Mark Bridgeford, 50, a grandfather, joined a mob attack in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3
A grandfather has been jailed for joining a mob attack on a lone black male - the latest rioter to face justice for the sickening violence that erupted in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3.
Prosecutor Duncan Wilcock told Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday: "On the 3rd August this year there were large-scale protests in Piccadilly Gardens here in the city centre resulting from the tragic events in Southport where three young girls were killed and several others were injured. Rumours circulated online as to who was responsible for that and as a result of that we know far-right protests were arranged around the country in Bristol, Rotherham, Liverpool and here in Manchester.
Bridgeford was then captured running out of the Gardens towards Mosley Street before grabbing a rucksack being worn by an Asian male and 'dragging him backwards', the court heard. The court heard Bridgeford had not been in trouble with the law for nine years although he had 12 previous convictions to his name, including for battery, harassment and taking a vehicle without consent.
The lawyer said Bridgeford 'will live to regret' his part in the disorder on a day when he had planned to 'remember his daughter'. Her client had made no attempt to disguise himself at the scene nor to deny his involvement during his police interview, the court was told.
Manchester City Centre Salford
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