In the aftermath of the summer riots in Manchester, Jack Cregan, a 32-year-old thug, has been jailed for his involvement in a violent attack on July 31. Cregan assaulted a bus driver in Newton Heath amidst a wave of nationwide unrest that followed a disturbing incident involving young children in Southport.

Despite being tracked down by police, Cregan attempted to deceive investigators by claiming he was in Derbyshire committing crimes at the time of the attack. However, footage retrieved from a mobile phone, which he had hidden under his kitchen cabinet, showed him during the riot. The phone was left on vibrate, and a single phone call revealed his lies.

Based in Argyll Close, Failsworth, Cregan pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and violent disorder, resulting in a sentence of two-and-a-half years at Manchester Crown Court.

Cregan is among a number of rioters held accountable for their actions which resulted in extensive criminal damage and assaults on emergency workers across the UK. Another individual sentenced this week is Colin Brown, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder and robbery in an earlier hearing.

Brown, from Moorcroft Road in Northern Moor, was part of a group that breached metal barriers separating protest groups in Piccadilly Gardens on August 3. He was involved in an assault on a man and forcibly stole a scarf from a victim.

He received a sentence of two years and four months.

DCI Jill Billington stated, “Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are committed to protecting all communities and are devoted to seeking justice for those affected by racially motivated crimes. To date, 20 adults have been sentenced for the disorder at Newton Heath, resulting in over 25 years of custodial sentences.”

She continued, “We are dedicated to investigating, locating, and tracing all involved in this violent behaviour, ensuring community safety while pursuing swift justice with the Crown Prosecution Service. Over 200 reports of information have been submitted, helping to identify 151 suspects. While many suspects have been brought to court, our work is not finished.”

Billington urged the public, “If you recognize any of these individuals, please get in touch to aid in ensuring that all involved are held accountable.”