Six plead guilty to Tamworth disorder charges

Six people have pleaded guilty to charges related to the disorder in Tamworth last month.

Six men and two women appeared at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday accused of committing offences during the disturbance at the town’s Holiday Inn Express on 4 August.

Mitchell Cleaver, 25, from Burton-upon-Trent, pleaded guilty to a charge of riot - the first such conviction in the West Midlands from this summer's disorder.

Cameron Bell, 23, Martin McCluskey, 60, and Tommy McQuaker, 29, all from Tamworth, admitted violent disorder.

McCluskey also pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer.

Simon Orr, 38, from Tamworth, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer but not guilty to riot.

His trial for the latter charge has been scheduled for 20 January.

Aimee Hodgkinson-Hedgecox, 37, from Rugeley, admitted violent disorder.

Kyle Barber, 24, and Darren Woodley, 55, both from Tamworth, did not enter pleas to charges of violent disorder and their cases have been adjourned.

Those who pleaded guilty are due to be sentenced at later dates.

Cleaver sent messages to a number of people before the disorder, urging them to "burn the place down" and "make it the maddest night in Tamworth history", according to Staffordshire Police.

A force spokesperson said footage on his phone showed the moment the Holiday Inn's window was smashed before a fire was ignited inside.

Meanwhile, McCluskey was caught on camera telling a police officer he would "bite his face off".

He was then seen throwing rocks and missiles while shouting abuse, Staffordshire Police said.

McCluskey also kicked a glass bottle at an officer, causing it to shatter against their shin.

Bell livestreamed herself and other members of a group who were carrying planks of wood and metal during the incident.

Police said she repeatedly made racist remarks and told the group they should visit other hotels in the area.

She also tried to hide her work ID but she was identified by people who had seen her livestream.

McQuaker repeatedly launched missiles at police, the force said, and refused to comply with instructions when he was told to move back by a dog handler.

Due to his aggressive behaviour and repeated attempts to assault officers and police dogs, he was bitten by PD Vixen. He repeatedly kicked her as a result of the bite.

Police said she was also hit in the head with a brick by someone when it happened.

McQuaker handed himself in on 15 August after finding out police had been looking for him.

Hodgkinson-Hedgecox was seen on footage repeatedly challenging officers and making a number of racial slurs at the scene.

Police said she was with a young boy at the time who she had to move out of the way of fireworks and missiles that were being thrown towards police.

Following the court appearances, Emily Lenham of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said of the guilty pleas: "I hope these convictions act as a deterrent for those who behave in this unacceptable way."

She said the CPS was continuing to work with Staffordshire Police to ensure those responsible for the "appalling events" were brought to justice.

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