Rioter Arrested on Flight After Southport Unrest
- 53-year-old Thomas Whitehead from Southport was arrested after a violent incident on a Ryanair flight.
- He was removed from the plane upon landing at Manchester Airport on August 13.
- The man had reportedly caused a disturbance on the flight following a period of violent disorder.
A 53-year-old man, Thomas Whitehead, was arrested upon his return to the UK from Greece after being implicated in recent riots in Southport. Whitehead, a gardener from Pool Street, was taken into custody by Merseyside Police as a Ryanair flight landed at Manchester Airport on August 13. He faces a potential 20-month prison sentence for throwing an object during the far-right riots that erupted following the tragic murders of three young girls in Southport on July 29. Footage released by police shows Whitehead being escorted off the plane and into a police vehicle. At Liverpool Crown Court, he was one of five individuals sentenced for their roles in the violent unrest, which saw rioters attacking police and targeting asylum seeker accommodations. Whitehead expressed confusion over his actions, stating he did not understand what compelled him to throw a missile during the chaos. His criminal history includes 18 previous convictions for 47 offences dating back to 1987. The riots, which spread across England and Northern Ireland, prompted a strong response from authorities. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that those involved would face the "full force of the law." Meanwhile, in Pakistan, Farhan Asif has been charged with cyber terrorism for spreading misinformation that allegedly incited the riots. Asif's case highlights the global implications of disinformation, as he faces charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.