15-Year-Old Admits Guilt in Sunderland Riot

A 15-year-old boy, whose identity is protected due to his age, was arrested during early morning raids in Sunderland on Friday. He appeared at South Tyneside Youth Court on Saturday, where he admitted to charges of violent disorder and burglary of a vape shop. Alongside him, 38-year-old Philip Cawthorne also pleaded guilty to violent disorder at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court. This incident is part of a broader wave of unrest that has seen multiple arrests across the region. In total, Northumbria Police have charged 17 individuals in connection with the violent disturbances that erupted on August 2. The unrest included violent confrontations where beer cans and bricks were hurled at police outside a mosque, and vehicles were set ablaze. These events are linked to a series of disturbances that have occurred in various towns and cities across England following the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport at the end of July. Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr condemned the violence, describing the scenes in Sunderland as "appalling." Cawthorne has been remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on August 20. The 15-year-old is set to return to South Tyneside Youth Court on Thursday, while three other men, aged 24, 26, and 35, are expected to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Monday.