Hamza Nabeel has been sentenced to 33 months in prison after stamping on a victim who had fallen into a builder's trench during riots in Middlesbrough in 2024, and then filming the attack. The 28-year-old, of Bernard Road in Stockton, was found guilty of violent disorder by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.
The Incident
On August 4, 2024, civil unrest erupted across Middlesbrough. CCTV footage showed a group of white youths running from a gang of Asian males, the court was told. One individual from the fleeing group was attacked and fell into a roadside ditch filled with water, which had been excavated beside a pavement on Linthorpe Road.
Prosecutor Jenny Haigh stated: "Asian males kicked and punched him. The defendant stamped on his hands, as the victim held a green barrier up to protect himself. The defendant stamped on him again. The defendant then bent down to video the man in the trench." The video was subsequently posted on social media with the caption: "They all ran off and left their EDL buddy behind."
Victim Impact
In a statement, the victim revealed he had suicidal thoughts in the days following the attack. He expressed reluctance to speak with police, saying: "I was scared the people who did this to me would find me and assault me again." The victim's relatives have viewed the footage, which he described as distressing to watch.
Defense and Sentencing
In mitigation, defense barrister Paul Newcombe told the court that Nabeel now acknowledges his involvement, having previously denied the offence. Nabeel has been on remand at HMP Holme House, confined to his cell for more than 22 hours daily. Newcombe said: "He's had a lot of time to think. He's reflected on himself and where he was in his life and he says it's been a blessing. Had he not had this time, he wouldn't have been in the same mindset he was, when he committed his crime."
The court was informed that Nabeel's mother and siblings perished in a house fire when he was five years old. "It looks like he's never addressed it," Newcombe continued. "He's addressed it through cannabis and squashing his thoughts."
Judge's Remarks
Judge Richard Bennett stated the footage demonstrated Nabeel was amongst a group of 40 or 50 men at 5pm that day. He said: "You were part of a group who were pursuing a smaller group of males. There was a perception that the smaller group of males may have been racist. One man was attacked by several men in your group. He fell into a water-filled ditch. You stamped on him twice. You filmed him for entertainment and you were goading him. This was classic mob mentality. Your references describe you as helpful, caring and well-mannered. They speak of a different person from the cocky man on CCTV; the cocky man on video footage; and the cocky man who appeared in the witness box. The arrogance you had at trial, has dissipated."
