His barrister told the court he had ‘happily, made some progress’
Hull rioter Jack Dawson(Image: Hull Live)
A rioter has avoided prison for a second time after breaching a suspended sentence imposed for his part in the violent disturbances – but he is now on his “last chance”. Jack Dawson joined in frightening scenes outside a hotel where asylum seekers were being housed – and threw missiles towards police who were trying to prevent the trouble escalating out of control, Hull Crown Court heard.
Dawson, 22, of Albert Avenue, off Anlaby Road, west Hull, admitted breaching a 20-month suspended prison sentence, with 20 days’ rehabilitation, that had been made in July last year. He had originally admitted violent disorder on August 3, 2024.
Dawson ended up back before the court on several occasions last year and early this year but he was given time to prove that he could comply with the terms of the order, attend sessions with the probation service and keep out of trouble. At a resumed hearing, defence barrister Stephen Robinson said: “Happily, the defendant has made some progress.”
Dawson had shown “consistent and reliable engagement” with the probation service, he had attended all scheduled appointments and he had maintained good communication throughout. “This really is his last chance,” said Mr Robinson.
Judge John Thackray KC told Dawson: “Well done. You have kept out of trouble. You have complied with the order. You seem to be showing signs of growing up and keeping out of trouble, which is good for you and good for the public.
“If you breach it again, it is likely to be custody.” Dawson was given five extra days’ rehabilitation.
At the original hearing in July last year, the court was told that Dawson was one of those who were involved in a large-scale demonstration in Hull city centre. Similar protests had been organised nationally following the deaths of three girls in Southport.
Police were in Ferensway, including outside the Royal Hotel, where asylum seekers were being housed at the time. The disorder spilled onto the cenotaph area, opposite the hotel.
Dawson was seen on footage that was filmed of the incident. He was on Ferensway and was part of a large group who were throwing missiles at police officers. He was on the road outside the Royal Hotel and could be seen throwing missiles towards police.
At 2.39pm, a large group advanced towards officers and Dawson was part of that group. Some of those in the group attacked officers and Dawson could be seen to throw a missile.
At 4.36pm, Dawson was on Spring Bank and he could be seen to select and throw missiles – believed to be stones – towards a police van and officers. He was arrested on December 20, 2024 and, during interview the next day, he made no comment to all questions.
Dawson had convictions at the time for 14 previous offences, including using threatening words or behaviour in January 2023, when he was given a conditional discharge, and causing criminal damage in July 2022.
At an earlier hearing before Hull Crown Court, he had asked to be remanded in custody straight away rather than continuing to be on bail. He had believed at the time that he faced an inevitable prison sentence and he wanted to start it that day.
But, at the resumed hearing, he was given a suspended sentence.
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