Over 200 charged so far for Manchester and Salford disturbances
25/08/2011
More than 200 people have now been charged with criminal offences following the disturbances in Salford and Manchester over two weeks ago.
Most of those charged are being prosecuted in connection with the widespread looting that took place. Nearly half of the defendants, a total of 96 so far, have been charged with burglary; 10 with theft; and 21 with handling or receiving stolen goods. Other prosecutions include 29 people charged with violent disorder, two charged with affray, and three with inciting others to commit offences.
84 defendants have pleaded guilty and 48 have been sentenced. Sentences have included referral orders, fines and custodial sentences up to 4 years imprisonment.
Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West Area, said: "In just over two weeks, over 200 people have been charged with offences following the disturbances in Manchester and Salford.
"The number of people charged with burglary, theft and handling shows the widespread looting that took place in shops and businesses that night. Many of those who smashed their way into stores and carried off whatever goods they could lay their hands on or who looted from shops that were already broken into are now facing the consequences of that criminality. We have also charged many defendants with serious public order offences for the violence, damage and fear they caused.
"As the police continue with their investigations we are reviewing the evidence that they send us and authorising further charges on a daily basis where there is sufficient evidence to do so. We are dealing with cases as efficiently and swiftly as possible so that there can be no delay in bringing these defendants to justice, but I can assure you that each one will be dealt with fairly and consistently, according to the evidence in the case and our statutory code.
"Many of those who got involved in the violence, looting and distribution of the stolen goods on that night thought they would not be identified or caught. I suspect many thought there was safety in numbers. Those who are appearing in court are finding out that's not the case and that they now have to face up to their actions that night."
Ends
Notes to editors
- As of this morning 201 people have been charged under Operation Valant.
- Charges include:
- 96 defendants charged with burglary
- 4 charged with going equipped for theft
- 21 charged with handling stolen goods or receiving stolen goods
- 3 charged with intentionally encouraging the commission of an offence
- 5 charged with s.4 and s.5 public order
- 10 charged with theft
- 29 charged with violent disorder
- These figures are based on initial totals of defendants charged up to 24 August. They are subject to change. As cases progress through the courts and police investigations continue initial charges may be altered.
