Five more men have been sentenced for their involvement in a violent disturbance at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on Sunday, 4 August. The incident, which saw attacks on police officers and property damage, has resulted in significant prison terms and youth detention for the offenders.
Luke Crowcroft, 30, of Danesway, Scawthorpe, Doncaster, received the harshest sentence of two years and six months in prison, along with a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order. Crowcroft was caught on CCTV attempting to overturn a police van containing officers and a police dog. Despite initially refusing to comment during police questioning, overwhelming evidence led to him pleading guilty to violent disorder.
Ashley Lowe, 19, of North Street, Barnsley, was sentenced to two years and two months in a young offender institution. Lowe, who was 18 at the time of the incident, entered the hotel during the disturbance and was seen kicking riot shields and throwing objects at officers.
Ben Beardsley, 38, of Hall Gate, Mexborough, received a sentence of two years and eight months. Beardsley, who wore a full-face mask during the incident, was identified by public intelligence despite attempts to conceal his identity. He was observed throwing rocks at officers.
Joshua Webb, 21, of Birch Park Court, Holmes, Rotherham, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Webb, who wore a mask, was identified by a distinctive hand tattoo and admitted to throwing wooden planks and rocks at officers.
Callum Smith, 23, of Dartree Court, Darfield, Barnsley, received a two-year and eight-month sentence. Smith, who tried to hide his identity with a balaclava, was caught on CCTV kicking officers’ riot shields, throwing objects, and kicking a police van.
All five men pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder at Sheffield Crown Court.
This group joins others previously sentenced for their involvement in the same disturbance, as authorities continue to hold accountable those responsible for the violence at the Rotherham hotel.
