Rotherham rioter sentenced for arson and violent disorder

A rioter who took part in violent disorder at the Holiday Inn Express, Rotherham, in August 2024 has been sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court today.

Levi Fishlock, 31, was part of a 400-strong crowd gathered outside the hotel, which was used to house asylum seekers.

He received a total sentence of 14 years, of which five are to be served on licence.

The crowd had become increasingly unsettled during the morning and violent scenes began to escalate, leaving over fifty police officers injured, as well as a number of police dogs and horses.

Fishlock played a prominent part in the violence. He was seen throwing bricks and paving slabs at the hotel windows and destroying fencing, setting fire to makeshift barricades outside the hotel and adding wood to a fire in a wheelie bin.

He was also witnessed, along with others, hurling rocks at police vehicles. One of these was tipped onto two wheels.

Chris Hartley, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The tough sentence imposed today should serve as a lesson for anyone considering taking part in this type of disorder in future.

“Fishlock played a prominent part in these shameful acts of senseless violence, which terrified the residents and staff of the hotel and caused significant amounts of physical damage.

“Highly experienced police officers described the disorder as the worst they had ever seen in their careers. The violence had left them in fear for their lives. Fifty police officers were injured.

“Our message is clear: we are continuing to secure convictions and push for the strongest possible sentences against anyone involved in the violent unrest over the summer.

“The CPS continues to work swiftly alongside partners in the criminal justice system to ensure criminals such as Fishlock face the full consequences of their actions.”

Many protesters armed themselves with weapons such as baseball bats and large lumps of wood which were used to hit and throw at officers. Protesters outside the hotel threw wheelie bins directly at the officers and at the hotel.

Fire exits were barricaded shut with wheelie bins and filled them with wood and other items, which were then set alight. Protesters attacked a wooden fence and threw the posts at officers.

The crowd systematically circled the hotel, stretching police lines, and threw rocks and boulders at the hotel, allowing some members of the crowd to gain access. Security staff and members of the public inside the hotel were told by police officers to hide in bedrooms and lock the doors to protect themselves.