The man behind the violent Southport riots, Andrew Mclntyre, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
The 39-year-old taxi driver used a Telegram group he created, “Southport Wake Up,” to incite racial hatred, spread extremist propaganda, and organize gatherings that escalated into nationwide violence.
The unrest began after the tragic stabbing of three young girls at a children’s dance class in Southport on July 29 last year. The following night, a protest outside a mosque in Southport spiralled into violent disorder, with McIntyre at its centre.
McIntyre used his platform to post inflammatory content, including threats against law enforcement and calls for violent protests.
He directed followers to a Southport mosque, sharing maps and inciting hate-fueled attacks. “Stand in our way … prepare to fall,” one of his posts read, accompanied by fire emojis.
After violence spread to Liverpool and other areas, McIntyre continued posting threats and plans for further unrest, including calls to target a Liverpool mosque. He also made chilling statements like, “We’re going to hang this woman and her associates,” about the Home Secretary.
When police arrested McIntyre on August 8 in Liverpool, they found a knife in his car and extremist materials, including Hitler’s Mein Kampf, in his home.
He refused to unlock his phone, leading authorities to believe it contained more evidence of his role in the riots.
Judge Neil Flewitt KC, who presided over the case, condemned McIntyre’s actions as racially motivated and said his Telegram activity incited others to commit violence and criminal damage. “You were prominent among those responsible for spreading misinformation and hate,” the judge said.
McIntyre pleaded guilty to encouraging violent disorder, criminal damage, and possession of a knife. The sentence was aggravated due to racial hostility and the targeting of police officers during the riots.
Initially charged with encouraging murder for a post targeting the Home Secretary, the charge was dropped due to insufficient evidence that McIntyre believed the act would be carried out.
The case highlights the dangerous role of online platforms in spreading hate speech and inciting violence, with Judge Flewitt emphasizing the significant public harm caused by McIntyre’s actions.
This sentencing sends a clear message about the consequences of using social media to promote violence and hate crimes, particularly in communities already reeling from the tragedy.
