Robert Scott, 47, who draped himself in a Union Flag and tried to smash his way into a hotel housing asylum seekers, said "I wish I never got involved" as he was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court. Scott, of Stanley Road in Bootle, pleaded guilty to theft of a Deliveroo bag and criminal damage to the Richmond Hotel door, costing £240.
Mob of 150 targeted hotel
The court heard that on June 9 this year, Scott was part of a "mob" of around 150 people who gathered outside the Richmond Hotel in Liverpool City Centre. The disruption then moved onto Bold Street, where Scott was captured on CCTV near the Adelphi Hotel stealing a Deliveroo bag from a group of delivery riders.
He later posted footage on TikTok "celebrating" the theft. A picture on his Facebook page showed the bag plastered with pictures of Henry Nowak, whose murder sparked outrage and riots in Southampton, along with the slogan "Save our kids".
Judge criticises violent record
Judge David Swinnerton said the disorder broke out under the guise of "protecting women and girls from asylum seekers", but added: "He (Scott) has got domestic violence all over his record and five children he doesn't look after."
Speaking of Scott's 44 previous convictions for 72 offences, the judge said: "It features domestic violence, assaults, drug use, harassment, assault causing actual bodily harm, and so on. A very lengthy record of offending since 1993, and numerous offences of theft."
Defence asks for immediate release
Nick Cockrell, defending, said Scott had been remanded in custody since his appearance in the lower court and asked the judge to pass a sentence that would allow for his immediate release. He said: "Your Honour may see for himself the bandages on his left arm. It hasn't been an easy period in custody this time around, and he's eager to receive a sentence which allows his release."
Sentencing, Judge Swinnerton said: "You, alongside around 150 other people, were going as a mob through the streets of Liverpool. You went to the Richmond Hotel, which was known to house asylum seekers. I'm satisfied there were asylum seekers there, indeed there was a notice on the wall in various languages telling people not to open the door on that day."
The judge said Scott stole the Deliveroo bag as a symbol of immigrants and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. He said: "That's why you stole a Deliveroo bag, to taunt them, and because you appear to have found it funny and others appear to have found it funny too. There was some comment about doing it for the clicks, for the likes."
Suspended sentence and requirements
The court heard a community impact statement from Liverpool businesses describing the "fear and anxiety" caused. Judge Swinnerton said: "The image of mobs coming down the street is not one which promotes the visitor economy."
The defendant, appearing over video link from prison with a bandaged arm, said: "I'm sorry for my actions that day. I wish I never got involved." The judge told him: "I hope you have learned your lesson." He replied: "I have."
Scott was sentenced to a total of 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 25 days of rehabilitation activity, 100 hours of unpaid work, and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. He was also made subject to a trail monitoring tag requirement for 12 months.
