Taxi driver jailed for over seven years after inciting violence in Southport and possessing bladed weapon
Updated: 13 hours ago
A taxi driver has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for using social media to incite violent disorder and criminal damage.
Andrew Robert McIntyre, 39, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court today after admitting to charges of encouraging violence, criminal damage, and carrying a bladed article.
McIntyre, who operated under the alias “Southport Wake Up” on the messaging platform Telegram, urged his followers to take part in destructive acts. His messages specifically called for public disorder in Southport on 30 July 2024, as well as attempted agitation at other locations. McIntyre himself was present at the Southport disturbance and later attended further disorder in Liverpool on 3 August.
When police arrested him on 8 August on Smithdown Road, officers discovered he was carrying a flick knife.
At court, McIntyre pleaded guilty to encouraging violent disorder, inciting criminal damage, and possession of a knife in a public place. The judge handed down a significant custodial sentence, reflecting the gravity of his offences.
Detective Inspector Paula Jones said: “The actions of the people who took part in the disorder in Southport had a huge impact on a community still grieving the harrowing events of 29 July.
"McIntyre played a key role in co-ordinating the group who took to the streets on 30 July, using social media to encourage members of the group to turn up at the heart of the communities in Southport and Liverpool to commit criminal damage. The result left dozens of officers injured as bricks, bins and other missiles were thrown at them.
"Residents' walls were dismantled to create makeshift missiles and their bins set alight, while windows were smashed and a trail of destruction left in their wake.
"Of those who took part in the disorder, many of whom will have seen McIntyre’s messages, 163 have been arrested, 121 charged and now 90 have been sentenced to a total of 189 years and 10 months.
"Like dozens of others before him, I hope McIntyre spends the time he will now have in prison reflecting on his actions during the disorder, and the impact it had on communities here in Merseyside."
