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27-Year-Old Thomas Birley Sentenced to 9 Years in Longest Sentence for Rotherham Riots Arson

Sep 6, 2024, 12:05 PM

Thomas Birley, a 27-year-old painter and decorator, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for arson with intent to endanger life during anti-Muslim riots in Rotherham, UK. The incident, which occurred in early August, involved Birley setting fire to a hotel housing hundreds of asylum seekers. This is the longest prison sentence handed down so far in relation to the recent riots. Birley pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court. The judge considered a life sentence but opted for nine years. The riots resulted in 12 hours of violence and disorder, with 64 police officers injured and 22 hotel staff barricading themselves in a panic room, fearing for their lives.