A man who took part in one of the far-right riots across England this week broke down in tears as he was convicted today.
Ryan Sheers, 28 and Steven Mailen, 54, both pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutors said Mailen joined in the fray in Hartlepool on Wednesday night and was ‘constantly in the face of officers’.
He was seen shouting and squaring up to them, only backing down when an officer struck him on the leg with a baton.
Sheers, a former McDonald’s worker was filmed yelling insults at police officers, shouting ‘don’t touch me, I pay your wages’, and refused to back away as the cordon advanced.
He was bitten on the rear by a police dog as its handler approached him.
Sheers and Mailen covered their faces as they left court, and Sheers attempted to deny having taken part in the riot.
Asked why they got involved, he said: ‘Didn’t get involved in nothing.’
Asked if they regretted getting involved, he said: ‘We didn’t get involved.’
Asked why they pleaded guilty, Sheers said: ‘Wrong place, wrong time, sir.’
The pair, who have no prior convictions, were granted bail ahead of their sentencing on September 2.
Sheers, becoming visibly emotional, said: ‘Thank you judge, thank you.’
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