He was on bail at the time of the riots
A rioter was seen “barging and charging towards police” while officers were trying to control an aggressive mob that was hellbent on provoking a “sustained confrontation” with them on a shocking day of violence. Drug user Ethan Start had earlier played a key role in a major cocaine supply conspiracy and he was on bail for this when he joined in the ugly scenes of rioting, Hull Crown Court heard.
Start, 27, of Ashworthy Close, Bransholme, Hull, admitted violent disorder on August 3 last year. He also admitted a separate earlier offence of conspiracy to supply cocaine between June 3, 2023 and April 23 last year.
Helen Chapman, prosecuting, said that Start became involved in trouble that erupted in Hull city centre after being organised on social media. It included a protest outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, where asylum seekers were being housed at the time.
Start was part of a large group that confronted police in King Edward Street at 12.45pm and he was later among a large crowd in Ferensway and Queen Victoria Square. He was aggressive towards police and was seen “barging and charging towards police” while they were trying to contain the crowd.
“There was a determination among this group to have a sustained confrontation with the police,” said Miss Chapman. Start was identified in November from CCTV pictures but, during police interview, he made no comment to all questions.
Start was on bail at the time of the riots after being arrested for his part in a drugs conspiracy to supply cocaine in east Hull. A police investigation began in 2023 after a series of warrants were executed in relation to other people.
Telephone data led to an investigation into others, including Start. Another man was stopped in a car and it was discovered that his mobile phone had been in contact with Start.
Immediately after that man’s arrest, Start changed his phone. Others were later arrested. Start was arrested and bailed but he continued his drugs offending until April last year.
Police seized £600 cash from him and a large number of other bank notes. A zombie-style knife and phones were found as well as snap bags and scales.
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Grahame James, mitigating, said that Start pleaded guilty to the offences. “He accepted that he is part of this conspiracy,” said Mr James. “He accepted a significant role.
“He was in debt. He owes £26,500, according to his phone. Debt is what happens when you are dealing in drugs and using drugs. He was selling a drug that he was addicted to, that being cocaine.”
Start had convictions for wounding in 2015 and affray in 2019. Judge Alexander Menary said of Start’s role in the rioting: “You involved yourself in a widespread and unpleasant violent disorder, with disgraceful scenes in Hull city centre.”
Start was jailed for six years and two months. The sentence included one year for violent disorder and a consecutive five years and two months for the drugs conspiracy.