Thomas Birley, 27, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in a fire outside a Rotherham hotel hosting asylum seekers during last month’s riots. The violence erupted across the UK after three children were killed in a stabbing at a dance class in Southport.
Birley, who pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder, and possession of an offensive weapon, was given a 14-year extended sentence, including five years on license. The riots saw masked individuals breaking into the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, destroying a communal area, and injuring more than 50 police officers.
The judge highlighted Birley’s role in spreading a “hateful message of violence and racism,” fueled by disinformation and far-right social media posts. Despite his defense citing ADHD and a difficult upbringing, the court deemed Birley’s actions as part of a “persistent and widespread act of violence.”
More updates on the case are expected.
