After the tragic murders in Southport, hundreds faced jail time for rioting and social media posts, with sentences totaling over 100 years
Southport: It’s been a tough time for this seaside town. After the heartbreaking murders of three young girls, the streets erupted in chaos. Rioters took to the streets, and judges have now handed out sentences totaling 100 years to those involved.
Many of these sentences were for people who not only rioted but also for those who shared illegal messages online about the tragic events. It’s wild to think that some folks are facing serious time just for what they posted on social media.
In total, over 400 people have been sentenced for their roles in the riots that spread across the UK last July. The average sentence for these rioters is around 24 months, but those involved in the Southport protests got a bit more, averaging 28 months.
One of the key figures in this tragedy is Axel Rudakubana, the 18-year-old who admitted to the murders. He’s set to be sentenced soon, and people are waiting to see what the courts decide.
Interestingly, the harshest sentences have been given to rioters in places far from Southport, like Tamworth, where a mob attacked a hotel. Those involved there are facing even longer terms than those in Southport.
Despite the chaos, some areas have seen very few people actually jailed for their actions. It’s a mixed bag, really. The courts have been busy, especially in South Yorkshire, where many have been sentenced for their part in the unrest.
Overall, the numbers are staggering. With nearly 500 defendants sentenced, the total prison time is likely to exceed 1000 years. It’s a heavy price for a moment of madness, and it’s clear that the impact of these events will be felt for a long time.