Disorder'more anti-government than racism'

Barrister makes claim as thug who attacked bus during trouble outside hotel housing asylum seekers jailed

- DAMON WILKINSON

A barrister claimed violent disorder that erupted outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in north Manchester was ‘less about racism’ and was ‘more about’ anti-government feeling.

The comments were made during the sentencing of a balaclava-wearing thug who was part of a ‘mob’ who attacked a bus in Newton Heath.

Kemmy Grange, 20, was part of the disorder outside a Holiday Inn on Oldham Road on July 31 during a wave of violence that swept the country after the deaths of three young girls in Southport.

Manchester Crown Court heard the protest was organised via Facebook in a post that read ‘Let’s get them out. 6pm today,’ followed by three clenched fist emojis and a St George’s flag.

During the disorder, racist chants were heard, bricks and bottles were hurled at police and the hotel and a passing bus was attacked. A resident of the hotel, which was housing families and children among others, was injured after he was hit by flying glass.