Rufford Man Jailed for Inciting Violence on 'Southport Wake Up' Telegram Channel

A man has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years after encouraging his followers online to commit violent disorder and criminal damage in Southport.

Andrew Robert McIntyre, 39 years, from Cousins Lane, Rufford, sent messages via Telegram encouraging others to participate in the disorder in Southport on 30 July 2024, as well as failed attempts to instigate disorder at other locations.

He used an account called ‘Southport Wake Up’ as a forum to incite people to take to the streets to participate in violent disorder and damage property. McIntyre also attended the disorder in Southport on 30 July and in Liverpool on 3 August.

When he was arrested on 8 August on Smithdown Road, McIntyre was found in possession of a flick knife.

McIntyre appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Monday 6 January) after pleading guilty to encouraging violent disorder and criminal damage, and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

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."