London, United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, two men were sentenced to prison on Thursday (Aug 8), for their involvement in violent disorder during anti-Muslim riots in northwest England. The riots were triggered after the tragic killing of three girls, aged six, seven, and nine — in a knife attack on July 29 at a Taylor Swift theme dance class in northern England. Five other children were also critically wounded in the tragic attack.

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The two men, identified as John O'Malley, 43, and William Nelson Morgan, 69, have both received a prison sentence of two years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court. Morgan was also issued a Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO) for possessing a weapon.

UK's anti-Muslim riots

The riots, which erupted in Liverpool and Southport, were described by the presiding Judge Andrew Menary as "deplorable mass public disorder."

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Across the country, over 400 people have been arrested for their participation in the riots. 

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As per Reuters, Morgan, from Walton, played a role in the destruction of Spellow Lane Library, while O'Malley was seen leading a "baying mob" outside a mosque in Southport.

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Despite his age, the 69-year-old Morgan was armed with a wooden truncheon and had to be restrained by three police officers during the unrest.

"Your advancing years plainly did not prevent you from playing an active part in a disturbance on County Road," said the judge while sentencing Morgan, reports BBC.

"I think it is very sad indeed to see someone of your age and character in the dock of a Crown Court," he added.

O'Malley had previously admitted to violent disorder for his actions during the riot on July 30, a day after the knife attack that killed the three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport. 

The court was shown footage of rioters attacking police with stones and wheelie bins, forcing officers without riot gear to retreat under a barrage of missiles.

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Judge Menary criticised him and commented, "You were at the front and participating enthusiastically."

Paul Lewis, who represented the two men, told the court that they were not the instigators of the violence, but that they admit their presence fuelled the disorder and were sorry. He also said that they wanted to apologise to the victims' families, the police, and the public for the fear and disruption they caused.

Britain's most senior police officer, London Commissioner Mark Rowley, reported that over 400 people had been arrested across the country in connection with the riots, with more arrests made on Thursday morning. The government has secured additional prison spaces to accommodate those involved in the violence.

(With inputs from agencies)