A court has adjourned the sentencing of a 12-year-old involved in the riots and disorder in August after his mother went to Ibiza on holiday.
Towns and cities across the UK saw violence break out after the three girls were stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on 29 July.
The boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, admitted to being part of a group attacking a bus outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Manchester on 31 July.
He was also part of a group filmed kicking the windows of a vape shop and throwing a missile at a police van in Manchester city centre on 3 August.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Accompanied by his uncle, the boy had attended Manchester Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on two counts of violent disorder, but his mother was not present having flown away for five days.
District Judge Joanne Hirst was told the boy’s mother would return on Thursday, the day before his appearance in court.
She said Monday: “One day before the hearing we find out the mum has gone on holiday and is not with her son who played a greater part in the recent civil disorder than any adult or child I’ve seen coming through these courts.
“I’m frankly astonished. I will require a full explanation from Mum on her decision to go on holiday one day before her 12-year-old son comes to court facing a potential custodial sentence.
“This is a serious situation, it has now deteriorated in my view because of the actions of the mother. She is on notice, I will be challenging her about this decision.”
Read more:
Child, 11, arrested over disorder
Mum jailed over ‘truly disgraceful’ behaviour
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
She then told the boy: “Boys like you need their mums in their lives. I need your mum here.”
Judge Hirst adjourned sentencing and ordered a parental summons so the mother must appear before the court when she passes sentence on 11 September.
