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A rioter who played a central role in the violence outside a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers has been sentenced to 9 years prison with a further 5 years on licence.
Levi Fishlock, 31, was part of a 400-strong mob gathered at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on 4 August 2024. He played a leading role, heaping combustible material onto a large skip-like flaming wheelie-bin that was pushed up against the hotel in an attempt to set the building ablaze. The judge remarked that he was “intending to endanger the lives of many people trapped in the hotel”.
He further attacked the hotel by throwing bricks and paving slabs to break the building and smashing up an air conditioning unit.
Fishlock then regrouped with other rioters to attack police and police vehicles, with one vehicle nearly overturned during the attack. He was seen throwing rocks to strategically target police officers, legs unprotected by their riot shields.
The riot, described as one of the worst public order incidents in South Yorkshire’s history, left 64 police officers, three horses, and a police dog injured. Over 200 asylum seekers trapped inside the hotel were forced to barricade themselves in their rooms to escape the escalating violence.
Judge Jeremy Richardson called Fishlock a “dangerous offender” and stated that his actions were driven by a racist mindset. He noted the rioter’s involvement in “almost every aspect of the violence,” including fueling the flames that threatened the lives of those in the hotel.
Sentence Details
Fishlock pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life. He received a 14-year sentence, with nine years to be served in custody and the remaining five on licence. It is possible that he will be released after 6 years.
There was little mitigation in this case. The court heard that Fishlock had a history of substance abuse and was intoxicated during the riot. Although his defence argued that his history of drug misuse should be used in mitigation the judge rejected this highlighting that well the pre-sentencing report details that drugs can cause him to enter a psychotic state his use of drugs was entirely deliberate. When arrested the next day he expressed no remorse and instead told officers that his actions had been for a good cause.
Despite the defendant’s later claims of remorse and recent efforts to reform, the judge concluded that Fishlock posed an ongoing threat to public safety.
Widespread Impact
The violence was described by police as the worst they had ever witnessed. Protesters armed with bats and wooden planks attacked officers, threw wheelie bins at the hotel, and set barricades alight. The incident has been widely condemned, with Chris Hartley from the Crown Prosecution Service stating:
“Fishlock’s actions and those of the mob terrified the residents and staff of the hotel, causing significant physical and emotional harm. Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to anyone contemplating such disgraceful acts.”
This is one of the highest sentences handed down so far in connection with the nationwide disorder during the summer. Over 60 individuals have been jailed for their roles in the Rotherham riots, with sentences reflecting the severe threat posed to public safety.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Richardson emphasised the exceptional seriousness of the case, citing Fishlock’s intent to harm the hotel’s occupants and his participation in coordinated attacks against police.
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
Understanding Sentences for Violent Disorder and Arson
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
In this case, Levi Fishlock’s sentence is guided by laws concerning violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life. The Public Order Act 1986 makes it an offence to engage in violent disorder, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment. However, when the offence is linked to a more serious crime, such as arson, the penalties can be far more severe.
Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, arson with the intent to endanger life can result in a life sentence. The judge took into account the severity of Fishlock’s actions, which involved attempting to set fire to a hotel while people were inside, endangering their lives. The sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts treat acts of arson, particularly when committed in the context of a riot where public safety is jeopardized.
The judge’s decision to impose a 9-year custodial sentence with a further 5 years on licence reflects the gravity of Fishlock’s role in the riot. This type of sentence, which combines a period of imprisonment with post-release supervision, ensures that offenders like Fishlock are monitored upon release to manage the ongoing risk they may pose to public safety.
This case highlights the legal consequences of engaging in violent disorder and arson, underscoring the significant penalties for actions that threaten life and public order.
Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.
Jason King
Birmingham City-Desk
Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews
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