Man who threw stones at police in Hartlepool identified by top

An ex-soldier who threw stones at police during disorder in Hartlepool was identified by his name written on his T-shirt, a court has heard.

Qualified tank driver Joel Bishop, who served with the Royal Logistic Corps, admitted a charge of violent disorder and two counts of possessing offensive weapons.

Video footage showed the father-of-two joining in attacks on police officers in riot gear in the town, as he threw stones and a plank, while using offensive language.

Judge Francis Laird KC, at Teesside Crown Court, sentenced the 27-year-old to 18 months in prison, having accepted his genuine remorse and that the “family man” had an “exemplary” Army record.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said a large protest group had gathered by the Cenotaph in Hartlepool on July 31 and by 19:30 BST it had turned violent.

She said Bishop was identified from footage afterwards because he had his name on the back of his green T-shirt, as well as a distinctive tattoo.

Bishop has no previous convictions and his defence, Rob Hunt, said his actions were “so out of character that one struggles to find any rational explanation”.

He added: “He was not wearing any disguise – he actually had a shirt with his name on it.”

Bishop had no animosity towards the police and even considered joining their ranks after he left the Army, Mr Hunt added.

“It just seems he succumbed to the mob mentality, it’s something he bitterly regrets.”

Passing sentence, Judge Laird said Bishop’s behaviour that night was “disgraceful”.

Meanwhile, a woman, 31, also appeared in court charged with violent disorder relating to the Hartlepool riots.

She also faced a criminal damage charge.

No plea was entered and the woman was remanded in custody ahead of her next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on 29 August.