Former pro boxer jailed for asylum seeker hotel riots in Doncaster

Luke Crowcroft, a 30-year-old former professional boxer from Scawthorpe, Doncaster, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for his involvement in violent riots outside a hotel accommodating asylum seekers. The incident occurred on August 4, when Crowcroft participated in a mob that attempted to overturn a police van outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham. The riots resulted in injuries to 64 police officers, three police dogs, and a horse, highlighting the severity of the disorder. During the court proceedings, Crowcroft's defense lawyer, Ed Moss, argued that the boxer had been disciplined throughout his life and that the violent behavior was out of character for him. Moss emphasized Crowcroft's role in caring for his partner's teenage son and expressed his client's desire to apologize to those affected by the incident. Despite his previous success in boxing, with 11 wins from 14 bouts, Crowcroft's actions during the riots led to significant legal consequences. The court also sentenced two other individuals involved in the riots, including 19-year-old Ashley Lowe and 38-year-old Ben Beardsley, who received sentences of two years and two months and two years and eight months, respectively. Both defendants admitted to their roles in the violent disorder, with their defense lawyers stating that they had no political or racist motivations for their actions. The events surrounding the riots raised concerns about public safety and the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK, prompting discussions about the underlying issues that led to such violent outbursts. The case serves as a reminder of the potential for mob mentality to escalate into serious criminal behavior, impacting both the individuals involved and the wider community.