'Cowardly' thugs admit attack on lone black man

MEN AND BOYS FACE COURTS AFTER VIOLENT SCENES

- AMY WALKER

TWO violent thugs who attacked a black man in Piccadilly Gardens have admitted violent disorder as more people accused of being involved in unrest appeared in court.

Anthony Livesey, 31 and Colin Demulder, 36, were part of a large group who surrounded the man before launching a violent attack.

Livesey swung a punch before stamping on his head. Demulder kicked and punched him.

At Manchester Magistrates' Court yesterday, seven more defendants including four children appeared in the dock.

Livesey, 31, of Moorfield Avenue, Denton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder following the incident in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.

Prosecutor Hannah Nicholls said: "He was seen to antagonise mounted police officers with two beer bottles in his hand on Market Street whilst swearing and chanting at the police and opposing protestors." He was seen to swing a punch towards the man while others attacked him. "The defendant was then seen to stamp on top of the male's head," the prosecutor added.

Livesey has previous convictions for domestic violence, including battery and controlling behaviour. No application for bail was made by his solicitor.

Remanding him into custody, District Judge Lucy Hogarth said: "This offence that was committed by you and your friends is one of the most cowardly and disgraceful cases I have ever experienced. I am absolutely stunned and shocked by you and your friends' behaviour." He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 16.

Colin Demulder, 36, of Birch Lane, Longsight, also pleaded guilty to violent disorder. The court heard he was involved in the disturbance on Piccadilly Gardens.