A 32-year-old father who chanted “who the f*** is Allah” whilst playing an “active role” in the Hanley riots has been sentenced to 30 months in prison. Nathan Poole, of St Bernard’s Road, Knutton, was amongst 300 people involved in violent disorder that erupted in Stoke-on-Trent city centre on 3 August 2024.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Poole, who works for a tarmac company leading junior staff, recorded events on his mobile phone and joined in offensive chants including “you are all f****** nonces” directed at counter-protesters. Despite not being accused of throwing missiles or physically attacking officers, Judge Richard McConaghy found that his confrontational stance and inflammatory chanting contributed to escalating violence and demonstrated “hostility towards Islam.”
The disorder formed part of widespread unrest across England following the tragic stabbing murders of three young girls in Southport on 29 July. The riots, which affected multiple cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Rotherham, were fuelled by false claims circulated by far-right groups that the Southport attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker.
Four Separate Locations of Disorder
Prosecutor Clare Harris told the court that Poole appeared at four distinct locations during the riots: Cannon Place, Lichfield Street, Potteries Way and Town Road. She stated: “Three hundred people took part in the disorder. The Crown’s case is this defendant played an active role, sometimes at the forefront.”
The court heard how police in riot gear attempted to maintain peace as the situation deteriorated throughout the afternoon. Missiles including bricks were thrown, pieces of wood were brandished as weapons, and both police officers and members of the public sustained injuries.
At Cannon Place, where a police cordon prevented protesters from entering Shelton, Poole was observed recording events and joining crowd chants. CCTV footage captured him at the front of police lines, being “abusive and argumentative with police officers while others were throwing missiles over their heads.”
Claimed It Was “Against the Government”
During his police interview, Poole admitted attending the protest, describing it as “against the government for f****** them over.” His defence barrister, Martin Bloor, argued that his client heard about the protest whilst getting his hair cut at a barber’s shop and attended “out of curiosity to see what was happening.”
Mr Bloor told the court: “He deeply regrets his decision to become involved in this incident. He believed it was going to be a peaceful protest. He had no intent to get involved in violence or cause any violence.”
The defence emphasised that there was “no clear evidence that he was physically involved” in violence. “He did not attack the police. He could not be seen to throw any missiles. He did not damage any property,” Mr Bloor stated.
Judge Condemns “Bullish” Behaviour
Judge McConaghy rejected arguments for leniency, describing Poole as “bullish” in his conduct. Passing sentence, the judge said: “The protest took place in and around Town Road and it descended into violence. Police in riot gear attempted to try to keep the peace. But the violence continued.”
He continued: “Members of the public and police were injured. Public safety and public order were put under severe threat. You were an active participant. You now accept your presence worsened the situation.”
The judge specifically highlighted Poole’s anti-Islamic chanting, stating: “You were encouraging others. You found your way to the front of the police line. You shouted ‘Who the f*** is Allah’ at the other group, making clear your involvement carried hostility towards Islam.”
Disparity in Sentencing Sparks Debate
The case has drawn attention to perceived inconsistencies in sentencing, with critics pointing to contrasting outcomes for similar charges. Social media commentator David Atherton described the sentence as an “outrageous example of two-tier policing and justice,” noting that Poole received 30 months despite no evidence of physical violence.
The sentencing comes amid broader discussions about judicial responses to the August riots. By early August, at least 177 people had been imprisoned in connection with the unrest, receiving average sentences of around two years. As of September 2025, arrests have risen to 1,840 with 1,103 people charged.
Wider Context of August Unrest
The Hanley disorder occurred as part of nationwide riots between 30 July and 5 August 2024, described as the largest incident of social unrest in England since 2011. The violence was sparked by false information spread on social media platforms, particularly through Telegram groups, claiming the Southport attacker was named “Ali Al-Shakati” – misinformation believed to have originated from an anti-lockdown campaigner’s X account.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison of Staffordshire Police emphasised the force’s response at the time: “Officers worked proactively and cohesively to protect the public and tackle those intent on disorder. Violent disorder of any form is completely unacceptable and those who are responsible will be met with the full force of the law.”
Ten people were initially arrested during the Stoke-on-Trent disorder, with three police officers sustaining minor injuries. Two men required hospital treatment after being struck by blunt objects, though their injuries were not serious. Police moved swiftly to dispel false social media claims that stabbings had occurred during the protest.
Community Recovery Initiative Launched
In response to the August unrest, Stoke-on-Trent has launched a major government-backed campaign called “One Stoke-on-Trent” aimed at bringing communities together. The year-long initiative, backed by £600,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Community Recovery Fund, unites leaders from the city council, police, fire services, NHS, schools, colleges, local football teams, media outlets, and faith sectors.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, stated: “We have made it clear that everybody in Stoke-on-Trent has a right to feel and be safe – and that prejudice and discrimination are not welcome here.”
The funding includes £240,000 available through community grants to promote cohesion initiatives, with awards ranging from £500 to £10,000 for projects that bring people together.
Multiple Convictions Follow Riots
Poole joins at least 14 other individuals from Stoke-on-Trent jailed for their roles in the August disorder. These include Andrew Townley, 45, sentenced to 34 months after being identified by his work phone number on his high-vis jacket; Iraq veteran Lee Whitby, 41, jailed for 26 months; and Joseph Pointon, 23, who received 28 months for throwing a brick at police shields.
The violent disorder charge, contrary to section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986, is committed when three or more people use or threaten unlawful violence in a manner that would cause a person of reasonable firmness to fear for their safety. It does not require the defendant personally to have used violence, but their conduct must have contributed to the threatening atmosphere.
Judge McConaghy concluded that whilst Poole was not an instigator, his repeated presence at the forefront of the disorder, combined with abusive chanting, justified the substantial custodial sentence. The case serves as a stark warning about the serious legal consequences of participating in public disorder, even without direct physical violence.
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