Judge Jeremy Richardson highlighted that Thomas Birley's actions were among the most serious in the context of far-right violence, explicitly linking the incidents to racism.
Birley was sentenced for arson with intent to endanger life, demonstrating a clear intent to harm the occupants of a hotel housing asylum seekers.
The judge noted that the incidents were part of a broader trend of racial violence in August, with Birley significantly escalating the violence during the riots.
During the riots, 64 police officers were injured, and Birley played a key role by attacking police and attempting to set fire to the hotel, emphasizing the severe consequences.
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