Three men from Leeds have pleaded guilty to charges related to setting fire to a bus and causing violent disorder in the Harehills area of the city. The incident took place on July 18, and all three will be sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on October 1.

 Three men have pleaded guilty to arson and violent disorder in connection with a July incident that targeted a First Bus on Foundry Approach in Harehills. The incident, which occurred on July 18 and 19, 2024, caused significant distress among local residents.

The accused, identified as Iustin Dobre (37) of Clifton Mount, Mark Mitchell (34) of Strathmore View, and Milan Zamostny (30) of Seaforth Road, have all entered guilty pleas in court.

Charges and Pleas:

• Iustin Dobre: Pleaded guilty to violent disorder and previously admitted to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.
• Mark Mitchell: Pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He had also previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
• Milan Zamostny: Pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and violent disorder.

The arson attack specifically targeted a First Bus on Foundry Approach, causing extensive damage and endangering the lives of those nearby.

Ongoing Investigation

West Yorkshire Police are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the disorder that unfolded in Harehills. The police have utilized various technological tools, including CCTV and facial recognition technology, which played a critical role in identifying Dobre and other suspects.

To date, 32 people have been arrested on suspicion of related offences, with four suspects, including Dobre, Mitchell, and Zamostny, charged.

Official Statements

Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police stated, “We welcome these guilty pleas and continue to work to bring all those involved in July’s disorder in Harehills before the courts to face justice. I want to reassure residents that we continue to make use of every technological tool available to us to identify those responsible, including facial recognition technology which was used by officers to identify Iustin Dobre. There is no hiding from the law for those who become involved in disorder in West Yorkshire.”

The investigation is ongoing, and the police remain committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in the July unrest are held accountable.