Bolton man, 18, becomes first person jailed following widespread UK protests

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Mugshot photo of Liam Nelson, first person jailed following UK protests / Credit: GMP

A man from Bolton has become the first person to be jailed following widespread protests across the UK this past weekend.

James Nelson, from the Horwich area of Bolton, was sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday 6 August 2024), and pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage during the disorder in the Greater Manchester town’s centre.

Following his appearance in court, the 18-year-old was sentenced to two months behind bars, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.

Another man has also received a community order for his role in the recent protests too.

29-year-old Liam Powell, from Buckshaw Village in Chorley, was given a 12-month community order, according to GMP, and this will be in place until August 2025.

Powell also pleaded guilty to being in possession of cocaine during the disorder in Bolton this past Sunday (4 August).

As mentioned, Nelson and Powell received their sentences following a weekend which saw widespread far-right protests and counter demonstrations take place in towns and cities throughout the UK – predominantly here in the north – following the devastating killing of three young girls and the injuring of several others during a knife attack in the Merseyside seaside town of Southport at the end of last month.

Hundreds of people have been detained and arrested by police nationwide over last few days following the riots – including 19 people in Manchester city centre, according to GMP, with this number having potential to rise.

The scenes of police on duty at far-right protests in Manchester this past weekend / Credit: GMP (via X)

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an emergency COBRA meeting in response to the ongoing unrest, and said his Government “utterly condemns the far-right thuggery” displayed, adding that “those who participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.”

Manchester City Council leader, Cllr Bev Craig, also called for “compassion and solidarity” in her own statement on the matter, adding that “disorder will not be tolerated on our streets”.

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She insisted there is “no place for hate” in Manchester.

Featured Image – GMP