A man seen struck by flying bricks during the Southport riots has been sentenced to prison. Brian Spencer, 40, from Lytham Road, found himself at the center of controversy after being caught on camera gyracing his hips provocatively before being hit by bricks during the chaos.
The incident, which was widely shared on social media, showcased Spencer appearing to taunt police lines as he encouraged rioters to throw objects. Unfortunately for him, the lighthearted persona quickly turned to pain when he was struck repeatedly — initially by debris to the head, followed by one particularly painful blow to his groin.
On December 23, Spencer appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder occurring on July 30, during riots following the tragic stabbing deaths of three young girls. The court sentenced him to two years and six months behind bars, adding time for the charge of racially aggravated harassment related to his abusive behavior to another patient at Southport Hospital.
Spencer's escapade became emblematic of the riots, which reportedly resulted from public fury over the stabbings, which occurred during what was supposed to be a peaceful memorial. Demonstrations quickly escalated, leading to widespread violence across the town.
At the July 30 incident, crowds swelled to around 1,000 as people rallied, shortly after the community mourned the loss of nine-year-old Alice Aguiar, along with six-year-old Bebe King and seven-year-old Elsie Stancombe — all killed during the attack at a children’s dance class.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones from the Merseyside Police stated, "The actions of the people who took part in the disorder were extremely serious, and many officers faced serious danger during these despicable scenes." Spencer himself was recorded multiple times endangering public safety, taking part in violent acts, and even physically assaulting police vehicles.
After the tumultuous events, Spencer appeared at the hospital to receive treatment for his injuries, where he continued his inappropriate behavior, shouting at another patient with racial slurs. This angered the court, where Judge Katherine Pierpoint remarked on his actions.
"You were positioning yourself at the front of the mob, visibly enjoying the chaos you and your peers were creating. You antagonized the police, boasting and dancing around, showing absolute disregard for the safety of others," Judge Pierpoint said.
Spencer's antics did not go unnoticed on social media, where his actions became the subject of ridicule. From his drunken revelry to his unfortunate injuries, the public responded with both laughter and outrage. The original footage of him being hit made waves online, leading to both scorn and sympathy for the chaotic scenes around him.
By the time all had settled, law enforcement had arrested 163 individuals from the riots, with Spencer becoming one of the more highlighted figures due to his viral moment. The total number of those charged reached 117, resulting collectively in over 182 years of sentences across various offenders.
On the future of Southport’s safety, local authorities are keeping vigilant, reviewing footage, and investigating all people involved. Detective Inspector Paula Jones added, "We will not stop until we’ve put everyone we possibly can before the courts."
Looking back at such moments reveals the chaos stemming from social injustice, public rage, and the communal fallout following events like the tragic deaths of the children. The Southport riots serve not just as moments of violent outbursts, but also as reminders of how quickly humanity can devolve under emotional detonation.
Although Spencer's actions have now led him to face the consequence of his decisions, the community and the police are still left to pick up the pieces, reinforcing the message of accountability and community integrity.
