Funeral for Southport victim is told 'rioters should hang their heads in shame' (2024)

Craig Munro

The Crown Prosecution Service has given the green light to three charges relating to online activity.

South Wales Police has been authorised to charge two men over Facebook posts that allegedly intended to stir up racial or religious hatred.

Geraint Boyce, 43, and Jamie Michael, 45, are accused of publishing threatening material on a Facebook account, contrary to Section 29C(1) of the Public Order Act 1986.

And Northumbria Police was authorised to charge a man with distributing a recording intending to stir up racial hatred.

James Aspin, 34, is accused of an offence contrary to Section 29E of the Public Order Act 1986.

The CPS said the charge relates to an alleged video published on TikTok on or before August 8, 2024.

Meanwhile, a man has admitted throwing a missile at police during ‘shameful disorder’ in Bolton town centre on August 4.

Niall Charnock, 31, of Edward Street, Bolton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Prosecutor Tess Kenyon said Charnock was ‘actively involved’ in the disturbances and social media footage had shown him breaking through a police barricade.

Ms Kenyon added: ‘He was captured on further footage throwing a missile at an officer.’

Charnock has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Bolton Crown Court on August 19.

Craig Munro

A personal safety alarm provider has reported a 10% upsurge in demand for the products over the past two weeks.

Peoplesafe said the jump resulted from fears over the rioting and violence that spread around the UK in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings.

The company’s CEO Naz Dossa said: ‘Terrible events like this bring to the fore concerns for personal safety.

‘We have seen in research that this is not just down to isolated events – it is always there.’

In a recent YouGov poll, 71% of people said they do not think the police have had sufficient resources to deal with the riots.

Craig Munro

Three men will appear in court in Northern Ireland today, facing charges connected with recent rioting in Belfast.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with a number of offences, including riot, arson, conspiracy to commit arson, three counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent, and two of criminal damage.

And a 58-year-old man has been charged with possessing written material intended or likely to stir up hatred or arouse fear.

Both men will appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man has been charged with intentionally encouraging or assisting riot, publishing written material intended to stir up hatred, sending menacing messages through a public electronic communications network, and possession of fireworks without a licence.

He will appear at Downpatrick Magistrates’ Court.

Craig Munro

Yvette Cooper has criticised the ‘shameful behaviour’ of politicians and pundits who took aim at the police in the past two weeks.

Some figures in the media have amplified suggestions that police treated anti-immigration protests more harshly than previous ones – such as the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

This has led to accusations of ‘two-tier’ policing in the country, concerning demonstrations by left-wing activists versus right-wing activists.

But the Home Secretary wrote in the Telegraph yesterday that officers around the country had her full support.

She said: ‘We will work with the police, rather than just blaming them from afar, to tackle problems and raise standards.

‘And we won’t engage in the kind of shameful behaviour we have seen from some senior politicians and pundits who sought to undermine the legitimacy and authority of the police, just at the time they needed our full backing to restore order to the streets.’

Craig Munro

Government ministers reportedly believe the large-scale riots seen across the UK in the past two weeks have fizzled out.

There has been a considerable drop in the level of group violence over the past few days in England, although tensions continue to simmer in Northern Ireland.

That’s despite fears continued hot weather and the beginning of the English football season might reignite unrest.

The i newspaper quoted a source close to the Prime Minister and Government who believes the worst of the rioting is now over.

Yesterday, the National Police Chiefs’ Council public order chief BJ Harrington said: ‘Policing continues to stand strong and unified, with hard work and dedication from all of our workforce in the face of daily challenges.

‘The situation in England, Scotland and Wales has somewhat stabilised over the last few days, but our colleagues in Northern Ireland have overnight experienced awful violence with significant injuries experienced by officers on the front line and we are doing all we can to support them.’

We’ll have more on events in Northern Ireland in the next post.

Craig Munro

You might remember from the early days of the new Labour government (i.e., around this time last month) that there was a problem with prison overcrowding.

In short, there were very few spaces left in the UK’s prisons, meaning tough new measures had to be brought in – including the early release of some inmates.

