Business Owner Celebrates ‘Shameful’ Actions at Pub with Friends—Then Makes a Shocking Move by Removing His Balaclava

A 24-year-old man who wore a balaclava and carried a box of beer during a large-scale disturbance outside a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers has been jailed. Ryan Leckey participated in a violent demonstration outside the hotel on Oldham Road, Newton Heath, on July 31. During the protest, he threw a missile toward the hotel while others hurled abuse at both the occupants and police officers.

Following the incident, Leckey celebrated at a nearby pub, where CCTV captured him removing his balaclava. His actions led to his arrest and eventual sentencing at Manchester Crown Court. At the same demonstration, Darren Butler, 42, threatened a police officer, saying he would “kick your f***ing head in” and shouted, “They are protecting nonce’s.” Both men were sentenced on September 18 after pleading guilty to violent disorder, told Manchester Evening News.

The disturbance occurred in the wake of misinformation circulating online about the killing of three children in Southport, which sparked disorder across the country. Prosecutor Kate Gaskell explained that police were called to the hotel after reports of a large and increasingly hostile crowd forming. Racist abuse was directed at the hotel’s occupants, and missiles, including eggs, bottles, and bricks, were thrown at police officers.

Leckey, of Newton Heath, was captured on police bodycam footage walking with a large box of beer over his shoulder before throwing an object toward the hotel. “He was seen picking something up and throwing it, directing it towards the hotel,” Gaskell said. Leckey later moved to a local pub, where he was seen celebrating before removing his balaclava.

Rebecca Filletti, mitigating for Leckey, who had no previous convictions, said he was deeply remorseful for his actions. “He is sorry to the people there, sorry to the victims of this, sorry to the police, and sorry to his family,” she said, adding that his family had worked hard to see him succeed.

Butler, of Oldham, was caught on camera shouting threats at officers attempting to disperse the crowd. “I will kick your f***ing head in,” he shouted, and added, “They are protecting nonce’s.” Butler, who has 25 previous convictions for 52 offenses, expressed regret for his involvement, saying, “I am disgusted with myself” when the footage was played in court.

Judge Alan Conrad KC, sentencing both men, stated: “The courts must make clear that this sort of behavior in a civil society will be met with serious punishment. Deterrent sentences are necessary.” Leckey was sentenced to 16 months in prison, while Butler received 17 months. Both men will serve half their sentences before being released on license.