Middlesbrough woman jailed for pushing burning bin at police

Stacey Vint was seen throwing a burning wheelie bin at police during the Middlesbrough riots

PA A line of police in riot gear approaches a group of rioters. Between the two groups, a car burns in the middle of the main street. — Stacey Vint was seen throwing a burning wheelie bin at police during the Middlesbrough riots

A woman who pushed a burning bin into a row of police officers during the Middlesbrough riots has been sentenced to 20 months in prison.

Stacey Vint, 34, from Middlesbrough, walked towards officers before tripping and falling at their feet, Teesside Crown Court heard.

She appeared in court for sentencing alongside Charlie Bullock, 21, from Middlesbrough, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison for violent disorder.

The court heard he was one of the “main instigators” of a large group that threw stones and rocks at police officers on Sunday afternoon.

The prosecution said the couple had joined a “planned peaceful protest” on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, attended by around 1,000 people.

Cries of “Take back our country” were quickly heard and the demonstration quickly turned violent.

Projectiles, bricks and stones were thrown, windows were broken and property was damaged.

Police Chief Mark Webster said he had never seen such hatred directed at police officers.

Police Chief Mark Webster in uniform standing in front of a police van. — Police Chief Mark Webster said he had never seen such hatred directed at police officers.

Vint had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful violence and possession of cannabis.

A video clip, widely shared on social media, was shown in court.

It shows Vint, of Normanby Road, pushing a burning bin at police officers before falling in front of them.

In his defence, the court heard that Vint was under the influence of alcohol and had agreed to give a hand to another man – who was pushing the bin at police.

The court heard she had no racist views and was not anti-police.

Prosecutor Rachel Masters said a police officer saw Bullock wearing a balaclava and throwing rocks and stones at officers.

He has been described as “one of the main instigators”.

In his defence, the court was told that Bullock was “completely ashamed of his behaviour” and did not hold “racist or far-right views”.

In a statement, Cleveland Police Chief Mark Webster said he had never seen “such hatred displayed toward police officers” while deliberate attempts were made to harm them.

Eight police officers were injured in the Middlesbrough riots and nearly £100,000 worth of damage was caused to police vehicles.