Sunderland man, 32, convicted of rioting during nationwide disorder

Kieran Usher, a 32-year-old man from Sunderland, has become the first adult to plead guilty to a charge of riot following violent protests on August 2. The unrest erupted in response to a tragic incident in Southport where three girls were fatally stabbed, leading to widespread disinformation about the suspect's identity. Usher was captured on CCTV encouraging violence and throwing missiles at police officers during the chaos in Sunderland city centre. The protests involved a large mob that clashed with law enforcement, resulting in significant damage to local businesses and creating fear among residents. Usher's actions were part of a coordinated attack that forced police to temporarily retreat. His defense attorney highlighted Usher's learning difficulties, requesting time to access his medical records before sentencing. The severity of Usher's actions, along with the organized nature of the violence, warranted a charge of riot, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of far-right extremism and the impact of misinformation on public safety. Following Usher's guilty plea, he has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on September 27. This incident marks a significant moment in the legal response to the nationwide disorder, as Usher is the first adult to be convicted of riot, following a minor whose charge was upgraded. The events in Sunderland reflect a troubling trend of escalating violence linked to far-right protests and the urgent need for addressing the underlying causes of such unrest.