Stacey Vint, a self-proclaimed "tornado" mum who was jailed after pushing a burning wheelie bin towards police during the Middlesbrough riots, has spoken out about her dramatic turnaround. The 34-year-old mother-of-five was among the first rioters sentenced on Teesside following the unrest that erupted after the Southport attack in summer 2024.
Vint pleaded guilty to violent disorder and received a 20-month prison sentence after videos of her collapsing while shoving the flaming bin went viral. Now, she says her time behind bars gave her the chance to reflect on her behaviour and overcome her substance abuse issues.
A Life of Chaos and Addiction
Speaking candidly about the addiction, homelessness, and chaos that defined her life before August 2024, Vint described herself as a "tornado - not bothered what I destroyed in my path on the way." She had lost custody of her children and was drifting between "sesh houses," indifferent to the "unlivable conditions" as long as she had access to alcohol and drugs.
"I didn't see a future for myself. It was just completely unstoppable by then, and I drank and took drugs to block everything out," she said. On the day of the disorder, Vint revealed she had gone several days without sleep, drinking and taking drugs, before being swept up in the crowd while heading to the shops.
"Within seconds everything turned to madness. The atmosphere just took over me," she added. "In prison, I started to understand the impact of my actions. People were frightened in their homes. Cars smashed up. Windows boarded. I had never thought about how my actions affected anyone else."
A Former Teacher Reaches Out
After seeing Vint's face on the front page of a newspaper, retired primary school teacher Satti Collins recognised her as a former pupil. "I just wanted to know why she did that. I wanted to find her, but I didn't know how," Collins said.
Following her release from prison, Vint participated in a restorative justice programme with Restorative Cleveland, operated by Safer Communities across the Cleveland Police area. This brought Vint and Collins together face to face for the first time in over 25 years.
For Vint, the encounter helped her accept responsibility. "I am not racist, far from it. But I was still part of something I should not have been. I want to make things right," she said.
Reflecting on knowing Vint during her childhood, Collins chuckled that she was "a bit lippy" but noted "as teachers we were very fond of you." The retired teacher added: "She is brave and honest, and she has worked so hard to turn her life around. She is really making a difference in sharing her story with others."
Spreading the Message
After participating in the programme, Vint and Collins have kept in touch and have been presenting their experiences throughout the area. They have visited schools, addressed delegates, and conducted training sessions with police officers about the ramifications of crime, substance abuse, and becoming involved in civil unrest.
The pair also recently participated in a community gathering organised by the Amal Project, which helped facilitate the clean-up operation after the riots. There, they discussed their journey as part of Resilient Women: A Celebration of Strength, Faith and Community.
Paul Shaw from Restorative Cleveland explained the case demonstrates what restorative justice can achieve when individuals are prepared to participate. "Restorative justice gives people the chance to be heard, to ask difficult questions, and to understand the real impact of what has happened," he said.
Restorative Cleveland supports victims and offenders throughout the Cleveland Police area, with funding provided by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland. A short documentary entitled Riot to Redemption, backed by Tees Million, has been produced, chronicling Vint's journey with Restorative Cleveland.
