Derek Drummond, a 58-year-old from Southport, has been sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting a police officer and an emergency worker during a violent riot that erupted on July 30.

The riots were ignited by misinformation surrounding a tragic knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three young girls, leading to community grief being exploited by rioters.

Prosecutor Christopher Taylor revealed that around 1,000 people participated in the Southport disorder, with aggressive chants directed at police and significant violence reported.

Drummond's actions were described by Judge Andrew Menary KC as involving deeply racist chants directed at the Muslim community, as he participated in a crowd demonstrating outside a damaged mosque.

During the riot, Drummond was seen shouting insults and throwing bricks at police, contributing to chaos and injuries among law enforcement, including cuts and bruises sustained by PC Ball.

Drummond later expressed remorse for his actions, admitting to police that he had acted foolishly and had attended a vigil for the victims prior to joining the protest.

Senior district crown prosecutor Jonathan Egan stated that the sentencing of Drummond marks the beginning of a broader crackdown on those involved in the violence.

More than 400 arrests have been made across the UK in connection with the riots since the Southport stabbings, as police remain on high alert for potential further unrest.

The judge emphasized the callous behavior of the offenders, highlighting the need for severe penalties to deter future violent protests that disturb local communities.

All sentences related to the Southport riots were handed down at Liverpool Crown Court, where Drummond became the first individual sentenced for his participation in the violent disorder.