Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 11th March 2025, at 13:35hrs
A 50-year-old man has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison for his role in the violent disorder that erupted in Blackpool last summer, including a brutal headbutt that left a man with a brain bleed.
Peter Waite, of Cheltenham Road, Blackpool, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday, March 10th, and admitted charges of Section 20 wounding and violent disorder.
The court heard that Waite was captured on CCTV running towards his victim during the chaotic scenes on August 3rd and headbutting him. The force of the blow caused the man, in his 50s, to fall backwards and strike his head on the pavement, resulting in him losing consciousness.
In a victim personal statement, the injured man described the devastating impact of the attack, stating he now suffers from insomnia, social isolation, and anxiety in crowded places.
The disorder occurred during a large demonstration in Blackpool, where hundreds of people gathered, leading to physical and verbal attacks on police and members of the public.
Items were thrown at officers and police vehicles, and racist and offensive signs were displayed. Serious disorder and looting also took place in the Hounds Hill shopping centre.
In addition to the headbutt, Waite was also seen throwing two bottles, which he claimed were plastic, after retrieving them from a bin. He stated he had attended the town for a beer festival and had not intended to participate in the disorder.
Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards condemned Waite’s actions, stating, “Peter Waite not only clearly played a role in the disgraceful disorder which we saw in Blackpool on August 3rd but also caused serious injury to a man through his violent actions.
Such behaviour is not welcome in Lancashire and will not be tolerated in our county.”
She added, “A number of people have already been brought to justice for the role in the disorder, and I welcome the sentence in this case.“
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