Sheffield, August 16 – A Doncaster man has admitted to charges of violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker following a riot at a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
Luke Merrit, 27, of Victoria Road, Balby, appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on August 16, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. The charges stem from an incident on August 4 at the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Wath, where Merrit was involved in a chaotic scene that saw a mob attack the hotel.
The riot resulted in police officers being assaulted with bricks, fireworks, and fence posts as the crowd forced their way into the hotel and attempted to set it on fire. The hotel had been serving as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
The incident led to 42 charges, 20 of which have already been pleaded guilty to their offences. Eleven of those individuals have been sentenced.
Merrit is scheduled to appear before Sheffield Crown Court on August 21 for sentencing. The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the seriousness of the disorder and its impact on public safety and emergency personnel.
