Blackpool, England — A local man has been sentenced to over three years in prison after a violent outbreak in Blackpool last summer, where he severely injured another man during a public demonstration. Peter Waite, 50, from Blackpool, was convicted of causing serious bodily harm and participating in violent disorder, after an incident that captured the town’s attention due to its brutality.
The attack, detailed in court documents, occurred on August 3rd during a large gathering that spiraled into chaos. Waite was caught on CCTV footage headbutting a man in his 50s, who subsequently lost consciousness after falling and striking his head against the pavement. The victim suffered a brain hemorrhage and has since experienced significant changes to his lifestyle, including sleep disturbances and anxiety in crowded spaces, according to a personal statement made in court.
The demonstration, attended by hundreds, quickly escalated as attendees clashed with the police and engaged in vandalistic behavior. Police reported that objects were hurled at officers and their vehicles, and racially offensive signage was displayed. The disorder also extended to looting at the nearby Hounds Hill shopping center.
Waite, who resides on Cheltenham Road, admitted to his role in the violence. Beyond the headbutting incident, he acknowledged throwing two plastic bottles, retrieved from a bin, into the crowd. He defended his actions by stating that he was in town for a beer festival and had not intended to partake in the disorder.
His sentence, totaling three years and four months, was handed down at Preston Crown Court. Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards, responding to the conviction, condemned the violent acts and assured that such behavior would face strict repercussions. “Peter Waite not only actively contributed to the appalling disorder witnessed in Blackpool, but also inflicted grave injuries through his deliberate actions,” Edwards stated. She emphasized that Lancashire would maintain a stringent stance against such disruptions to public order and safety.
The court’s decision has been part of a broader crackdown following the tumultuous events of that day, with several individuals already prosecuted for their involvement in the disorder. The local police and community leaders continue to work together to restore peace and prevent future incidents of this nature, reinforcing a collective commitment to civility and public safety in Blackpool.