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Men jailed for Facebook incitement to riot to appeal | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Two Cheshire men jailed for using Facebook to incite disorder during last week's riots are to appeal against their sentences. | |
Jordan Blackshaw, 21, from Marston, and Perry Sutcliffe-Keenan, 22, from Warrington, were jailed for four years at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday. | |
The judge praised the swift actions of the police and said he hoped the sentences would act as a deterrent. | |
Solicitors for both men have confirmed they will appeal. | |
Blackshaw and Sutcliffe-Keenan pleaded guilty under sections 44 and 46 of the Serious Crime Act to intentionally encouraging another to assist the commission of an indictable offence. | Blackshaw and Sutcliffe-Keenan pleaded guilty under sections 44 and 46 of the Serious Crime Act to intentionally encouraging another to assist the commission of an indictable offence. |
Blackshaw's solicitor, Chris Johnson, of Moss Haselhurst solicitors in Winsford, said his client and his family were "somewhat shocked by the sentence". | |
He said: "It was something which was started as a joke by Jordan. | |
"Obviously it was rather misplaced and misguided. | |
"We are not aware of anyone taking up the call that they made. | |
"Northwich, as far as we understand, has remained peaceful." | |
Rebecca Tanner, from Tranters solicitors in Manchester, said Sutcliffe-Keenan would appeal against the sentence on the grounds that it was disproportionate to the offence. | |
"I wouldn't have anticipated it would be as much as four years," she said. | |
"Obviously, as a 22 year old, in his situation, knowing that ultimately whilst he'd been extremely foolish, I think he was shocked, given that his view would be he hadn't actually caused any physical hurt, or physical harm, or caused any damage as a result of his actions." | |
The Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Carlile, president of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said he was "surprised" by the sentences. | The Liberal Democrat peer, Lord Carlile, president of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said he was "surprised" by the sentences. |
"The Chester sentence was handed out by a very experienced and highly regarded judge who was reflecting the views of the community he serves. | |
"But the sentences are heavy, and there are no guideline cases for judges to work from for this situation. | "But the sentences are heavy, and there are no guideline cases for judges to work from for this situation. |
"I would expect the court of appeal to be asked very soon to provide a guideline case or cases so that judges can provide consistent, if severe, sentences around the country." | "I would expect the court of appeal to be asked very soon to provide a guideline case or cases so that judges can provide consistent, if severe, sentences around the country." |
'Restorative justice' | |
The prosecution said Blackshaw had created a Facebook event called "Smash d[o]wn in Northwich Town", intended for the receipt of the "Mob Hill Massive Northwich Lootin". | The prosecution said Blackshaw had created a Facebook event called "Smash d[o]wn in Northwich Town", intended for the receipt of the "Mob Hill Massive Northwich Lootin". |
The page said people should meet on 9 August, between 13:00 and 16:00 BST, "behind maccies" - thought to be McDonald's in Northwich town centre. | The page said people should meet on 9 August, between 13:00 and 16:00 BST, "behind maccies" - thought to be McDonald's in Northwich town centre. |
There has also been criticism from MPs, barristers and campaigners, who have said the sentences handed down to some of those involved in riots across England are too severe. | |
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake said sentences "should be about restorative justice", not retribution, while Labour MP Paul Flynn said the government was "throwing away sentencing rules". | Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake said sentences "should be about restorative justice", not retribution, while Labour MP Paul Flynn said the government was "throwing away sentencing rules". |
And leading criminal barrister John Cooper QC said he believed some sentences were "over the top" and likely to be overturned by the Court of Appeal. | And leading criminal barrister John Cooper QC said he believed some sentences were "over the top" and likely to be overturned by the Court of Appeal. |
But Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has said "exemplary sentences" are necessary and that people need to understand the consequences of rioting, looting and disorder. | But Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has said "exemplary sentences" are necessary and that people need to understand the consequences of rioting, looting and disorder. |