A man from West Yorkshire who travelled to Manchester to participate in the riots has been sentenced to prison.

Liam Ryan, 28, was part of a group that assaulted a lone black man in Piccadilly Gardens on July 31. The event was recorded and shared on social media.

In the footage, Ryan is seen wearing a bright yellow coat with his hood up to hide his identity. He punched the man twice while others in the group were shouting violent encouragements.

The prosecution cited the attack as 'clearly racially motivated'. It occurred during a period of nationwide disorder triggered by an earlier attack in Southport, which resulted in the deaths of three children and serious injuries to others.

Ryan, who is from Bradford, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and received a 28-month prison sentence.

Prosecutor Rob Hall explained that Ryan initially missed with his first punch but landed two subsequent blows. Ryan then stepped away as others continued the assault, keeping his hood up throughout.

The court heard that the black man had thrown an object at the crowd before being attacked.

Ryan was arrested, and during his interview, he admitted to travelling from Bradford to participate in the protests. He denied any affiliation with far-right groups and claimed he had been drinking, uncertain of why he got involved in the violence.

Ryan expressed regret, stating he did not have a reason to attack the man, nobody encouraged him, and he knew his actions were wrong. He offered to write an apology letter to the victim.

Ryan has prior convictions for criminal damage and public order offences and has previously received a football banning order.

In his mitigation, Damien Zelazowski said Ryan was 'deeply remorseful'. Ryan had gone to Manchester intending to support families from Southport and did not plan to engage in violence.

Zelazowski noted that Ryan, who works as a window fitter, found the prospect of prison 'frightening'.

Judge Patrick Field KC, in sentencing Ryan, highlighted that he quickly became involved in the violence in Manchester, contributing to the hateful and aggressive behaviour of the group.

The judge condemned the actions as ‘drunken violence’ motivated by hatred of other groups, calling Ryan's behaviour 'disgraceful and shameful'.