Protester who broke into asylum hotel spared jail

A protester who cloaked himself in a union jack and attempted to break into a hotel housing asylum seekers as a mob was "baying" outside has avoided a prison sentence.

Robert Scott, 47, also stole a Deliveroo food delivery bag after he joined between 100 and 150 people in Liverpool city centre on 9 June for a protest following disruption in Belfast.

Scott, of Bootle, Sefton, who admitted theft and criminal damage, was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard he had damaged the door of Richmond Hotel, which was housing asylum seekers, and attempted to enter before police stopped him.

Judge Swinnerton said the protest had taken place in the context of "protecting women and girls from asylum seekers".

He said Scott had 44 previous convictions for 72 offences and had "domestic violence all over his record and five children he doesn't look after".

The judge added: "The general intention was, no doubt, to intimidate, and you, clad as you were in your union jack flag as a cloak, forced your way through the doors.

"Immediately behind you, as you forced open the doors of that hotel, were 100 to 150 people shouting and being abusive, and racially motivated abuse, towards the people within that hotel."

The protest moved to Bold Street and Scott was captured on CCTV near the Adelphi Hotel stealing a Deliveroo bag from a group of riders who had gathered.

He later posted footage on TikTok "celebrating" the theft, and a picture on his Facebook page showed the bag with five pictures of Henry Nowak, whose murder sparked protests in Southampton, stuck on it.

The judge said Scott saw the bag as a symbol of immigrants and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

He added: "That's why you stole a Deliveroo bag, to taunt them and because you appear to have found it funny and others appear to have found it funny too.

"There was some comment about doing it 'for the clicks'."

A community impact statement said businesses had to pay for taxis for staff to ensure they got home safely.

Swinnerton said: "The image of mobs coming down the street is not one which promotes the visitor economy."

Scott, who appeared over video link from prison and had a bandaged arm, said he was sorry for his actions, and had attempted suicide.

Nick Cockrell, defending, said: "It hasn't been an easy experience in custody this time round and he is anxious, if he can, to receive a sentence which allows for his release and allows him to make some progress in the community."

Scott was ordered to carry out 25 days of rehabilitation activity, 100 hours of unpaid work, 12 months of mental health treatment and was subject to a trail monitoring tag for 12 months.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.