Following the sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court today in relation to the London disorder, David Robinson, London Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said:
“Today, two of those responsible for the public disturbances in the capital earlier this month became the first to be sentenced in the Crown Court for their actions. These swift and robust prosecutions should serve as a strong reminder that CPS London will not hesitate to prosecute this sort of criminal behaviour which affects the whole community.
“Across London, opportunists committed very serious acts: looting, robbing and causing significant criminal damage, mostly at night when communities feel at their most vulnerable. At the hearings today we were able to tell the court exactly how these crimes have affected those communities and give an indication of the losses suffered by businesses which were looted.
“CPS London is determined to play its part in ensuring the safety of our communities, and over the coming months we will prosecute many more people in relation to the public disturbances. We will do this as swiftly and effectively as possible and, as is our duty under the Code for Crown Prosecutors, ensure each individual case is dealt with fairly and consistently.
“Prosecutors have worked tirelessly alongside the police to charge those responsible and to bring them before the courts. Those involved in the disorder and crime earlier this month should be in no doubt that we will continue to bring them before the courts where they will answer for their actions.”
Richard Bezzina (born 09/05/1967) was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment at the Crown Court in Wood Green on a count of Violent Disorder on the evening of 8th August 2011 at Clarence Road, Hackney. He pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 13th August 2011.
Steven Freear (born 17/10/1990) was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment at the Crown Court in Wood Green today on two counts of possessing an offensive weapon on the evening of Wednesday 10th August 2011 at Hartford Road, Enfield, near the junction of Carterhatch Road. The defendant pleaded guilty at Enfield Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12th August 2011.
