Teenager who smashed cars in pink balaclava among first jailed in UK following disorder
James Nelson, 19, admitted smashing cars in a Morrisons car park during disorder in Bolton.
A teenager who smashed up cars in a Morrisons car park wearing a pink balaclava is one of the first people jailed over the disorder that has been gripping the UK.
James Nelson, 19, of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton, is thought to be the first to receive a prison sentence after the widespread unrest sparked by the Southport killings.
Nelson was jailed for two months after pleading guilty to causing criminal damage at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (August 6).
Prosecutor John Potter said two police cars, a Ford Focus and a Peugeot were parked in the car park in Black Horse Street, Bolton, when the disturbance erupted, according to the Manchester Evening News.
He said: "On the first vehicle, there was significant damage to the windscreen, the side windows were smashed and the driver's side wing mirror was also damaged.
"On the second vehicle, the back window was smashed and the near side window was smashed, with significant damage to the front window."
District Judge Joanne Hirst asked defence solicitor Gabriella Black why Nelson was wearing a pink balaclava. When she answered that she wasn't sure, the judge said: "Let’s assume he was trying to evade identification should he be involved in violence."
Miss Black added: "He accepts he was involved in this violence. He brought a pink balaclava, though he was clearly identified by witnesses. He was not thinking properly. He was immature and naïve to the gravity of the consequences of the offences he committed."
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Judge Hirst, sentencing Nelson, said: "You attended the violence with the intent of causing trouble. You were involved in the appalling and shameful violent disorder which impacted not just the national community, but in particular the Bolton community.
"I accept you may have difficulties but I understand everyone involved in the violence has difficulties."
On top of the prison sentence, Nelson was ordered to pay £4,999 in compensation.
A second man was sentenced to a community order for his part in the protest. Liam Powell was given a 12-month community order which will be in place until August 2025.
He pleaded guilty to being in possession of cocaine during the disorder in Bolton on Sunday (August 4), according to Greater Manchester Police.
