Mosque defender among men jailed for Middlesbrough disorder

Police quickly formed a line to stop protestors getting into Clarendon Road which “numerous people attempted to break through”, the court heard.

“From that point onwards it became violent,” Ms Masters said, adding missiles were thrown at officers, bins set on fire and cars and windows smashed.

Ahmed, of Harrow Road in Middlesbrough, was part of a “retaliatory group of Asian men” who directed violence towards those involved in the march, Ms Masters said.

He was seen on police footage throwing a punch at a man who was being attacked by a larger group and who has not been identified, the court heard.

Ms Masters said Ahmed, who was of previous good character, handed himself into police six days later after a public appeal.