Hanley Riots: Father of Seven Receives Suspended Sentence for Violent Disorder

On 15 March 2024, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court sentenced Mohammed Iqbal, 35, to a two-year term suspended for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder in the Hanley riots on 23 June 2023. Judge Richard McConaghy ordered 25 rehabilitation days, 250 unpaid-work hours and a £150 cost order, citing Iqbal’s responsibility for seven children across two households as the reason for suspending custody.

Birmingham Mail

The riots erupted in Hanley town centre on a Saturday afternoon, a busy area. Protesters and counter-protesters clashed, police erected barriers, and disorder lasted several hours, causing injuries, property damage and extensive CCTV footage, including Iqbal’s actions. The disturbance prompted a police response and an arrest.

Birmingham Mail

Key participants included Mohammed Iqbal (defendant), Judge Richard McConaghy, Prosecutor Matthew Ness, mitigation counsel Hayley Parkes, and police officers. Iqbal threw three projectiles, was seen at Town Road, Potteries Way, Mayer Street and Broad Street, and was arrested seven months later. He also sent phone messages boasting about the incident and possessed a photograph of a wounded protester. The sentence includes a two-year term suspended for 18 months, 25 rehabilitation days, 250 unpaid-work hours and a £150 cost order.

Birmingham Mail

The prosecution presented CCTV showing Iqbal pick up a rock and throw it over a police barrier, then hurl two more missiles. Judge McConaghy described the conduct as an extreme disruption with detrimental community impact, and cited threatening phone messages that expressed a desire for a brawl and bragged about a protester left on the floor. While acknowledging the seriousness, the judge noted Iqbal’s role as primary caregiver to five children in one household and two in another, making the suspension the sole mitigating factor.

Birmingham Mail

• “? Prosecutor Matthew Ness told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court: "The defendant is seen on CCTV footage in Town Road.” — Matthew Ness, Prosecutor

Birmingham Mail

• “Hayley Parkes, mitigating, said: "He has shown he can keep his head down and stay focused on his family and job.” — Hayley Parkes, mitigation counsel

Birmingham Mail

• “Article continues below "My concern is the messages on your phone saying you wanted a brawl that day, and you bragged about a protester being left on the floor.” — Richard McConaghy, Judge

Birmingham Mail

• “You are the primary care-giver to five children in one household and two in another.” — Richard McConaghy, Judge

Birmingham Mail

No conflicting reports were identified.

Birmingham Mail

Iqbal must complete the rehabilitation program, unpaid work and costs; failure could activate the suspended term.

Birmingham Mail