Boys admit violent disorder during summer riot

Two 16-year-old boys have pleaded guilty to violent disorder in connection with major unrest outside a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers.

Sheffield Youth Court heard one of the boys was filmed helping other rioters place a bin on a fire outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on 4 August, while the other added wood to an existing flame.

The latter also admitted arson with intent to endanger life but said he only added the wood because he was "told to do so" by adults present.

The teenagers, who cannot be named due to their ages, had no previous convictions and will be sentenced at the same court on 25 June.

Both youths, who were aged 15 at the time of the offending, were granted unconditional bail ahead of their next hearing.

Magistrates warned the boy, who is facing two charges, that the arson offence was "particularly serious" and could be sent to the crown court.

In his basis of plea, the boy said he was "actively encouraged" by adults to engage in the riot and that he was "deeply sorry" for his actions.

The teen accepted putting wood onto an existing flame but said: "I was not thinking about the consequences and had no intent to endanger life."

More than 90 people have so far been sentenced for their involvement in the disorder which saw anti-immigration protesters clash with police.

Footage of the unrest showed rioters smashing windows and doors, setting fires around the hotel while chanting "burn it down" and attacking officers with weapons such as fence posts and metal poles.

More than 60 police officers were injured, and the hotel and surrounding area sustained immense damage.

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