Demonstrators were charged and taken to Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 5, after clashes involving far-right demonstrators and counter-demonstrators at Victoria Square on Sunday, August 4.
Four men and a 16-year-old boy appeared at the court in front of District Judge Joanne Hirst.
Gareth Rigby, of Masefield Drive, Farnworth, was fined after admitting a charge of using threatening words or behaviour during the protests.
Daniel Robinson, of Leslie Street, Bolton, admitted having been in possession of a hammer in Bolton town centre.
The 37-year-old’s case was adjourned to Bolton Crown Court for sentencing on September 2, and was granted bail on condition he does not enter Bolton town centre.
Also due in the dock was Mathew Edge – whose name was also spelled 'Matthew Edge' by official sources, a 34-year-old charged with possessing an offensive weapon – a hammer – outside Bolton Town Hall. However, Edge was not present at court and his hearing did not take place.
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Man admits carrying fireworks
Hamza Mohammed, of Whitegate Drive, was charged with possession of multi-shot fireworks, firework mortars, and rockets on Victoria Square during the demonstration.
The 23-year-old door-to-door salesman entered no indication of his plea at Manchester Magistrates Court.
District Judge Joanne Hirst refused bail and he will remain in custody, with his next hearing due at Bolton Crown Court on September 9.
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Boy, 16, pleads guilty to carrying bats
Also in the dock was a 16-year-old boy from Daubhill, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
At around 3pm on Sunday, August 4, the boy was seen holding a baseball bat before running down to Coronation Street.
After he was searched, a baseball bat and cricket bat were found, according to prosecutor Mr Cooper. Upon arrest, he said he was holding the bats for ‘someone else’.
After initially telling the court he was ‘not guilty,’ the boy spoke with his solicitor and pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.
Defending, Samantha Smith called the boy “a really clever, bright young man” who had been “swept away in the moment” and whom had possibly been told to hold on to the bats by other older boys.
Ms Smith went on to say the boy was part of a “close-knit family” and that he regularly attends his mosque.
The boy, who was not known to social services, was supported at the hearing by his aunt – who told the court he had said he was going to the gym when he left his family home.
District Judge Hirst granted bail, but said that it was ‘serious disorder to be involved in,’ adding that all sentencing options would remain open.
The boy was ordered not to enter Bolton town centre except directly to and from his place of education.
A further hearing will take place on Tuesday, September 3.
Also in the dock was 43-year-old Ajaz Ahmed, of Boundary Street.
Ahmed pleaded not guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
District Judge Joanne Hirst refused bail and Ahmed was remanded in custody. A pre-trial preparation hearing will take place at Bolton Crown Court on Monday, September 9.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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