So what happens now, following a massive wave of violent disorder that the PM has vowed to punish?

On Saturday, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said more than 500 prison places had been ‘brought forward’. Metro has asked the Ministry of Justice what exactly this means.

Labour plans mean most people sentenced to less than four years will be released 40% of the way through – and that applies to many of those sentenced over the riots so far.

Yesterday, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds was unable to guarantee to Sky News that this would not be the case for rioters, but added: ‘I understand that they won’t be [released early].’

However, Politico’s Playbook this morning reported otherwise, as the rules for those sentenced over the unrest are the same as for any other criminals.

Craig Munro

Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy was one of several speakers at the funeral of Alice da Silva Aguiar.

While most focused on Alice’s short life and the impact she had, Kennedy touched on the violence that has spread across the UK following the stabbings on July 29.

Addressing the nine-year-old’s mum Alexandra and dad Sergio, she said: ‘You have shown great courage in asking me to be here today to give a message from you, Alice’s family, to say that you do not want there to be any more violence on the streets of the United Kingdom in the name of your daughter.

‘I am ashamed and I’m so sorry that you had to even consider this in the planning of the funeral of your beautiful daughter, Alice.

‘And I hope that anyone who has taken part in the violent disorder on our streets over the past 13 days is hanging their head in shame at the pain that they have caused you, a grieving family.

‘I know that you asked that there is no more violence and that you are now given time as a family to grieve in peace.

‘And that our traumatised community is allowed time to heal, the time it needs to start to heal, with quiet dignity, to remember the loss of three innocent lives.

‘The people who came together to repair the damage to mosques and homes, the people who have been handing refreshments to the emergency workers for the past 13 days, who’ve been working in the community.

‘The children who have been spending their pocket money buying refreshments, the people who have been fundraising relentlessly for the families and communities affected by the events of the past 13 days.

‘The people who have spoken out about the violent scenes across the country, and those who tend to the hundreds of tributes and flowers and teddies laid to remember our girls.

‘These are the actions of the community of Southport we are all so proud of. This is our community, united in tragedy, not divided.

‘Please rest assured that Alice, along with Elsie and Bebe will be forever in our hearts.’

Ben Ashton

It was a very emotional day today for the people of Southport – and in particular the family of Alice da Silva Aguiar.

The nine-year-old’s funeral was held in the town and hundreds, if not thousands, of people lined the streets to pay their respects.

Her coffin was decorated in pink flowers, which looked equally as beautiful as the carriage she was carried to her funeral in.

Elegant white horses, which pulled her along, were draped in pink and wore orange and white plumes.

See all the pictures from an aptly stunning procession here.

Ben Ashton

It was a very emotional day today for the people of Southport – and in particular the family of Alice da Silva Aguiar.

The nine-year-old’s funeral was held in the town and hundreds, if not thousands, of people lined the streets to pay their respects.

Her coffin was decorated in pink flowers, which looked equally as beautiful as the carriage she was carried to her funeral in.

Elegant white horses were draped in pink and wore orange and white plumes.

See all the pictures from an aptly stunning procession here.

Ben Ashton

Two more men have been charged in connection with rioting in Sunderland on August 2.

It brings the total of people charged by Northumbria Police to 17.

Ashley Mark Wilkinson, 35, of Porter Terrace, Murton, Durham, has been charged with violent disorder, relating to the events in Sunderland.

He was also charged with possessing articles with intent to cause criminal damage and possession of a Class B Drug, relating to protest activity in Newcastle on Saturday.

John Paul Kirtley, 26, of Rutherglen Road, Sunderland, has been charged with violent disorder.

Both men will appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

Ben Ashton

Alice da Silva Aguiar’s headteacher Jinnie Payne rounded off her tearful speech at the nine-year-old’s funeral by listing through her ‘seven qualities’.

Ms Payne told mourners: ‘Number one, to have a big smile. Not to smile big, there is a difference. Alice wore a natural smile every day, it wasn’t forced and it wasn’t put on. It was everywhere she went. It was her best friend.

‘Number two, polite and respectful. Alice’s manners took her everywhere. She showed politeness, not just ‘thank you’, but always ‘thank you’ with a reason attached.

