First five men jailed for total of 10 years for causing violent disorder in Hartlepool

The men were involved in various acts of violence during a night of large-scale disorder that shocked Teesside on Wednesday 31 July.

They all appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday 8 August to be sentenced after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Up first to receive their sentence by Judge Laird was Steven Mailen.

The 53-year-old, of Arch Court in Hartlepool, admitted to joining in the disorder.

He was struck on the leg by an officer’s baton when he was “constantly” in the face of officers gesticulating and shouting towards police.

Ryan Sheers, of Powlett Street, Hartlepool also admitted to joining in the disorder.

The 28-year-old was bitten on the hip by a police dog when he was shouting and refusing to move away when trying to push through the police cordon.

Kieron Gatenby, of Yeovil Walk in Hartlepool, participated in the disorder for around 30 and 60 minutes.

The 19-year-old was seen on CCTV footage throwing a missile towards police officers.

Bobby Shirbon, Cornwall Street in Hartlepool, was captured hurling missiles such as wood and bottles at officers.

The 18-year-old was also seen smashing windows and causing damage. On arrest he told officers "It's ok everyone else is doing it."

The final man is Carl Holliday, of Tankerville Street in Hartlepool.

He hurled large pieces of metal shelving at police officers holding shields to provide a protective cordon on Murray Street.

The 30-year-old was captured on a seven-minute video throwing the item four times.

On one occasion the footage showed him carrying the large item which he then threw directly towards the police line. He then threw another extremely large piece of metal shelving in the direction of officers.

The details of those sentenced on Thursday 8 August at Teesside Crown Court are:

• Steven Mailen jailed for 26 months
• Ryan Sheers jailed for 26 months
• Kieron Gatenby jailed for 16 months
• Bobby Shirbon jailed for 30 months
• Carl Holliday jailed for two years and eight months

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton: “Over the last week officers have been faced with extremely challenging situations involving individuals who had nothing else in mind but the intent to cause violence.

“Within seven days of the Hartlepool disorder those set on committing serious violence have been arrested, charged and now sentenced by the court. This sends a very firm message to anyone continuing to think of committing sheer violence. 

“Our investigation remains on going and I want to encourage members of the public to keep reporting information – no matter how small you think it might be.”

Christopher Atkinson, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said: “The tough sentences handed out today should serve as a lesson for anyone considering taking part in this type of disorder across the North East.

“This show of violence on the streets of Hartlepool instilled fear in local residents and caused damage to local businesses.

“I would like to praise the excellent work of Cleveland Police in dealing with this disorder. In addition to their brave response to a particularly difficult situation they have also secured key evidence against multiple offenders, which has assisted us greatly in building such robust cases against those involved.

“We will continue to work closely with our police partners, responding swiftly and robustly to any activity which threatens the safety of the communities we serve.

“Our message is clear: we stand ready to secure convictions and push for the strongest possible sentences against anyone involved in violent unrest.

“Those foolish enough to take part in such activity will likely find themselves facing a prison sentence and a permanent criminal record for their efforts.”