A father of seven has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence for his involvement in the Hanley riots. Mohammed Iqbal, 35, threw three projectiles and was seen in several streets during the disorder.
Details of the Incident
Prosecutor Matthew Ness told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that CCTV footage showed Iqbal in Town Road. His group fled from Potteries Way through an alleyway towards Mayer Street, and he threw a missile towards police officers forming a barrier. He also picked up a rock and threw it over the barrier, and later walked towards Salahuddin Mosque with a missile in hand. At least three missiles were thrown in total.
Iqbal, of Thorndyke Street, Shelton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He was arrested seven months after the incident, with phone messages boasting about his involvement and a photo of a wounded protester on the ground.
Defense and Sentencing
Hayley Parkes, mitigating, said Iqbal had shown he could focus on his family and job. He has seven children and is a trustworthy father. He has a healthy relationship with his ex-partner and supports his current partner, who is vulnerable and has two young children. He expressed remorse after seeing the footage.
Judge Richard McConaghy handed Iqbal a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, solely because of his children. He must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 250 hours of unpaid work, and pay a £150 costs order.
Judge McConaghy noted that the disorder occurred on a Saturday afternoon in a busy Hanley town centre. Iqbal was present for almost all of it, throwing rocks, trying to break a brick, and bragging about a protester being left on the floor. The judge described his activity as persistent and sustained, with a detrimental impact on the community. However, he emphasized that the suspended sentence was due to Iqbal's role as primary caregiver for his seven children across two households.
