A 25-year-old man from Staffordshire has become the first person in the West Midlands to be convicted of riot following violent disorder at the Holiday Inn in Tamworth this August. Mitchell Cleaver, of Morleys Hill, Burton upon Trent, pleaded guilty to the charge of riot yesterday at Stafford Crown Court. He is set to be sentenced on 11 November 2024.
Cleaver had initially been charged with violent disorder, but after a full review, the charge was upgraded to riot due to his significant role in the events. During the incident, Cleaver was seen throwing objects and discharging a fire extinguisher at police officers, who were working to safeguard the hotel and those inside.
Two other men involved in the same disorder also appeared in court yesterday. Martin McCluskey, 60, of Manor Road, Tamworth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker. He will be sentenced on 30 October 2024. Tommy McQuaker, 29, of Madrona, Tamworth, also admitted to violent disorder and will be sentenced at a later date.
Emily Lenham of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) commented on the case, saying, “Mitchell Cleaver played a significant role in the violence that unfolded at the Holiday Inn. The level of unlawful violence was such that a charge of riot was the only appropriate response.
She added, “The Crown Prosecution Service in West Midlands continues to work closely with Staffordshire Police to ensure all those responsible for the appalling events in Tamworth on 4 August are brought to justice. We hope these convictions act as a deterrent for those who engage in such unacceptable behavior.”
The disorder at the Holiday Inn caused significant disruption, with members of the public and emergency services fearing for their safety due to the coordinated violence displayed by the perpetrators. The court proceedings will continue as the remaining defendants await sentencing.
