sep 6, 2024 - Man Receives 9 Years for Riot Arson

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Only three people have received more severe sentences than the upper end of that spectrum, which includes one we saw today: Thomas Birley, 27, of Swinton, was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon.

His acts, described by the judge as one of the worst cases the court had heard related to the riot outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, left staff inside fearing for their lives.

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