A 23-year-old man from Middlesbrough has been sentenced to 38 months in prison for his violent and racist actions during the summer riots in the town.
Jake Wray admitted to violent disorder on August 4, 2024, after he attempted to set a car on fire, made racist chants, and pushed a burning wheelie bin toward police officers.
His actions occurred while he was already serving a suspended sentence for spitting at a police officer and carrying a knife.
Racist Acts Caught on Video
Wray’s behavior during the riots was especially shocking.
Wearing a red shirt and draped in an England flag, he stopped vehicles at a junction in the town center, asking drivers whether they were “white” or “English.”
The appalling exchange was captured on video and shown in court, where Wray was heard questioning drivers about their race. The footage of his actions was so disturbing that it was broadcast on national TV.
Further videos also showed Wray setting fire to a wheelie bin, which he then pushed toward police lines.
A helicopter captured footage of Wray interfering with a red hatchback moments before it burst into flames.
Wray initially claimed he was merely warning the drivers, but later admitted that this explanation was false.
Judge’s Condemnation of Actions
Judge Richard Bennett, sentencing Wray at Teesside Crown Court, condemned his behavior, calling it “disgraceful” and noting that it was not representative of the values of the “decent people of Middlesbrough.”
The judge described Wray’s actions as violent, overtly racist, and involving arson.
He also noted that Wray seemed to relish the attention and power he felt during such a frightening moment for the drivers involved.
Wray’s Defenders Claim Shame and Embarrassment
Wray’s defense lawyer, Harry Crowson, explained that Wray had initially denied the racial motivation for his actions out of embarrassment and shame.
He also pointed out that Wray had watched the disturbing footage multiple times and was horrified by what he had said.
According to Crowson, Wray now feels “appalled” by his behavior that day.
A Family Affair: More Rioters Jailed
Wray’s partner, Megan Davison, and her mother, Amanda Walton, were also jailed for their roles in the violent disorder.
On the same day of the riots, Walton was seen on CCTV throwing a missile at a car, damaging a wing mirror, and rummaging through a bin.
Davison was filmed jumping on a car roof, smashing windows, and mocking police officers.
The pair, accompanied by a pet chow chow, took part in the riot as it escalated on Parliament Street, a location known for its asylum and refugee community.
This area was the focal point of the racially charged mob’s violence, which resulted in significant property damage and arson.
Sentencing for Davison and Walton
Both women pleaded guilty to violent disorder and were sentenced to a combined total of over three years.
Walton received 22 months in prison, while Davison was sentenced to 20 months.
The court also revealed that Davison, a mother of two young children, has left her children in the care of their aunt.
What Comes Next?
As the legal proceedings against Wray and his family come to a close, their actions have left a significant mark on the community in Middlesbrough, further raising concerns about the rise of racially motivated violence.
With Wray now serving his prison sentence, the focus turns to the broader impact of such behavior on the local community and the steps necessary to prevent future incidents like this from occurring.
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