A man who chanted “who the f*** is Allah” during violent far-right riots in Staffordshire last summer has been jailed.
Nathan Poole, 32, has been jailed for 30 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court following violent unrest on 3 August 2024 during the “English summer riots”.
The court heard how Poole had attended the protest after hearing about the demonstration at a barber shop.
The protest, which saw groups of far-right protestors clash with groups of local Muslim residents became known as the “Hanley riots”, where bricks, missiles and Islamophobic hate was witnessed at the incident.
A Holiday Inn branch nearby was targeted by rioters a day later amid a nationwide outpouring of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate triggered by far-right misinformation being spread online about the horrific Southport knife attack.
Poole filmed the event as it unfolded on his phone and joined in far-right chants including: “you are all f***ing nonces” and “who the f*** is Allah!”
Poole also argued with police as the demo descended into violence.
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Prosecutor Clare Harris said: “Three hundred people took part in the disorder. The Crown’s case is this defendant played an active role, sometimes at the forefront. He showed up at four separate locations, Cannon Place, Lichfield Street, Potteries Way and Town Road.”
Poole, of St Bernard’s Road, Knutton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He works for a tarmac company and leads junior staff.
Judge Richard McConaghy found Poole had displayed “hostility towards Islam”.
He told the defendant: “The protest took place in and around Town Road and it descended into violence. Police in riot gear attempted to try to keep the peace. But the violence continued.
“Threats were made with weapons. Some had been brought to the scene, others were picked up there. Missiles such as bricks were thrown. Pieces of wood were picked up and brandished.
“Members of the public and police were injured. Public safety and public order were put under severe threat. You were an active participant. You now accept your presence worsened the situation.
“You were encouraging others. You found your way to the front of the police line. You were abusive and argumentative with police officers while others were throwing missiles over their heads. It is right to say there is no evidence that you threw a missile or that you were an architect of any of the pushing. But you were seen in different locations. You were being bullish and shouted, ‘Who the f*** is Allah’ at the other group.”
Martin Bloor, mitigating, said: “He deeply regrets his decision to become involved in this incident. He heard about the protest in a barber. He believed it was going to be a peaceful protest. He attended out of curiosity to see what was happening.
“He had no intent to get involved in violence or cause any violence. Unfortunately the incident got out of hand very quickly. A large number of people were involved on both sides. He is a mature man. He should have removed himself from that situation.”
