In a dramatic turn of events, Levi Fishlock, 31, has admitted to arson with intent to endanger lives during a riot outside the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers, Rotherham, United Kingdom. The incident, which occurred on August 4, saw Fishlock, easily identifiable in a purple England football shirt with ‘Bellingham’ on the back, playing a prominent role in the chaos.
Fishlock, from Barnsley, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday. He will be sentenced on December 11, as confirmed by Judge Peter Hampton.
During previous hearings, it was revealed that Fishlock, dressed in a blue-and-white Adidas T-shirt, was part of a group that pushed a burning bin against the hotel, intensifying the fire. This act of arson trapped dozens of asylum seekers and staff inside the building, leading to a desperate situation.
The riot, which erupted in early August, has already seen significant legal repercussions. Thomas Birley, a 27-year-old painter and decorator, received a nine-year sentence for his involvement, which included adding wood to the fire and placing another bin on top of the burning one.
The violent disorder left 64 police officers, four dogs, and a horse injured, with over 60 men jailed for their roles in the mayhem. More than 200 asylum seekers were trapped on the upper floors of the hotel as rioters smashed windows and set fires.
Hotel staff recounted their harrowing experience, describing how they barricaded themselves in a panic room, fearing for their lives as smoke filled the building.
Additionally, Jake Turton, 38, from Barnsley, admitted to driving a pick-up truck loaded with debris to the scene. The debris was used by rioters to attack police and fuel the fires. Turton, who denied a second charge of taking a vehicle without consent, will be sentenced on November 6.
Prosecutors highlighted how a police helicopter captured footage of people taking items from Turton’s truck to use as weapons. However, Turton’s defense argued that he did not actively participate in the violence.
Both Fishlock and Turton remain in custody as they await their sentences, marking a significant chapter in the legal aftermath of the Rotherham riot.
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