A 15-year-old boy from Sunderland has been charged with rioting, becoming the first person to face this more serious offence following recent protests. The Crown Prosecution Service stated that rioting carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, double that of a charge of violent disorder. The boy is due to appear at South Tyneside Youth Court to enter his plea. The teenager is accused of involvement in rioting in Sunderland on August 2. The Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East has warned against sharing any information online that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.