Caught in the moment, stupid mistakes and apparent uncertainty: The ridiculous excuses put forward by rioters across Greater Manchester

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

In what should be a time of rest and recuperation during the summer holidays, the British criminal courts have been inundated with a tidal wave of rioters, looters and violent thugs.

From teenage boys ‘looking for trouble’ to convicted criminals with lengthy records, hundreds have been arrested for their part in the disorder that plagued cities and towns across the country.

It comes following misinformation that was spread online following the tragic death of three little girls in Southport about the ‘supposed nationality’ of the alleged attacker. READ MORE: 'Justice is coming': Prosecutors issue stark warning as first man jailed in Manchester over riots In Greater Manchester disorder spread at a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers in Newton Heath, as well as in Manchester city centre and Bolton town centre over the course of a weekend.

Missiles were thrown, racist slurs were hurled, buildings were damaged and people were injured. Communities were left in fear.