‘Number three, to have interest in others, genuine interest and being inquisitive. Alice asked lots of questions and she remembered things about you.

‘She remembered the names of your children, she remembered where you went on holiday, so you had to be very careful about what you told Alice.

‘Number four, equality, I love this one. This has to be my favourite, how a child at such a young age could not favour one other friend over another. Friends, she played equally with them all. That is so hard to do, and she mastered it.

‘(Number five), enthusiasm for life. Alice wanted to do everything there was on offer and she seized those opportunities and you (her parents) provided them for Alice.

‘But along with those opportunities is number six. She did support and guide. So if she felt things weren’t up to her standard she would tell you, and she would then help you put it right.

‘Finally, the number seven is family. Alice’s words, ‘it doesn’t matter who your family are as long as they love each other’, and Alice did that.’

Ben Ashton

Alice da Silva Aguiar’s headteacher paid an emotional tribute to the nine-year-old at her funeral, tearfully saying ‘teach those angels a few dance moves’.

Jinnie Payne, Alice’s headteacher at Churchtown Primary School in Southport, said the youngster’s smile and enthusiasm for life were among her ‘seven qualities’.

Ms Payne read a poem about her pupil, called Here Comes Alice, in which she mentioned how Alice once decorated a teacher’s pointer to look like a magic wand.

Finishing it, she fought back tears and said: ‘The time has come to say ‘there goes Alice’. We are letting you go dancing now, Alice. Teach those angels a few dance moves.

‘Keep daydreaming, Alice, it’s a magical place to be, in your own thoughts. Make magic every day with your teacher pointer, Alice, and we will feel the power of your magic ability.

‘Let your beaming smile guide you, Alice, and shine brightly on us all.’

Ms Payne told of ‘Alice qualities’, which she wished ‘every child’ at her school could have. The headteacher said the qualities ‘were in abundance’ and ‘came naturally to her’, demonstrating the youngster’s ‘character’.

Ben Ashton

Alice da Silva Aguiar’s family have released this recent video of her chatting away to the camera.

They’ve shared the footage following her funeral in Southport today.

It shows the nine-year-old talking about the make-up she’s put on herself.

‘Hey guys, today it’s me,’ she says. ‘I’ve got my make-up on to test my teacher. Look at this.

‘And now guys, thank you for watching all my videos. Look at my eye shadows.’

She rounds off the clip by saying: ‘Bye guys, see you later, bye.’

Ben Ashton

These are the final words from an extremely emotional speech by Alice da Silva Aguiar’s parents today.

‘From time to time, the pin drops,’ her mother Alexandra said. ‘When mummy says ‘good night, Sergio, good night Alice’ and then it hits us all over again. We don’t hear you back.

‘Moving forward will be hard. Some days are better than others, but none will be perfect.

‘Some moments we are weak and we say wild things. But we made a promise to always be there for each other in moments of despair, a pinky promise.

‘We share a strong bond and we’ll always have each other to rely on. We won’t be alone.

‘We are surrounded by a wonderful community and their full support, family and friends, neighbours, work colleagues, the wonderful servicemen and women who serve the community, your school, your church and all your friends and their parents.

‘We have the full support of the country and the privilege of multiplying that by two. For that, we’re thankful.

‘For now, our beloved angel, keep dancing, mummy and daddy will always, always love you.’

Ben Ashton

Alice da Silva Aguiar’s mother Alexandra has revealed more details about the unimaginable pain of losing a daughter.

In a speech at the nine-year-old’s funeral today, she said: ‘A day before your final struggle, mummy kept asking if you were okay. So much so that you and daddy asked ‘why?’

‘A part of me wondered if I was being too British. But ultimately, I realised I always wanted to know that you were okay. Now, daddy feels sorry for mummy, she has seen things no human should.’

Alexandra also explained how she has so many questions that may never be answered as she and her husband Sergio, Alice’s father, come to terms with their heartbreak.

She added: ‘You were taken away from us too soon and we often ask why? Why here? Why us? Why you? We wonder if you ever thought of us. Called for us. We wondered if you felt any pain. We hope not my darling.

