A couple from Newcastle-under-Lyme have been jailed for a collective four years for their part in the violent disorder in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

Ciaran Lockett, 34, and his partner Deana Evans, 32, were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court today (Friday 30 August) after they admitted the offences at an earlier hearing.

They were both seen on CCTV and bodyworn video footage launching missiles and trying to push through police lines, all while being verbally abusive to the officers who were trying to keep people safe.

At one point, the pair stopped a police van that was attempting to get through the crowds on blue-lights, pressing themselves against the front of the vehicle to stop it moving. They had to be physically removed by officers after refusing to get out of the way.

The pair continued to challenge officers at the scene and had to be pushed back with public order shields.

After they were identified in the footage, policd went to their address to arrest them on 22 August. Evans lashed out at an officer when her phone was seized, hitting him in the chest with her elbow. She tried to resist being put in handcuffs before being taken to custody alongside Lockett.

After pleading guilty to violent disorder and common assault of an emergency worker, Evans was sentenced to 20-months in prison.

Lockett, who admitted violent disorder, was given a 32-month sentence.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: "We've been working tirelessly to review all of the evidence available to identify those involved in the disorder and take decisive action. 

"More arrests, charges and convictions will follow across Staffordshire as we continue to act on information from the public and put a stop to those who subjected our communities to senseless violence."