Nursery Worker Breaks Down in Tears as She Faces Shocking Footage of Moment ‘Adrenaline Took Over’

A nursery worker who hurled racial abuse and attacked a police officer’s riot shield during a violent protest has been remanded in custody and warned she may face jail time. Ellie Clarke, 21, broke down in court as she faced the consequences of her actions during the unrest in Southport on July 30, following the fatal stabbings of three young girls.

Clarke was identified as being “at the front of the mob” during the chaos, which saw crowds gather near the Southport Islamic Society Mosque. More than 50 officers were injured after missiles were thrown at them. Clarke was heard shouting racist remarks towards the police cordon, saying, “If it was your fing daughter who was stabbed dead by a fing p**i.” She also aggressively pushed a riot shield during the clash, reported Lancs Live.

Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court that Clarke’s involvement in the violence was captured on bodycam footage. The court saw the footage while Clarke, dressed in a pink cardigan and black top, sat with her head bowed, visibly emotional.

Clarke was arrested on September 2 following an agreed meeting with the police after being circulated as wanted. In a prepared statement during her interview, she expressed regret, saying, “I heard about the stabbings in Southport and was very distressed, particularly given the fact that I used to work in a nursery. I was under the impression that there would be a peaceful demonstration. The adrenaline got the better of me, and I used language I was ashamed of. I am very sorry for what I did and would like to apologize to the officer involved.”

She stressed that she had not intended to participate in violent disorder, but Clarke later pleaded guilty to charges of violent disorder, racially aggravated harassment, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Clarke’s counsel, Daniel Travers, explained that she had been dealing with mental health issues and emphasized that her involvement was at “the lowest end” of the violence. Clarke, who has no prior convictions, was remanded in custody until her sentencing date on October 22, pending a psychiatric report.

Judge Andrew Menary KC, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool, stated, “If I was dealing with the defendant today, there would be a custodial sentence. That might still be the position. This is all designed to assist and enable me to arrive at the correct sentence.”