Brothers Jailed for Violent Riot Against Asylum Seekers in Rotherham

In a case highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies, two brothers have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a violent disturbance outside a hotel accommodating asylum seekers in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The incident, which occurred on August 4, 2023, resulted in numerous injuries to law enforcement personnel and animals.

Paul Sissons, 37, and Luke Sissons, 34, both from Barnsley, were at the forefront of a mob that confronted police officers guarding the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers. The Sheffield Crown Court heard evidence of their participation in the riot, which lasted several hours and involved attacks on police and attempts to breach the hotel.

Paul Sissons, employed as a tunnelling team leader on the HS2 high-speed railway project, was recorded over a four-hour period shouting at police and repeatedly chanting the name of a well-known far-right activist. His actions escalated to violently rocking a police vehicle containing officers and a police dog, as well as throwing objects at cornered law enforcement personnel.

Body-worn camera footage, a technology increasingly utilized by police forces worldwide, captured Paul Sissons aggressively pushing against the police line while officers attempted to control the crowd. This evidence played a crucial role in the court proceedings.

Luke Sissons was also implicated in the assault on the police vehicle. Video evidence showed him at the front of a group taunting officers who were pinned against the hotel wall. He was recorded making offensive statements towards the police and expressing hostility towards both law enforcement and immigrants.

The brothers' defense counsel stated that both men were "thoroughly ashamed of their parts in this" incident. The court was informed that Paul Sissons' employment status was now in jeopardy due to his actions.

Both Paul and Luke Sissons entered guilty pleas to charges of violent disorder, an offense under the Public Order Act 1986. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, presiding over the case, sentenced each brother to three years in prison.

This case is part of a larger series of prosecutions related to the Manvers disorder. To date, more than 20 individuals have been sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court for their involvement in the riot. The incident resulted in injuries to 58 police officers, three police dogs, and a police horse. Some rioters attempted to break into the hotel and set it on fire.

Judge Richardson expressed his concern about the footage showing officers under attack, stating:

"It never ceases to frighten me, and I have the advantage of watching it days after the event in the security of this court room. The young officers who were on that cordon must have been terrified by that mob."

This case underscores the complex challenges faced by law enforcement in managing civil unrest, particularly in situations involving asylum seekers and immigration policies. It also highlights the increasing importance of video evidence in modern criminal proceedings and the severe consequences for those who engage in violent disorder.