(BBC) A man who claimed he was trying to protect a mosque from being attacked by “racists” has been jailed.
Prosecutors said about 60 Asian men clashed with about 30 white men in Darlington on the night of 5 August, with police caught in the middle.
Ashkan Kareem, 33 and from Bishop Auckland, admitted violent disorder having turned himself into police and was jailed for a year at Teesside Crown Court.
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said the disorder had “traumatised the diverse community” and officers faced “unprecedented levels of hatred.”
Prosecutor Rachel Masters said Kareem was part of a group of Asian men who charged towards opponents on North Lodge Terrace in Darlington during an hour-long confrontation.
