Boy, 15, admits role in Sunderland riots

A 15-year-old boy has become the first child to be convicted for his part in violent disorder in Sunderland earlier this month, police said.

The boy, whose identity cannot be revealed due to his age, was arrested Friday in early morning raids in the city.

He appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Saturday, where he admitted a charge of violent disorder and burglary of a vape shop.

Another Sunderland man, Philip Cawthorne, 38, pleaded guilty at South Tyneside Crown Court on Saturday to violent disorder after being arrested by Northumbria Police.

Three other men – a 24-year-old from Newcastle, a 26-year-old from Sunderland and a 35-year-old from Murton, Durham – have also been charged with violent disorder in connection with the August 2 disturbances.

The 35-year-old man faces additional charges of possession of items with intent to cause criminal damage and possession of a Class B drug, in relation to items found at a protest activity in Newcastle on Saturday.

Northumbria Police said the total number of people charged in connection with the disturbances in Sunderland was now 17.

Three police officers were injured during the riots involving hundreds of people.

A police building was ransacked and a Citizens Advice office next door was set on fire.

Beer cans and bricks were thrown at police outside a mosque and cars were also set on fire.

It was one of several episodes of unrest that erupted in towns and cities across England following the murder of three young girls in Southport in late July.

Detective Inspector Graeme Barr said the unrest in Sunderland had led to “appalling scenes”.

He warned that any troublemakers identified would be “dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.”

Cawthorne, of Southend Road, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 20.

The 15-year-old will appear again at South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday.

The 24, 26 and 35-year-olds will all appear in South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday.