A mother and daughter in Middlesbrough found themselves in legal trouble after being caught participating in a riot while out with their family dog. Amanda Walton, 51, was seen on CCTV throwing a missile, damaging a car wing mirror, and going through a bin. Her daughter, Megan Davison, 24, was captured jumping on a car’s roof, breaking windows, gesturing at a police officer, and leaving a shop while hiding items, as outlined by Rachel Masters, the prosecutor.
The incident took place on August 4, with both women admitting to violent disorder during a court hearing. Walton received a 22-month jail term, while Davison was sentenced to 20 months by Judge Francis Laird KC. Davison’s partner, Jake Wray, awaits sentencing after admitting to the same offense. The court heard that the police were investigating 250 crimes, including property damage to private individuals and public buildings vandalized during the event.
Representatives for the defendants shared that Davison had consumed a mix of alcohol and drugs the night before due to a breakup, leading to her intoxication during the riot. Both women expressed remorse, and their lawyers highlighted that they were not motivated by racist ideologies. Despite the circumstances, they received credit for pleading guilty, which reduced their sentences.
While Walton had attended the protest out of concern for her daughter and was not planning to engage in the riot, Davison’s counsel acknowledged that she had acted imprudently while under the influence. The judge, recognizing the seriousness of the disorder, deemed that their sentences could not be suspended. Wray is scheduled for sentencing in the following week.