On August 4, 2024, chaos erupted outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, as a protest against the housing of asylum seekers at the hotel turned violent. The night would leave a lasting scar on the community, as rioters clashed with police, set fires, and besieged the building for nearly 12 hours. Now, more than a year later, Sheffield Crown Court has handed down one of its harshest sentences yet for those involved, sending a clear message about the consequences of such actions.
Matthew Crossland, 32, of Everill Gate Lane, Wombwell, Barnsley, became the face of the violence when he was caught on CCTV and police body-worn cameras fueling the mayhem. According to BBC, Crossland was filmed hurling planks of wood and bricks at both the hotel and the police officers assigned to protect it. In one particularly damning piece of footage, he was seen adding wood to a fire that had been set around the building by protesters—some 400 strong, many of them described as anti-immigration demonstrators.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed that Crossland’s actions did not stop there. As reported by The Independent and The Yorkshire Post, body-worn footage captured Crossland launching missiles toward police and behaving abusively throughout the night. At one point, he was seen removing a face covering he had worn in an attempt to conceal his identity, a move that ultimately did little to shield him from justice.
The consequences of the riot were severe. More than 200 asylum seekers and 22 hotel staff were trapped inside the Holiday Inn Express as the mob outside grew increasingly aggressive. According to The Independent, rioters smashed their way into the building and, in a particularly dangerous act, pushed a burning wheelie-bin against a fire door. The violence left 64 police officers injured, along with several police horses and a dog. These details, corroborated across all major reporting outlets, paint a grim picture of a night that spiraled out of control.
Crossland pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson with intent to endanger life. On September 5, 2025, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC handed down a nine-year prison sentence, one of the longest yet in connection with the Manvers riot. The judge’s words, as reported by BBC, underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability. "You have truly endured what may be described as a hardscrabble life so far. The [pre-sentence] report makes it clear what happened to you as a youngster, and I understand," Judge Richardson said, acknowledging the difficult circumstances of Crossland’s upbringing, but making it clear that such a background could not excuse his actions on that night.
Crossland was not the only individual to face the court’s wrath. Jack Knight, 21, of The Crescent, Bolton-upon-Dearne, was also caught on video taunting officers, running a large stick along their shields, and throwing stones at the police line. The judge described Knight’s upbringing as "baleful," a word that hints at hardship and struggle, though the court did not disclose specific details. Unlike Crossland, Knight received a 20-month sentence suspended for two years, along with 50 sessions of rehabilitation activity. He must also return to court for periodic reviews by the judge. "We all need boundaries, and the problem with your life is there haven’t been any," Judge Richardson told Knight, adding, "Justice, on occasion, needs to be seasoned with mercy." The judge warned Knight that there would be no further chances.
The riot was not an isolated incident. According to The Yorkshire Post, more than 100 men have now been convicted for their roles in the violence outside the hotel. The siege lasted around 12 hours, with police and hotel staff facing a relentless barrage of missiles and threats. In addition to Crossland, two other men—Thomas Birley, 27, and Levi Fishlock, 31—were also jailed for nine years each at Sheffield Crown Court for similar offenses related to the fire outside the hotel. These sentences, the longest handed down so far, reflect the court’s determination to deter future acts of mob violence and protect vulnerable people housed in such facilities.
The events of that night have left a lasting impact on the community. The hotel, which had been housing more than 200 asylum seekers, became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration and the use of hotels for temporary accommodation. The violence, as described by all major outlets, was not just an attack on property or the police—it was an assault on the safety and dignity of those seeking refuge in the UK, as well as those tasked with caring for and protecting them.
Police officers, many of whom suffered injuries during the riot, have spoken of the trauma and danger they faced. The fact that police horses and a dog were also injured underscores the level of chaos and disregard for life that permeated the night. For the asylum seekers and staff trapped inside, the experience was harrowing, with their safety threatened by fire and violence just outside the doors.
The sentences handed down by Sheffield Crown Court serve as a stark warning. As the judge made clear, the court recognizes the complexities of individuals’ backgrounds but must prioritize the safety of the community and the rule of law. The message is unambiguous: those who engage in violent disorder and endanger lives will face serious consequences.
As the dust settles, the community in Rotherham—and the country at large—continues to grapple with the broader issues at play. The events at the Holiday Inn Express are a reminder of the tensions that can arise around immigration and the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and, above all, respect for the law. While the sentences may bring a measure of closure for some, the scars left by that night will take much longer to heal.
The story of the Manvers riot is not just about crime and punishment; it’s about the fabric of a community tested by fear, anger, and division. As more details emerge and more individuals are held accountable, the hope remains that such violence will not be repeated—and that lessons will be learned on all sides.
For now, the streets outside the Holiday Inn Express are quiet, but the memory of that August night—and the justice delivered in its wake—will linger for years to come.
