Mariwan Kaki, 34, was seen holding a broom handle
Mariwan Kaki(Image: Staffordshire Police)
A man faces being deported to Iraq after he hurled bricks during a riot.
Mariwan Kaki was seen holding a broom handle and encouraging counter-protesters to take part in the trouble which erupted following three girls being stabbed to death in Southport.
The 34-year-old threw two bricks towards far right supporters and the police cordon during the unrest in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, last year.
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Kaki has now been jailed for 26 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court with the judge telling him he is liable to automatic deportation.
Prosecutor David Bennett said the disorder happened in Hanley city centre and the area close to the mosque on Town Road on August 3 2024.
A large number of police were deployed to keep far right protesters away from Muslims, refugees and asylum seekers on the other side, StokeonTrentLive reports.
Mr Bennett said: “The disorder involved punches and kicks, improvised weapons being used and missiles being thrown.
“There were about 300 people involved at its height. The defendant was seen encouraging others. He was within a group of predominantly Asian men close to the mosque.
“The defendant was holding a brush handle and was standing in the middle of the road. He was approached by police and ran back to the mosque car park.
“Missiles were thrown by some of those present. The defendant appeared from behind a car and appeared to have something in his hand.
“He moved towards protesters and the police cordon. He approached rubble in the mosque car park and selected two bricks and threw them.”
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Kaki was arrested on December 12 and he answered no comment to all questions in his police interview.
Kaki, of Woodhead Road, Abbey Hulton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Kelly Cyples, mitigating, said Kaki made an application for leave to remain in the UK but that it was refused and is subject to an appeal.
Miss Cyples added: “His status remains one of an asylum seeker yet to be determined.”
Judge Graeme Smith said: “All participants of a violent disorder have to be sentenced with reference to the overall incident.
“I am satisfied that you did not attend that day with a view to participate in violent disorder. However, you did become involved and you became an enthusiastic and willing participant. You brandished a broom handle.
“I can only conclude that it was intended, if necessary, to be used as a weapon. You did throw a number of missiles. Two of them can clearly be seen to be substantial bricks. These were not objects thrown at you, you went and got them. There was absolutely no need for you to do that.
“The throwing of missiles had the effect of aggravating the situation. It also caused a significant risk of causing serious harm to police officers who were between you and ther protesters.
“It is clear, also, that during the protest you were trying to get at the protesters. As soon as it became clear that there was to be violence you became fully involved.”
Judge Smith said Kaki will serve no more than 40 per cent of the jail term with the rest on licence.
He added: “However, since you are a foreign national, you are liable to automatic deportation.”