Jail For Man Who Chanted ‘Who The F*** Is Allah?’ During City Centre Riot
A man who chanted ‘Who the f*** is Allah?’ in a city centre riot in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent has been jailed for 30 months.
Nathan Poole, 32, was one of 300 people involved in the disorder on August 3, 2024, having attended after hearing about the ‘protest’ at a barbershop.
Poole shouted abuse and argued with police officers who were trying to keep opposing protesters apart. There’s no evidence he lobbed any projectiles, shoved anyone, or was violent in any way, but the court found he was ‘bullish’ and played an ‘active role’ in the riot.
Prosecutor Clare Harris told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court (via): “Three hundred people took part in the disorder.
“The Crown’s case is this defendant played an active role, sometimes at the forefront.
“He showed up at four separate locations – Cannon Place, Lichfield Street, Potteries Way and Town Road.
“He was recording events on his phone and chanted with the crowd.
“He was outside the town hall where police were present to keep the opposing protesters apart. He was arguing with officers.
“He was chanting, ‘scum’, and, ‘who the f**k is Allah’, towards the counter-protesters.”
“Later, in Town Road, the defendant was at the front of the crowd shouting abuse towards police while others were throwing missiles towards the police and counter-protesters.”
Poole, of St Bernard’s Road, Knutton, claimed to have acted lawfully when he was initially interviewed by police. However he later pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Martin Bloor, mitigating, said: “He deeply regrets his decision to become involved in this incident.
“He heard about the protest in a barber’s. He believed it was going to be a peaceful protest.
“He attended out of curiosity to see what was happening.
“He had no intent to get involved in violence or cause any violence. Unfortunately the incident got out of hand very quickly.”
“A large number of people were involved on both sides.
“He is a mature man. He should have removed himself from that situation.
“There was no clear evidence that he was physically involved. He did not attack the police.
“He could not be seen to throw any missiles. He did not damage any property.
“He knows that by shouting the comments that he made that he was part of that incident and played an active part in that incident.
“He is extremely ashamed at his behaviour. He knows his foolish actions on that day are not only going to impact him, but his family.”
Judge Richard McConaghy found Poole had displayed ‘hostility towards Islam’ and told the defendant: “The protest took place in and around Town Road and it descended into violence.
“Police in riot gear attempted to try to keep the peace. But the violence continued.
“Threats were made with weapons. Some had been brought to the scene, others were picked up there.
“Missiles such as bricks were thrown. Pieces of wood were picked up and brandished.
“Members of the public and police were injured. Public safety and public order were put under severe threat.
“You were an active participant. You now accept your presence worsened the situation.
“You were encouraging others. You found your way to the front of the police line.
“You were abusive and argumentative with police officers while others were throwing missiles over their heads.
“It is right to say there is no evidence that you threw a missile or that you were an architect of any of the pushing.
“But you were seen in different locations. You were being bullish and shouted, ‘Who the f*** is Allah’ at the other group.
“The main location was the mosque and your specific chants in relation to Allah made it quite clear your involvement was hostility towards Islam.”
Obviously, walking around town chanting “who the f*** is Allah” and verbally abusing police is something only a tw@t would do, but there is some confusion as to how Nathan Poole wound up with a 30-month sentence at the end of it all.
The judge stated there was no clear evidence that he was physically involved in any projectile throwing, damaging property, or attacking the police, but remaining a part of the group that was doing so and encouraging their behaviour he played an ‘active role’ in the chaos that day.
So to conclude: he was arrested for actively orchestrating the mob in at least four different locations, and so was considered a key agitator on the day. In the end, he even pleaded guilty to that effect. Maybe just go home next time, eh?
For the anti-government rioter who fly-kicked a police officer into oblivion while his back was turned, click HERE.
