Man pleads guilty to riot following Tamworth disorder

A man who attacked police officers during the disorder at the Holiday Inn in Tamworth has pleaded guilty to riot.

At Stafford Crown Court today (19 September 2024), Simon Orr, 38, of Grazier Avenue, Tamworth admitted to participating in the disorder during which the Holiday Inn hotel was targeted. He had previously denied the offence but changed his plea this morning. He had also previously pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker at an earlier hearing.

Emily Lenham of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Simon Orr was not only an active participant in the violence which shocked our community – but also encouraged others to attend. He was captured on CCTV at the front of groups directly attacking the police, and when attempts were made by police to bring the situation under control, he responded with violence.

“When the disorder escalated, rather than leaving, Orr continued to play an active role; encouraging others to set fire to the hotel with people trapped inside – recklessly endangering lives. Despite his clear involvement he attempted to minimise his conduct, claiming he had attended for a lawful protest. However, the strength of evidence against him left him no choice but to plead guilty to riot.

“The Crown Prosecution Service in West Midlands is continuing to work closely with Staffordshire Police to ensure that all those responsible for the appalling events in Tamworth on 4 August are brought to justice.”

Simon Orr will be sentenced on 11 October 2024 at Stafford Crown Court.