‘We then question could this have been avoided? Could we have stopped it somehow… we will never get over this pain. We promise to get all the answers. Mummy has seen too much, and we need to know.

‘We feel shocked, unimaginable pain, we miss you.’

Ben Ashton

Alice da Silva Aguiar’s parents made a wonderful, albeit heartbreaking speech at their nine-year-old daughter’s funeral today.

The family have also released a number of pictures of Alice begore her tragic death in Southport.

Here’s a look at more of what Sergio and Alexandra said during the ceremony: ‘You were born and raised into love and we loved cuddling you every night for almost nine years. Apart from the sleepovers and nights away with your friends, we were never apart.

‘You liked to sleep with mummy and daddy, enjoyed shutting the curtains and watching Disney Plus with popcorn. Our room was your comfort place. You were our comfort and peace.

‘As you were growing up from a princess to a pre-teen, we began to notice some changes, seeing your independence take shape.

‘From your skincare regime to playing with makeup, to your dedication to school, to dance and to your faith.

‘Your to-do-list was extensive and we were sure that you would achieve it if only you had the time.

‘We talked about which high school you might attend, about growing up, having a big house and a garden and having children. Children who we will never help you raise. It hurts. We will never see you grow up.’

Ben Ashton

Alice da Silva Aguiar’s mum Alexandra described her daughter as ‘our perfect dream child’ in a heartbreaking speech at her funeral today.

‘Everything was idyllic from the moment you arrived,’ she said.

The couple said Alice was dedicated to dance during a tribute at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Southport today.

‘A good girl, with strong values and kind nature,’ they said. ‘A lover of animals and an environmentalist in the making. You moved our world with your confidence and empathy. Playful energetic, friendly, and always so respectful.

‘A peacemaker of the playground. No shouting is a house rule you applied. A big task for a small girl, especially in a Portuguese household.

‘Being around you was a privilege, we cherished every milestone. You completed us.

‘In nine short years we never needed time off from you. We never gave up our time for anything that didn’t involve you too. And if we did, we’d always do it separately so you could have one of us always next to you.’

The family of Alice da Silva Aguiar have released the last photograph of the nine-year-old taken hours before she died at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

The pupil can be seen standing in a doorway of the Hart Space community centre, where the Southport stabbing took place on July 29, and beaming as she poses next to a cardboard cut out of the singer.

She was one of the three girls who died after several children were injured in the attack.

Her parents, Sergio and Alexandra, released the new picture on the day of her funeral in the Merseyside town.

Craig Munro

The disorder seen in recent days has ‘somewhat stabilised’ in England, the National Police Chiefs’ Council head of public order has said.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington said the same about Scotland and Wales – where violence has been minimal – but added that the situation in Northern Ireland remains volatile.

He said: ‘Policing continues to stand strong and unified, with hard work and dedication from all of our workforce in the face of daily challenges.

‘The situation in England, Scotland and Wales has somewhat stabilised over the last few days, but our colleagues in Northern Ireland have overnight experienced awful violence with significant injuries experienced by officers on the front line and we are doing all we can to support them.

‘We have seen and continue to see bravery and the utmost professionalism from our officers, staff and volunteers in dealing with these abhorrent incidents of violent disorder.

‘No-one should have to face the prospect of injury or abuse in their work, and our thoughts are with all of those who have suffered injuries in the course of their duties.

‘We are working around the clock to bring offenders to justice and ensure the safety of our communities.’

Craig Munro

A poll by More In Common has sought to find the opinions of various voting groups on the events of the past week.

The results show that one party sticks out from the others: Reform UK.

Among Reform voters polled, 56% said the riots and protests were borne from ‘legitimate concerns from those worried about immigration to the UK’.

Just 25% of Conservative voters said the same thing – the second-highest percentage by party.

More than two-fifths of Reform supporters also said those participating in the riots and protests ‘speak for me’, compared to 16% of Conservatives and 14% of Labour backers.

More results from the poll can be found in the thread from More In Common’s UK director Luke Tryl above.