Couple jailed after 25 years together for riot involvement

Tracy Pearson, 53, and Michelle Jibson, 45, have been in a relationship for 25 years and were recently jailed for their involvement in a riot outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath on July 31. The couple arrived at the scene with England flags and participated in violent actions, including throwing missiles and shouting racist slurs. Their behavior was part of a larger mob mentality that escalated the situation, resulting in injuries to a bus driver caught in the chaos. During the court proceedings, Judge Patrick Field condemned the couple's actions as 'deplorable' but acknowledged that they played a minor role in the overall disturbance. He noted their previous offenses, including resisting police and disorderly conduct, but ultimately decided against sending them back to prison. Instead, Pearson received a six-month suspended sentence, while Jibson was given an 18-month community order. The judge highlighted the influence of online platforms in fostering intolerance and mob behavior, suggesting that the couple's actions were not premeditated malice but rather a reaction to the charged atmosphere. He expressed concern over the dangers of such environments, which can lead individuals to act in ways they might not otherwise consider. As a result of their sentencing, the couple, who had never been apart in their 25 years together, are now set to reunite outside of prison. This incident serves as a reminder of the societal tensions surrounding asylum seekers and the potential for violence in such situations.