“Nice One Lad” Man Charged in Library Burglary During Riots
Adam Wharton, 28, of Selwyn Street in Walton, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on August 5, following charges of burglary related to the weekend’s violent disorder. Wharton, who broke into Spellow Library during the chaos, was caught wearing a balaclava and was found with a computer monitor. As he was led to the cells, Wharton quipped, “Nice one lad.”
Wharton, wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, pleaded guilty to the charges. His case has been sent to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing on August 29. Before the proceedings began, Wharton’s solicitor, Isaac Mirza, reported that his client had been “attacked in the cells” before appearing in court, resulting in a bloodied nose and an eye injury.
The charges stem from a violent protest at the Pier Head in Liverpool on Saturday afternoon, which escalated into a serious disorder. Merseyside Police had to use riot gear as protestors threw bricks and debris at officers. The unrest spilled over onto County Road in Walton, causing significant damage. Rioters targeted businesses, set fires using bins, and attacked the Spellow Library and Community Hub, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Prosecutor Joshua Sanderson-Kirk described the chaotic scenes to the court, noting that police officers were dealing with widespread arson, and projectiles such as bricks and glass were being thrown. A police helicopter observed a man entering the library, which had already been looted and burnt. The man was identified as Wharton, who was acting as a lookout according to the prosecution.
Wharton’s criminal history includes 16 previous convictions for 26 offenses, including robbery and burglary. The prosecution informed the court that the starting point for the offense is one year of imprisonment. Defence solicitor Mr. Mirza confirmed there would be no plea for bail.
When Wharton attempted to speak, District Judge Timothy Boswell instructed his solicitor to address him first. Judge Boswell then told Wharton, “Mr. Wharton, I am committing your case for sentence to the crown court. It will be up to the crown court to decide what the right sentence is.”
As Wharton was escorted back to the cells, he sarcastically remarked, “nice one lad,” capping off a morning filled with tension and a glimpse into the lawlessness that had gripped Liverpool over the weekend. The riots left a trail of destruction, drawing significant police response and leading to numerous arrests, including Wharton’s. His sentencing at the crown court will be a critical step in addressing the aftermath of the disorder.