Angry barber chucked missiles at protesters during city centre riot

'Reckless' 26-year-old avoids jail term

- Sentinel Reporter

A BARBER who hurled missiles at protesters as a riot rocked the city centre has avoided prison.

Amini Sarkawt, aged 26, had been at a mosque in Town Road, Hanley on August 3 last year when tensions boiled over.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Sarkawt was about to leave the area when he noticed police.

After receiving news of the protest, he returned to the mosque and armed himself with concrete. Sarkawt remained there from 1pm to 3pm, throwing missiles towards police and protesters.

Now he has narrowly escaped jail - instead being handed an 18-month suspended sentence.

Prosecutor Lizzie Banahan told the court: "At approximately 1.45pm, the defendant was seen approaching a large group of protesters throwing objects.

"The defendant was captured on CCTV carrying a large piece of concrete to use as a missile. Other protesters were captured throwing rocks and fireworks.