NEWS STORY : Rioter Peter Lynch Dies in Prison
STORY
Peter Lynch, a 61-year-old grandfather who was jailed for his role in the violent riots outside a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers, has died in prison. Lynch was serving a two-year and eight-month sentence at HMP Moorland in Doncaster after pleading guilty to violent disorder. His death on October 19th is currently under investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, as is standard practice for all deaths in custody.
Lynch was among a group of individuals who gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on August 4th. The protest, fuelled by anti-immigration sentiment and misinformation about asylum seekers, escalated into violence, with rioters throwing missiles at police and damaging property. Bodycam footage presented in court showed Lynch shouting abuse at officers, including accusations of protecting “child killers” and “rapists”.
During his sentencing in August, the judge described Lynch’s behaviour as “disgraceful” and highlighted the fear and distress caused to the asylum seekers trapped inside the hotel. The court also heard mitigating factors, including Lynch’s recent heart attack and various health conditions. Lynch’s death has reignited debate around the summer’s riots and the motivations of those involved. Some have expressed sympathy, citing concerns about immigration policy and the impact on local communities. Others condemn the violence and hate speech displayed, emphasising the need for tolerance and understanding. Regardless of individual viewpoints, Lynch’s death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such actions and the complex issues surrounding immigration in the UK.
