A tree surgeon picked up debris from near a Bolton war memorial and threw it in the direction of police officers. 

Dane Potter, 39, took part in protests in the town centre on Sunday, August 4, which saw opposing groups face off. 

Bolton was among dozens of towns and cities saw violence erupt following the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on July 29.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Potter, of Bolton Road, Aspull, was in the area of Bolton Artillery Cenotaph on Nelson Square. 

Footage was shown in court which depicted a masked man, said to be the defendant, getting a "stone or brick" from near the memorial before throwing it towards police officers. 

Today, Wednesday, he was sentenced for one count of violent disorder. 

Prosecuting, Duncan Wilcock said: "On August 4, police received a notification that there may be rival protests taking place in Bolton town centre. 

"For that reason police officers were stationed in an attempt to separate the different factions." 

Judge Jon Close stressed that, although some of the protests contained "barely concealed elements of racism", the evidence "didn't seem to suggest" that Potter's actions were racially motivated. 

Mr Wilcock told the court how two groups, separated by the police, were in front of Bolton Town Hall at "approximately 2pm", before being moved by officers along Deansgate and Bradshawgate, down to Nelson Square. 

He said: "Then came the act of disorder, certainly on this defendant's part, where he throws some form of stone or brick towards police officers. 

"That group then moved back towards the pedestrian area in front of the town hall." 

The footage of Potter's offence was then shown in court. 

Mr Wilcock said: "The defendant is seen near to the war memorial, picking up a stone and throwing it towards officers. He is also wearing a face covering." 

Judge Close said: "It would appear those who have chosen to cloak themselves in the flag have chosen to vandalise an area which commemorates the war dead." 

Read more: Six people hauled before judges following riot in Bolton

Read more: Further five men charged in connection with weekend riots

Read more: Teen boy admits to 'participating in riots' in town centre

Potter had five previous convictions for 10 offences, including two counts of affray in 2009 and 2010 and possession of an offensive weapon in 2020. 

Defending, Emily Potter said: "The defendant is extremely remorseful for taking part in this offending, when asked to explain his motivation he said simply that he can't explain it. 

"He found himself in the middle of it, going along with this and doesn't seek to minimise his role as seen on the footage shown." 

Judge Close said: "There was no doubt what would happen going to this protest, and when he went with face mask, the court needs some persuasion that he didn't set out that day looking for trouble." 

Ms Potter added: "Mr Potter runs his own business, doing tree surgery, and has six employees who are solely reliant on the job and have their own families and responsibilities." 

She said the potential folding of his business was his "greatest concern". 

She also highlighted Potter's role "in loose terms" as a carer for an elderly man who he met through his work, a man who he takes to hospital appointments. 

Concluding, Judge Close said: "You were recorded taking tarmac or stones from the area around the cenotaph and throwing them towards police. 

"It is a cruel and depressing irony. A group attempted to cloak themselves in patriotism and vandalised a memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country." 

As the judge sentenced him to two years and two months imprisonment, Potter was seen over the video link putting his head in his hands and sighing.