right groups are influencing ordinary people to carry out acts of violence and destruction, stating that the “lay people” are used as “pawns.”
Extremists Spreading Disinformation
He told The Independent that extremists are spreading false information and lies, which people are starting to believe in an attempt to incite them to act on violence.
Age of Youths Involved in Disorder Gets Lower
Recent weeks have seen the emergence of troubling indications of racist behaviour among young people, particularly during the riots and captured on social media. Notably, an 11-year-old boy was arrested during the Hartlepool disorder, and a 14-year-old has been charged with involvement in the riots. Additionally, two twelve-year-olds have also been implicated.
Grave Concerns About the British Youth
It raises concern about the mentality of the British youth when children under eighteen are involved in and fuelling violent riots, and another is implicated in mass murder.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / 1000 Words.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.