A Stretford man has been brought before Manchester Magistrates Court accused of kicking a black man as he lay on the floor in Piccadilly Gardens.
Andrew Phillips entered no indication of plea at a hearing on Wednesday (August 7).
Prosecutors allege that Phillips, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, played an ‘active role’ as a black male lay on the floor being kicked on August 3 and that he swore at officers.
Defence solicitor Michelle Crossland said the 27-year-old was in full-time employment earning a good wage with a ‘very stable family’, and that he had been de-arrested on the day of the incident and complied with a dispersal order.
Arguing for bail, Ms Crossland went on to say that Phillips had returned home from work after his mother called saying police were present at his home.
Refusing bail, district judge Jane Hamilton said Phillips was involved in an ‘awful incident’.
He will appear at Manchester Crown Square on September 11.
Three other defendants were hauled before the court yesterday accused of involvement in the same alleged incident.
Liam Ryan pleaded guilty to the violent disorder.
The court heard that Ryan, of Thirkleby Royd, Bradford, played an ‘active role in disorder’ in the city centre square.
Prosecuting, Laura Peers said Ryan, 28, had previous convictions and had been subject to a football banning order.
She added that he had travelled to Manchester to take part in the riot on Saturday.
Ms Peers said video footage showed him throwing punches towards a black man while shouting as part of a group.
Defending, duty solicitor David Philpott said Ryan had “made it plain in police interview that he’d like to apologise and make clear to the individual involved that he expresses remorse”.
Mr Philpott added that Ryan recognised that alcohol was an issue for him and that he would need to seek assistance in the future.
Refusing bail, district judge Jane Hamilton said Ryan was “a person who involves themselves in disturbances – large scale disturbances” and had travelled across the West Yorkshire border to take part.
She added: “Bearing in mind that the disorder is ongoing, I feel you would commit further offences if granted bail, so I am remanding you in custody until you appear in the court next week.”
Ryan will appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 14.
Shaun Holt, 42, entered no indication of plea in response to his alleged role in the incident.
The crown accused Holt, of Oak Road, Stockport, of being part of a “large group of far-right protesters seen by police taking part in an altercation with one black male”, the court heard.
District Judge Jane Hamilton declined jurisdiction and sent Holt’s case to be heard at Manchester Crown Court on September 11. He was refused bail.
David Green, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, provided no indication of plea for his alleged role in kicking a black male who was on the floor in Piccadilly Gardens.
Defending, solicitor Michelle Crossland said Green was in full time employment.
District Judge Hamilton said his charge was a ‘serious one’ and refused bail.
He will appear at Manchester Crown Square on September 11.
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