A man who was caught on CCTV throwing tyres and other debris on to a fire during the height of last summer’s Hull riot has been jailed for 16 months.
Carl Dunn, 58, of Saffrondale, Anlaby, had pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson at a previous hearing.
Sentencing Dunn at Hull Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge John Thackray KC said it was clear he “was not playing a leading role” in the disorder, which occurred on 3 August 2024.
However, he told Dunn that the footage of the incident was “depressing and horrifying to watch”, and he said that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.
Similar scenes, fuelled by misinformation, were seen across the country following the murder of three young girls at a dance class in Southport.
Michael Forrest, prosecuting, played the footage to the court and pointed out Dunn, wearing all-white clothing, throwing tyres and other material on to fires around a garage in Milky Way, near Spring Bank.
Dunn’s offending did not extend beyond that, Mr Forrest told the court.
During the wider disorder, people – including children – were left “cowering” in the garage, noted Judge Thackray.
Rachel Scott, mitigating, urged the judge not to pass an immediate prison sentence.
She said Dunn had “very significant” mental health difficulties, including psychosis, adding his life had spiralled after his partner of 18 years took her own life in 2011.
Dunn, who was “passionate about cats”, had been offered employment by a local rescue charity, said Ms Scott.
Judge Thackray noted Dunn had a number of previous convictions, including for assault in 2022.
He said he was satisfied Dunn had not lit any fires during the disorder.
However, he said the court needed to look at the disorder “as a whole” when sentencing those involved.
“During the 12 hours of racist, mob violence, immeasurable harm was caused,” he said.
“Eleven police officers were injured, including one who was left permanently scarred.”
Dunn, who was trembling in the dock, was told he must serve up to half of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.