Couple's month in jail after 'deplorable' riot

A COUPLE were separated for the first time in 25 years after being locked up for their part in a 'deplorable' riot outside a hotel where asylum seekers were living.

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

Tracy Pearson, 53, and Michelle Jibson, 45, both had England flags wrapped around their waists when they turned up on Oldham Road in Newton Heath.

Missiles were thrown towards the hotel as police tried to protect the building. A bus was also attacked, with the driver suffering injuries and being hospitalised.

Pearson and Jibson, who have been in a relationship for 25 years, have been held in prison on remand for more than a month, while awaiting punishment for their involvement in the riot on July 31.

Pearson shouted 'racist' language while part of the mob, and Jibson 'shoved' a police officer in retaliation.

Judge Patrick Field KC slammed the 'deplorable' actions of the 'mob' that day. "This level of intolerance was deeply shaming to everybody who was involved," he said.