Thug who went to Bolton town centre carrying St George's flag claimed he never meant to riot
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA rioter who was captured on CCTV launching an ‘item’ at the police told a court: “I was picking things up, officer.” Appearing on videolink from HMP Hewell, Nigel Simpson, 57, was jailed for over two years after footage captured him during the protests in Bolton on August 4.
At one stage he charged at counter protesters before running away whilst holding an England flag. He was then seen with a group who were hurling various items in the direction of the police, before he bent down and ‘collected’ items from the floor.
He then launched a ‘missile’ at the cops, hitting one who turned round to see where it came from. READ MORE: Convicted gangster Curtis Warren 'wants peace' after avoiding jail over order breach Simpson then ‘retreated’ with others, Bolton Crown Court heard.
He previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Huw Edwards, prosecuting, said that during the ‘civil unrest’ across the country, this also included Bolton town centre on August 4.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk