Thomas Birley, a 27-year-old from Swinton near Rotherham, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in setting a fire outside a Rotherham hotel that was housing asylum seekers during last month’s riots. His sentence is the longest handed down in connection with the nationwide unrest, which followed the killing of three children at a dance class in Southport. Birley admitted to charges of arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder, and possession of a police baton, receiving a total of 14 years, including five years on license.
The riots saw violent outbreaks in several UK cities, including Rotherham, where a mob targeted the Holiday Inn Express hotel. The hotel, which was being used to house asylum seekers, suffered significant damage as rioters broke in and destroyed a communal area. Over 50 police officers were injured during the violence, and the court heard that the actions of the rioters deeply affected hotel staff, guests, and the local community.
During the incident, Birley was seen adding fuel to a fire that had been set outside the hotel. He was part of a group that smashed windows and shouted offensive remarks at the police. The court also heard that he had been influenced by far-right posts on social media, which falsely claimed that the suspect in the Southport stabbings was an asylum seeker. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described Birley’s actions as an attempt to spread a hateful message of violence and racism, noting that Birley had gone to the hotel with the intention of participating in the violent unrest.
Although Birley’s defense pointed to his difficult upbringing and diagnosis of ADHD, the judge emphasized the severity of his actions, which contributed to widespread damage and fear. The violence at the hotel lasted over 12 hours, with hotel staff forced to barricade themselves in a panic room, fearing for their lives. Local residents also expressed fear, with one woman saying she had been afraid to leave her home since the riots. The financial impact of the violence at the hotel was estimated at £1 million.