EDL supporters are jailed for Walsall violence
Thirty-two EDL rioters who caused havoc when a demonstration in Walsall descended into violence have been convicted with sentences totalling more than 60 years.
More than 600 supporters of the EDL held a demonstration in the town on September 29, 2012, when it broke out into violence.
There was a counter protest held nearby by the Unite Against Fascism group with the two groups kept apart by a line of West Midlands Police officers.
As the atmosphere between the two groups turned hostile and as the police sought to keep the groups apart, supporters of the EDL began throwing missiles at the police.
As a consequence, a number of police officers and EDL stewards were injured with some requiring medical treatment.
A police investigation was launched in order to identify those responsible for the trouble and a number of men were arrested and charged with violent disorder. Men were detained from as far afield as County Durham and Dorset, having travelled to the Black Country to take part in the demonstration.
They appeared before Wolverhampton Crown Court this week.
Chief Superintendent Dave Sturman, commander of Walsall Police and the lead officer on the day of the protest, said: "A major operation was launched to try and maintain calm and order on the streets of Walsall that day and in the large part it was successful, however there was a minority who were intent on causing violence and disruption ? and it is those people who are now facing the most severe sentences.
"This week's court proceedings should send a clear message to those who are intent on coming to the West Midlands to cause trouble ? we will not tolerate such behaviour.
"A team of detectives have worked tirelessly on this investigation for more than a year, determined to trace those involved in the disorder and bring them to justice.
"People who commit public order offences such as these should not rest easy as, no matter how long it takes, we will find you.
"We recognise that the people of Walsall were both concerned and inconvenienced on the day and we hope that residents of the town are reassured by our efforts to bring those involved in the disorder to justice."
