In a significant legal outcome, John Rasburn, 47, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for his violent actions during riots in Southport. Rasburn was recorded spitting at and kicking police officers while also throwing traffic cones at them.

The disturbances were ignited following the tragic murders of three young girls—Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine—who were fatally stabbed by 19-year-old Axel Rudakubana during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29 last year.

In the aftermath of the violence, which resulted in over 50 officers injured and extensive property damage, Rasburn fled but later turned himself in to Greater Manchester Police on January 16, stating that he could not evade justice indefinitely.

On August 11, Merseyside Police recognized Rasburn as a wanted suspect. The subsequent investigation led to his arrest the following day on charges of violent disorder and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Sloan commented on the case, stating, "Rasburn went on the run but ultimately knew he couldn’t hide forever. He needed to answer for his actions that day to a community that was in mourning. I hope he takes the time to reflect on his shocking actions while in prison."

He further emphasized the commitment of law enforcement in bringing individuals responsible for the violence to justice, noting that 171 individuals have been arrested in connection with the disorder, with 129 charged and 106 sentenced to a total of 208 years in prison.