Twelve-year-old Oldham boy sentenced after taking part in recent disorder

A boy from Oldham has been sentenced following his involvement in the recent violent disorder in Manchester.

The court heard that the 12-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been involved in two instances of disorder – one on July 31 outside a Manchester hotel that was believed to be housing asylum seekers, and the second on August 3 around Manchester Piccadilly Gardens.

On July 31, around 6pm, the boy was captured on CCTV as part of a group who became aggressive, throwing rocks and other missiles at police officers who were trying to protect the staff and residents of the hotel.

The boy was seen handing a rock to another boy at the scene.

Later, the group, who were in the road, stopped a bus full of passengers and the boy was seen on CCTV to kick out at the bus from his bike.

On August 3, the boy was again part of a disorderly group at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre.

Around 3.20pm, the group were moving around the area attacking shop fronts.

The boy was filmed with a group of others, kicking the front window of a vape shop.

Later, wearing a balaclava to hide his identity, he formed part of a group who appeared to storm a Sainsbury’s local supermarket.

The boy knocked over shelves within the store.

During the fracas, he was also seen to throw a missile at a police van.

The boy made no comment in his police interview but pleaded guilty to two counts of violent disorder at the first court hearing on August 12, 2024.

He was sentenced to a 12 month intensive referral order today (Wednesday) at Manchester Youth Court and ordered to pay £300 in compensation.

John Moran, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “It is deeply concerning to see young people engaging in the disorder that has plagued our streets.

“The fact this boy took steps to shield his identity shows he knew what he was doing was wrong, the fact the behaviour was repeated increases the seriousness of the acts.

“This behaviour cannot go unchallenged; we will continue to work side by side with the police and our partners across the criminal justice system to ensure justice is delivered robustly and swiftly.”

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