Sobbing rioter and boy aged 14 among the first offenders hauled into court

AT least two grown men wept in the dock yesterday as courts began handing out justice for sickening riots sweeping the country.

- Christian Calqie

More than 20 people including a boy of 14 appeared in court charged with offences including violent disorder, burglary, assaulting emergency workers and arson.

It came as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned thugs to expect police knocking on the door as she pledged swift justice and a "reckoning" for those involved in violence.

Andrew Smith, 41, of Sunderland, sobbed as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder in the city last Friday.

At Newcastle Crown Court he was remanded in custody until his sentencing on September 2.

A 14-year-old, who cannot be named, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court to admit violent disorder after setting off fireworks towards the public and a police car.

He was reported as saying "I'm sorry, I wasn't firing them at you though" when he was arrested by a police officer after giving chase.

At Sheffield Magistrates' Court, Chris Coulson, 30, wiped away tears as he denied an offence of affray.

He was remanded in custody and will go on trial next month.

Eleven people appeared in court in Liverpool yesterday, seven of whom pleaded guilty to violent disorder and other crimes.

Adam Wharton, 28, indicated a guilty plea for looting the city's Spellow Library, which had been set alight during the riot.

Punched

Derek Drummond, 58, indicated guilty pleas to violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker, after he allegedly punched a police officer in the face.

The oldest, William Morgan, 69, from Walton, admitted possessing an offensive weapon after being caught throwing bricks at police and holding a wooden baton.