Man who was ‘front and centre’ of far-right Hull riots jailed for six years

One of the leaders of the racist mob violence that engulfed Hull city centre during the riots of August 2024 was jailed for six years at Hull Crown Court earlier this week. Billy Bragger was, in the words of Judge John Thackray KC, “front and centre of 12 hours of racist, hate‑fuelled mob violence” that…

Billy Bragger
Billy Bragger

One of the leaders of the racist mob violence that engulfed Hull city centre during the riots of August 2024 was jailed for six years at Hull Crown Court earlier this week.

Billy Bragger was, in the words of Judge John Thackray KC, “front and centre of 12 hours of racist, hate‑fuelled mob violence” that swept through Hull on 3 August 2024, part of a wave of far‑right rioting following the tragic murders of three young girls in Southport.

He had, said the judge, “brought shame to the city”.

Police attacked

Outside the Royal Hotel on Ferensway, which was then housing asylum seekers, Bragger attacked police as crowds attempted to get into the hotel.

What followed was a night of escalating violence: attacks on vehicles, threats to kill, looting of the O2 and Greggs stores, and arson at Shoezone. A BMW carrying three people was racially targeted, its occupants left “terrified” as the mob surrounded them.

The court was told that 11 police officers were injured, one permanently scarred.

Leading role

Judge Thackray said the communities targeted were left frightened to go about their daily lives, describing the disorder as “utterly deplorable” and noting Bragger’s “leading role” throughout.

25-year-old Bragger admitted violent disorder, racially aggravated criminal damage, burglary and arson. His record, the court was told, is already extensive despite his age. Mitigation was minimal; he had pleaded guilty early but offered little explanation beyond unspecified “problems”.

The Hull riots formed part of a broader pattern of far‑right agitation, where online disinformation rapidly translated into racist street violence.


Paul Holborow

Paul Holborow

In the campaign against the National Front, Searchlight provided a rich and utterly reliable basis for much ANL propaganda – particularly with reference to the two leading NF figures, John Tyndall and Martin Webster. The appearance of Tyndall in full nazi uniform, drawn from the archives of Searchlight, was a key part of ANL propaganda, coupled with deeply damaging nazi quotes from Webster.

Paul Holborow
Founding member of the ANL and National Organiser 1977-81

Nick Davies

Nick Davies

To investigate fascists takes real courage and unusual commitment. The government, police, mainstream media occasionally take a look, but in the UK only Searchlight have kept at it, relentlessly and admirably, regardless of threat or obstacle. It’s journalism that matters. A rare thing.

Nick Davies
Multi-award-winning investigative journalist and writer

Paul Nowak

Paul Nowak

The essence of trade unionism is solidarity, fairness and equality – for all workers – from all backgrounds. That’s why our fight against the far-right has always been part of our movement’s DNA. Searchlight is an incredibly important resource for trade unions and members to understand the contemporary tactics of far-right activity. Their work and intelligence gathering over the years have been incredibly insightful for the work we do, and how we fight the scourge of fascism.

Paul Nowak
TUC General Secretary

Peter Hain

Peter Hain, founder of the ANL and friend of Searchlight

British Jews have been persecuted over the centuries; British blacks since the Windrush generation of the 1950s; British Muslims, especially after the Islamist 9/11 and then 7/7 terrorist attacks in New York 2001 and London 2005. But until the last few years there has not been a simultaneous threat against all three British communities of Jewish, Black and Muslim Britons – meaning the need for Searchlight has never been greater.

Peter Hain
Labour peer, former MP and Cabinet Minster

Professor Colin Holmes

Professor Colin Holmes
Everyone who wants to understand contemporary racism and its historical background needs to read Searchlight.
Professor Colin Holmes
University of Sheffield

Alf Dubs

Lord Alf Dubs

Searchlight’s voice is more important than ever, and I am delighted that it will now be available to a wider audience than ever before in its new incarnation online. Searchlight has been extremely helpful over the years in exposing the far right, corruption, criminality and the murky links between organised crime and powerful interests in the UK and abroad. I wish Searchlight the very best.

Alf Dubs
Labour peer, former MP and Cabinet Minister, and Kindertransport child

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