Thugs charged, convicted and jailed - in 72 hrs

THREE men have been jailed for their part in causing violent disorder in Plymouth.

- CARL EVE & TOBY CODD

The sentences come just 72 hours after protests turned violent in the city centre as the farright clashed with police and counter-protesters.

A fourth man was jailed for stealing alcohol worth nearly £300 from a Tesco store which the judge described as "an offence committed in the context of public disorder".

Daniel McGuire, 45, Michael Williams, 51, Lucas Ormond Skeaping, 29, and Guy Sullivan, 43, all appeared at Plymouth Crown Court yesterday morning. They were jailed for a combined total of seven and half years.

Victoria Cook, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS South West, said their "substantial sentences" should send a message to those who have already been arrested in connection with riots across the region.

She said: "The substantial sentences handed down today should send a chilling message to those arrested, those sat in cells ahead of their court hearing and those still waiting for a knock from the police.

"Within 72 hours, these offenders have been charged, convicted and jailed, underlining the Crown Prosecution Service's commitment to swift justice and ensuring those involved in disorder are given the strongest possible penalties.

"We continue to work at pace with our partners across the criminal justice system to ensure anyone sewing chaos in their communities face the consequences of their actions." Here is how long each offender has been jailed for: Daniel McGuire, aged 45 and from Plymouth was jailed for 26 months after admitting a charge of violent disorder. The court heard how he spat at police and threatened to punch an officer during the protests.