Many parents will be taking their children to the seaside or countryside this school summer holidays, but a Greater Manchester woman decided to take her baby to a violent migrant hotel protest instead.
Nevey Smith, 21, of West Street, Failsworth, admitted an offence of violent disorder when she appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday, 12th August 2024.
Violent disorder is an offence under section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986. It has a maximum penalty of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 5 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment. I have previously written a guide to the offences of riot and violent disorder.
Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, told the court that there was a large scale disturbance at the Holiday Inn, Oldham Road, Newton Heath, on the evening of Wednesday, 31st July 2024.
Ms Kenyon said: "Footage shows (Smith) throwing liquid from a bottle towards police officers who were trying to maintain order.
"This was after two people who the crowd believed were seeking asylum had gone into the hotel.
"She had a child with her in a stroller."
Rob Moussalli, mitigating, told the court that his client, who sobbed throughout the hearing, was remorseful for her involvement.
He said: "(Smith) was taking the child to her grandmother's house when she saw her auntie standing with some people near to the hotel and went to talk to her.
"Then people started shouting and she moved to the front of the group and her auntie went to the back with the child. She wasn't planning to do anything."
Mr Moussalli told the court that someone behind a line of police officers had shouted something towards Smith, which made her lose her temper. She had then thrown water in response.
Smith has no previous conviction.
Addressing Smith, District Judge Joanne Hirst said: "I am prepared to give you one opportunity."
Smith was granted conditional bail until her sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, 19th August 2024.
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