After the tragic murders in Southport, hundreds faced jail time for rioting and social media posts, with sentences totaling over 100 years
Southport: It’s been a tough time for this seaside town. After the heartbreaking murders of three young girls, the community erupted in riots. People were angry and took to the streets. Judges have now handed out prison sentences totaling 100 years to those involved.
Many of the rioters were also jailed for posting illegal messages online. In total, they received 39 years for those social media posts. It’s wild to think how many people got caught up in the chaos. Hundreds of sentences were given out across the UK after the riots in July 2024.
The main suspect, an 18-year-old named Axel Rudakubana, is set to be sentenced soon. He admitted to killing the three girls and attempting to harm others. The average sentence for rioters has been around 24 months, but those in Southport got a bit more, averaging 28 months.
Interestingly, the harshest sentences went to rioters in Tamworth, where a mob attacked a hotel. Those involved there received an average of 35 months. Meanwhile, protests in London saw much lighter sentences, averaging just 13 months.
Despite all the arrests, some towns are still waiting for justice. In South Yorkshire, 57 people were jailed for their part in the Rotherham riots, which included an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers. The total sentences there reached 148 years.
Overall, the Ministry of Justice reported 494 defendants sentenced to immediate custody for their roles in the riots. It’s a staggering number, and the total prison time is likely over 1000 years. The courts have been busy, but it seems some areas are still lagging behind in handing out sentences.
Interestingly, only 22 of those jailed so far are women. The average age of the rioters is about 34 years old. It’s a mix of people, from a 13-year-old girl to an 81-year-old man who got a suspended sentence for his actions during the protests.
