Southend: Ten teenagers sentenced to more than 34 years

Ten teenagers have been sentenced for their parts in the violent disorder they brought to the streets of Southend.

On July 30 last year, officers responded within minutes of reports of people with weapons on the seafront, swiftly arresting several men and boys aged between 14 and 18.

They were spotted earlier in the evening on CCTV, gathering in side streets in the city centre and away from the public, before coming together and leaving at least two with serious injuries which required hospital treatment.

Over the following days and months more arrests followed, with dozens of officers gathering the evidence that has seen 10 people plead guilty to violent disorder and weapons offences.

The prosecuting case was presented at Basildon crown Court by Greg Wedge and Satya Chotalia 187 Chambers.

Over the course of a two-day hearing on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 July, they received the following sentences:

• Tyler Omo-Irogho, 19, of Clarendon Road in Watford, admitted assaulting an emergency worker, violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 18 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to three years and three months in prison.
• Michael King, 18, of Crescent Road in South Woodford, admitted violent disorder and conspire to commit GBH. He was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.
• Mekai Brown, 19, of Higham Road in Woodford Green, admitted violent disorder and conspire to commit GBH. He was 18 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.
• Lucas Braga, 18, from Pitchford Street in Stratford, has admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 at the time of the offence. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
• Isaac Bello, 18, of Prospect Road in Woodford Green, admitted violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 17 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
• Hamza Dinbil, 18, of Corporation Street in Stratford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was 17 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison.
• A 17-year-old boy from London admitted violent disorder, conspiracy to commit GBH, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. He was 16 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to six years and 11 months in prison.
• A 17-year-old boy from London has been charged with violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 16 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to a referral order, to be decided upon in Youth Court on a date to be determined.
• A 17-year-old boy from Basildon has been charged with violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was 16 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to a 20-month Detention and Training Order.
• A 15-year-old boy from Pitsea admitted violent disorder, conspire to commit GBH and possession of an offensive weapon. He was 14 at the time of the offences. He was sentenced to a Detention and Training Order of 18 months.

Speaking at sentencing, Her Honour Judge Samantha Cohen said:

“There were a number of officers involved in this case who I would like to commend personally.
“Investigation Officer Gemma Gibson and CCTV Evidence Officer Sarah Wyard, who coordinated the CCTV produced in this case and identified and tracked all of those involved from the footage respectively.
“And Detective Sergeant Mike Ferguson and Detective Constable Tracey Scorah, who have led the investigation and have conducted themselves in such a way that it deserves special recognition.”

Chief Superintendent Chris Bradford said:

“Last summer, a small group among thousands of law-abiding visitors thought they would bring disorder to Southend.
“They have now faced the consequences of their reckless, and dangerous actions.
“As we welcome visitors again this year, our message to everyone remains clear: Southend is open to everyone who wants to enjoy our city and the seaside. But if you come here to cause trouble, our officers will be waiting.”

Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend City Council, said:

“Following the disorder, I said there was no place for violence in Southend, and I stand by that.
"Today’s result shows what can be achieved when we work together to protect our city.
"I’m proud of the ongoing partnership between the council and Essex Police, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure Southend remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone who lives, works, and visits here."

Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said:

“We are committed to making sure our city remains a safe place for residents and visitors alike.
We’ll continue to work closely with Essex Police to keep our streets safe and secure, and we’ve also worked hard with the business community to rebuild Southend’s reputation.
Southend is a city that’s open for business, not for crime.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, the senior investigating officer in this case, added:

“My team’s tireless work—reviewing CCTV, interviewing witnesses, and analysing forensic evidence—left the suspects with no choice but to plead guilty, and I hope their sentencing sends a clear message to anyone thinking of bringing violence to our streets.
“It’s important these sentences were handed down today, but the work of my detectives doesn’t stop here. While there are others outstanding for their role in last year’s disorder, we will be looking for them.
“That’s why we’re issuing this appeal to identify two more suspects who we want to speak to in connection with the violent disorder on Southend seafront.
“We know this incident took place in a public place, where the dashcams of cars and people’s mobile phones may have captured important information about these two men.
“We want to hear from those people and encourage the public to share these images as widely as possible.”

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