Teenager who threw bricks at police officers is convicted

A teenager who was caught on CCTV “celebrating” after throwing bricks at police officers has been convicted.

Cole Stewart threw multiple objects at officers who had been deployed to violent disorder in Darlington on Monday evening (August 5).

A CCTV camera captured him repeatedly throwing bricks and other objects at the officers near North Lodge Park, with one of them hitting an officer.

The 18-year-old was arrested at the scene, charged with violent disorder, and remanded in custody.

He appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today (August 7) where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Stewart, of Victoria Road, Darlington, was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Teesside Crown Court on Friday (August 9).

Brandon Welch, of Warkworth Way, Darlington, was also charged with violent disorder after he allegedly used racist language and encouraged people to smash up property.

The 18-year-old did not enter a plea when he appeared before magistrates’ today. He was also remanded in custody and will appear at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, August 28.

Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Cole Stewart attended the area on Monday night with the sole intention of causing serious harm to our community and their property.

“He engaged in vile and destructive behaviour and attacked the police officers who were deployed to protect members of the public. 

“As we have previously said, we will not tolerate criminality and violent disorder in our communities.

“I reiterate to anybody who commits these types of acts, we will tirelessly look for you and deal with you robustly. This will always be Durham Constabulary’s approach when dealing with incidents such as this.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we will strive for justice on behalf of our communities - they do not deserve to be intimidated by this behaviour.”

If you have any information that could assist our enquiries, please contact us on 101, or use the live chat function on our website.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-org.uk