Grandfather, 69, becomes oldest rioter jailed after judge hands down 32-month sentence

8 August 2024, 12:00 | Updated: 8 August 2024, 12:41

Pensioner, 69, becomes oldest rioter jailed after judge hands down 32-month sentence
Pensioner, 69, becomes oldest rioter jailed after judge hands down 32-month sentence. Picture: Alamy

By Danielle de Wolfe

A 69-year-old pensioner has become the oldest person to be jailed following violent riots across the UK.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Appearing in Liverpool Crown Court, William Morgan, of Linton Street, Walton, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for violent disorder during the unrest in Southport.

The pensioner stood accused of attacking a library that was later set on fire, as well as possessing an offensive weapon in the form of a coch.

Morgan was sentenced alongside John O'Malley, 43, who also received a 32-month sentence for violent disorder.

Judge Andrew Menary KC said rioters "were exploiting the anguish of others" for "their own twisted ideology" or simply the joy of "violence".

He added: "Your advancing years plainly did not prevent you from playing an active part in a disturbance on County Road".

It follows raids across the country, with 10 arrests made by the Metropolitan police in London early on Thursday.

Screen grab taken from PA Video of Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC during a live broadcast from Liverpool Crown Court, Liverpool, sentencing John O'Malley, 43, of Cambridge Gardens, Southport,
Screen grab taken from PA Video of Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC during a live broadcast from Liverpool Crown Court, Liverpool, sentencing John O'Malley, 43, of Cambridge Gardens, Southport,. Picture: Alamy

The judge added there was extensive violence across Southport, with both of the accused "at the forefront" of the unrest.

The pair are the fourth and fifth individuals to be sentenced amid widespread violence following last week's Southport stabbings at a Taylor Swift dance class in Liverpool.

Read more: More far-right protests planned in coming days, policing minister warns

Read more: Reckoning for the rioters: Police swoop on 'thugs and criminals' in string of dawn raids

"You were at the front of what was essentially a baying mob," the judge said as he handed down the pair's sentences.

“I think it is very sad indeed to see someone of your age and character in the dock of a crown court,” he said.

Adding: "You were at the front and participating enthusiastically".

Around 100 people set fire to bins and damaged a community hub and library containing a food bank, the judge said during his sentencing remarks.

He explained that Morgan was "seen at the front of the mob holding in your hand... a small truncheon".

"I am sure you had [the weapon] with you to cause injury if the opportunity should arise," he added.

royal coat of arms outside Liverpool Crown Court in the Queen Elizabeth II law courts building in Liverpool city centre
royal coat of arms outside Liverpool Crown Court in the Queen Elizabeth II law courts building in Liverpool city centre. Picture: Alamy

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley joined the force for the south London raids during the early hours of Thursday morning as the force arrested those involved in far-right violence in recent days.

It took the total number arrested by the Met to 121.

Police have now issued an appeal to identify 14 people in relation to disorder in Merseyside.

CCTV images of the men were released by Merseyside Police as they warned that "many people will soon be getting a knock on their door".

Officers want to speak to the group of 14 following the disorder in Liverpool city centre and Walton on Saturday.

It comes as thousands of peaceful anti-racism demonstrators took to the streets last night to quash fears of further violent disorder.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, celebrates following the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Latvia at Wembley Stadium on March 24, 2025 in London, England.

Brilliant James free kick sees England continue 100% record under Tuchel after 3-0 win over Latvia

The most common cause of death among victims of domestic abuse was suspected suicide for the second year running, a new report shows.

More domestic abusers to be charged with manslaughter after partner ends own life, police say

Chris Stark attends The BRIT Awards 2025 at Intercontinental Hotel on March 01, 2025.

Capital Breakfast presenter Chris Stark reveals testicular cancer diagnosis, urging men to ‘check themselves’

Hamdan Ballal holds his Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for "No Other Land" during the 97th Annual Academy Awards.

Oscar-winning Palestinian director attacked by mob of Jewish settlers and arrested by Israeli military

Flights resume as Heathrow re-opens at Heathrow on March 22, 2025 in London, England.

Over 90 airlines threaten Heathrow with legal action after airport shut down due to substation fire

Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, from left, US President Donald Trump, and Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense.

Trump's team make MAGA mistake after revealing secret war plans to journalist accidentally added to group chat

Amen T

Second boy charged with murder of 15-year-old found dead in Glasgow street

University students march across Galata bridge during a protest after Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested and jailed

More than 1,000 arrested as protests continue to sweep Istanbul after Erdogan rival detained on corruption charges

Emergency services at the scene after an explosion at a building thought to be a gas leak, in Via Pio Foà and Via Vitellia, in Rome, Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Scottish tourist hospitalised with severe burns after explosion destroys three-storey building in Rome

Police hunting the alpaca attacker were seen at the scene on Sunday after four animals killed.

Police hunt alpaca attacker after four animals killed with fifth 'shot in the face' in 'highly distressing' incident

Ant Middleton gives a speech at the Reform Party 2024 Conference

TV star Ant Middleton banned as director at own company over £1m unpaid tax

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak during joint press conference with Czech Rebublic's President Petr Pavel in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky).

Zelenskyy claims US officials influenced by Russia - as Kremlin confirms Putin portrait gift to Trump

Bayford won a whopping £148million EuroMillions jackpot with then-wife Gillian in 2012.

EuroMillions jackpot winner scraps plans to build children's theme park on country estate

d

Three gangsters guilty of botched bid to murder mastermind behind Britain's biggest robbery

Annie Kilner has admitted having mobile phone behind wheel of her £70,000 Mercedes

Kyle Walker's wife fined after pleading guilty to using phone behind wheel of her car

University of London Queen Mary College Queens Building in Mile End Road London

Students left horrified after camera discovered under desk at university