Mother-of-six who threw brick at police during violent protest jailed

A mother-of-six who threw a brick at police during a violent protest in Hartlepool has been jailed for two years, as a judge described her actions as “truly disgraceful”.

Donna Conniff, 40, was identified from CCTV and video footage of a protest in Murray Street on the evening of July 31, in which she was seen hurling a brick and a rock towards a line of police officers, and was arrested on August 13.

Conniff, of Alford Court in Hartlepool, Co Durham, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, was also seen handing a brick to a juvenile who threw it towards police, and was part of a crowd of people who surged forwards at officers and was seen joining in with cheers as missiles were thrown.

Martin Scarborough, defending Conniff, told Teesside Crown Court on Monday that she had come across the protest, which was advertised on social media, “by chance” at about 6pm.

He said: “She knows there can only be one sentence, given the nature of what we have seen.

“This was not politically motivated on her behalf, she is genuinely remorseful for her behaviour.

Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful

“She is effectively of good character and she can’t believe she has acted in the way she has.

“She has reflected a lot on how she has behaved, it is the first time she has been in custody. She is a lady who has no recent convictions, she is not prone to violence.”

Judge Francis Laird KC accepted that Conniff, who earlier pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was remorseful, but said a custodial sentence was the correct course of action.

He said: “A group of people gathered in the centre at approximately 6pm. The gathering was small but grew to around 200 or so people and violent disorder developed.

“In the course of a large-scale disorder, bottles, bricks, beer cans and other items were thrown at police officers. Several were injured.

“Whilst the disturbance was under way, you were a prominent part of a group that were throwing missiles at police officers. You were observed to throw a brick, hand a brick to a boy and encourage him to throw it at officers.

“You thrust out a leg, kicking towards a police officer. In the course of disorder, properties were targeted, windows were broken, shops and vehicles were damaged.

“Your behaviour and the behaviour of others around you was truly disgraceful. You were a persistent participant and the disorder took place in a busy residential area. Children were present.

“I understand you have not had an easy life. You were a care-leaver and now act as a carer for a former partner.

“You are remorseful, but you chose to take part in an organised and large-scale act of public disorder.

“Police officers were attacked, members of the public have been forced to endure the devastation and chaos caused to their community.

“The public are rightly outraged. Only a custodial sentence is justified.”

Conniff must serve up to one half of her 24-month sentence in custody before being released on licence.

As she was led out of the dock, Conniff shouted “love you” to family members in the public gallery.