A man accused of violent disorder in the wake of the horrific Southport murders who attended a protest outside the Holiday Inn on Oldham Road, which was housing asylum seekers has been acquitted at Manchester Crown Court.
James Cooper a father of four from Moston was one of around 50–70 people at the protest. He was arrested and charged with violent disorder under Section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
Having seen a Facebook post about the demonstration, James attended and filmed events. Unlike some of the other protesters, he was not involved in any violent acts.
The Crown’s case against him was weak.
Prosecutors argued that James had committed violent disorder simply by being present in the vicinity of the crowd, shouting remarks such as “shithouses” and “what would you do if it was one of your kids”, as well as engaging in a robust exchange with a police officer. They claimed this amounted to using or threatening violence.
Giving evidence, James firmly denied using or threatening violence and said he had attended what he believed would be a peaceful protest. He explained that he had shouted at police officers because he felt they were being heavy-handed.
After around two hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously acquitted James.
