Riot charge authorised for fourth person involved in Sunderland disorder
The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge of riot against Ashley Mark Wilkinson, 35, in relation to the disorder that took place in Sunderland on 2 August this year.
Christopher Atkinson, Head of the Complex Casework Unit for CPS North East, said: “The defendant previously faced a charge of violent disorder but, following a further review of his case, this has now been upgraded to the more serious charge of riot.
“The defendant is one of a number of individuals who we expect will be charged with riot. As these are live proceedings, we remind all concerned that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Notes to editors
- Ashley Mark Wilkinson (DOB 16.2.89) is of James Street South, Murton, Sunderland. He will next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday 8 November.
- Wilkinson already faces related charges of possessing articles with intent to destroy property and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).
- The function of the Crown Prosecution Service is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for a criminal court to consider.
- This is the fourth charge of riot to be brought in relation to the disorder in Sunderland, following the charging of a 15-year-old boy with riot in August