Jail for counter-protester who claimed to be a 'peacekeeper'

Man played active role in Hanley disorder

- Sentinel Reporter

A COUNTER-protester who threw missiles and brandished weapons during the Hanley riots has been jailed.

Dashti Mahmoodi was also part of a group who smashed the windows at Greggs as the city centre descended into violence.

However, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the 25-year-old didn't cause damage to the shop himself during the riot on August 3 last year.

Mahmoodi also 'put his fingers up' in the direction of the police line who were trying to keep protesters and counter-protesters apart, as well as being caught on camera kicking a police van. Now the defendant, of Leek Road, has been sentenced to 26 months behind bars.