Robert Scott, a 47-year-old protester from Bootle, Sefton, has received a suspended sentence following his involvement in a demonstration in Liverpool city centre on June 9th. The protest, which attracted between 100 and 150 people, was reportedly planned in the wake of disruptions in Belfast and targeted a hotel accommodating asylum seekers.
During the incident, Scott, conspicuously wearing a Union flag draped like a cloak, attempted to force his way into the Richmond Hotel, which houses asylum seekers. He damaged the front door before being intercepted by police officers. Judge David Swinnerton, presiding over the case at Liverpool Crown Court, described the scene outside the hotel as a “baying mob” of protesters. The judge highlighted that the general intention of the gathering was “to intimidate,” with Scott’s actions, clad in the national flag, serving as a clear attempt to breach the hotel’s security. Immediately following his forceful entry attempt, 100 to 150 individuals behind him were observed shouting abusive and racially motivated slurs towards the residents inside the hotel.
Beyond the hotel incident, Scott also engaged in an act of theft. As the protest moved to Bold Street, CCTV footage captured him stealing a Deliveroo bag from a group of riders near the Adelphi Hotel. Subsequently, he posted a video on TikTok “celebrating” this theft, and an image on his Facebook page displayed the stolen bag adorned with five pictures of Henry Nowak, whose murder had previously ignited protests in Southampton. The judge noted that Scott appeared to view the Deliveroo bag as a symbol representing immigrants and individuals from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, using the theft to “taunt them” and seemingly for “the clicks” or online attention.
The court heard a community impact statement detailing the significant negative effects of the protest on local businesses, which were compelled to provide taxis for staff to ensure their safe return home. Judge Swinnerton remarked that the spectacle of “mobs coming down the street” was detrimental to the visitor economy.
Scott, who appeared via video link from prison and had a bandage on his arm, expressed his apologies to the court for his actions, also revealing that he had attempted to take his own life. His defense counsel, Nick Cockrell, indicated that Scott’s recent experience in custody had been challenging and that he was eager to receive a sentence that would permit his release and enable him to make progress in the community. Scott’s criminal record includes 44 previous convictions for 72 offenses, with a history of domestic violence.
Having previously admitted to charges of theft and criminal damage, Scott received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. As part of his sentencing, he was ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity, 100 hours of unpaid work, 12 months of mental health treatment, and was placed on a trail monitoring tag requirement for 12 months. This outcome underscores the court’s consideration of both his actions and his personal circumstances. The escalating tension surrounding such incidents highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities and authorities alike. For more on similar events, please refer to our breaking news section.
