Sentencing of 12-year-old involved in mob violence postponed after mother went to Ibiza

The sentencing of a 12-year-old twice involved in mob violence in July and August has been adjourned because his mother has gone on holiday to Ibiza, a court heard.

Joanne Hirst, the district judge, told Manchester magistrates’ court she was “frankly astonished” that the boy’s mother had decided to fly abroad for a five-day break, with her son due in court having admitted two counts of violent disorder. She told the 12 year-old: “Boys like you need their mums in their lives.”

Mr Hirst adjourned sentencing of the boy for two counts of violent disorder and ordered a parental summons so the mother must appear before the court when sentence is passed on Sept 11. The boy cannot be identified because of his age.

The youngster, who was accompanied to court by his uncle, had earlier admitted being part of a mob that attacked a bus outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on July 31.

During subsequent disorder in Manchester city centre three days later on Aug 3, Ms Kenyon said the boy was “filmed by police kicking the front window of a vape shop” and was “seen to throw a missile at a police van”.

At a previous hearing Tess Kenyon, prosecuting, said the schoolboy was “seen in footage handing a rock to another youth during the disorder” and was part of a group that attacked a bus.

“He kicks the bus at the side as it drove past him,” Ms Kenyon added.

‘I’m frankly astonished’

Mr Hirst was told the boy’s mother was not present, having gone on holiday on Sunday, and was due to fly back to the UK on Thursday.

She thanked the boy’s uncle for accompanying him to court, but added: “One day before the hearing we find out the mum has gone on holiday and is not with her son who played a greater part in the recent civil disorder than any adult or child I’ve seen coming through these courts.

“I’m frankly astonished. I will require a full explanation from mum on her decision to go on holiday one day before her 12-year-old son comes to court facing a potential custodial sentence.

“This is a serious situation. It has now deteriorated in my view because of the actions of the mother. She is on notice, and I will be challenging her about this decision.”

Addressing the boy as she adjourned sentencing, the judge told him: “Boys like you need their mums in their lives. I need your mum here.”