A man who was involved in trying to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers during a riot has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Levi Fishlock, part of the mob that attacked the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, was described by the judge as a significant figure in the racist violence that occurred in August. Fishlock, 31, was easily identifiable by his distinctive purple England football shirt with “Bellingham” written on the back. He pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life.
The Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC labelled Fishlock’s actions as one of the most serious cases he had encountered, leading to the nine-year prison sentence with an additional five-year licence period. This sentence matches the joint highest given out for the summer’s riots, with another individual, Thomas Birley, also receiving a nine-year jail term in September. The court heard that Fishlock actively participated in various aspects of the violent behaviour, including shouting racial abuse, adding wood to a burning bin placed against the hotel, and making threatening gestures towards those inside the building.
Aside from his involvement in setting fires, Fishlock was also seen damaging property by throwing bricks and paving slabs, as well as attacking police vehicles with rocks. The judge noted that Fishlock’s actions directly endangered the lives of the asylum seekers trapped within the hotel. Despite his arrest following the riot, Fishlock reportedly expressed no remorse, claiming his actions were for a “good cause.” In his defence, the court was informed about Fishlock’s struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse, indicating underlying challenges he grappled with.
This incident was part of a series of violent events that transpired over 12 hours, leaving multiple individuals injured, including law enforcement officers. More than 60 individuals have been prosecuted for their involvement in the disorder outside the hotel. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of chaos and fear as asylum seekers and hotel staff barricaded themselves during the riot, with smoke engulfing the building. Judge Richardson condemned the actions of the perpetrators, stating that they had tarnished the reputation of the region.
The court emphasised the severity of Fishlock’s role in escalating the violence and the significant danger he posed to the lives of those inside the hotel. The sentencing aimed to send a strong message about the consequences of such criminal behaviour, particularly in cases involving racial violence and endangering lives. The court proceedings shed light on the impact of such actions on the community and the importance of upholding law and order to prevent further incidents of this nature. The sentencing of Levi Fishlock serves as a reminder of the accountability individuals face for participating in violent behaviour and the repercussions of such actions on innocent lives and community safety.
Overall, the case highlights the need for vigilant enforcement of the law and justice system to deter individuals from engaging in such destructive and dangerous activities in the future. The severe punishment handed down to Fishlock underscores the gravity of his actions and the commitment to holding individuals accountable for inciting violence and endangering lives, especially in contexts as sensitive as the treatment of asylum seekers.