He has now been sentenced after playing ‘a leading role in the violent disorder’
Billy Bragger has been jailed(Image: Humberside Police)
A troublemaker who played a leading role in the riots, arson and looting that brought “shame” to Hull city centre during “12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” has been jailed. Billy Bragger was “front and centre” among the large number of violent protesters who were arrested following the widespread trouble.
The disturbances were sparked across the country after three young girls were murdered in Southport. Clashes with police happened on August 3, 2024 outside the Royal Hotel in Ferensway, Hull, where asylum seekers were being housed at the time.
There were also outbreaks of violence and looting in Jameson Street and at a garage, where fires were started, Hull Crown Court heard. Bragger, 25, of Hull, admitted violent disorder, two offences of racially aggravated criminal damage, including to a BMW car containing three “terrified” people, two offences of burglary at the O2 and Greggs stores and an offence of arson at the Shoezone store.
Judge John Thackray KC said that Bragger played a leading role in “12 hours of racist, hate-fuelled mob violence” that caused “immeasurable harm” despite the bravery of the police. There were 11 officers injured and one of them was permanently scarred.
There was “huge financial cost” and “fear and distress” was caused to the communities targeted. They were left frightened to go about their daily life. Bragger was involved in the targeting of a car that had three “terrified” occupants in it.
“Their fears are entirely understandable,” said Judge Thackray. “You were involved. You were front and centre of that attack.” It was impossible to imagine the terror that they would have felt from the threats to kill them.
Numerous vehicles were set on fire. “You were very close by those people cowering in the garage workshop,” said Judge Thackray. Bragger might not have been one of those people making threats to kill but he was “front and centre” of what was going on in that area, including damaging vehicles.
It was “utterly deplorable public disorder” including threats to kill innocent members of the public. There were “determined attacks” on the police.
“You were front and centre of all of that,” said Judge Thackray. A female police officer was kicked to the ground at one point.
Bragger was also involved in looting commercial premises and causing damage by fire. “You played a leading role in the violent disorder,” said Judge Thackray.
“There was an intention to cause, and a high risk of causing, injury to persons, namely the persons in the BMW. You have got a bad record for one so young, going back a long time.”
Cathy Kioko-Gilligan, mitigating, told an earlier hearing that Bragger pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage. He had suffered problems. No further mitigation was requested at the resumed hearing.
Bragger was jailed for six years.
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