Judge Blasts Mum for Joining Violent Protest with Child in Pram, Caught Throwing Water at Police

A Manchester judge has condemned the “extraordinary” decision of a young mother, Nevey Smith, who attended a violent protest while pushing her child in a pram. The 21-year-old was caught on camera throwing water towards police and asylum seekers outside a hotel on Oldham Road, Newton Heath, on July 31. The hotel was being used to house asylum seekers during the protest.

Although Smith did not engage in any physical violence, the court heard that her actions, including throwing water at police and asylum seekers, were recorded during the protest. Judge Patrick Field KC, sentencing Smith at Manchester Crown Court, expressed his deep concern over her decision to bring her 20-month-old son to such a dangerous event.

“What on earth were you thinking?” the judge asked Smith. “I doubt very much you had his safety and wellbeing in mind.”

The judge further criticised her decision, noting that this behaviour reflected her immaturity. “That aspect of the case and indeed other aspects show you have quite a lot to learn and quite a lot of growing up to do,” he added. The court heard that Smith, a single mother, was unaware of the nature of asylum seekers, admitting during questioning that she didn’t understand what the term meant.

Prosecutor Phillip Hall explained that the protest had been organised via Facebook and quickly escalated into chaos, with missiles such as bricks and bottles being hurled towards the hotel. A bus was attacked, and an asylum seeker was injured by flying glass. Smith, seen in footage pushing her pram, threw liquid at police officers and asylum seekers as tensions flared.

Smith later handed herself in to police and pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Her lawyer, Daniel Calder, argued that she had not intended to join the protest and was simply drawn in after recognising people she knew. He emphasised that her actions were “foolish” and that she was unaware of the situation’s seriousness.

Despite the incident, the judge acknowledged Smith’s involvement was “minimal and peripheral.” She was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, and ten rehabilitation activity requirement days.