Four men on Facebook riot charges

Four men have appeared in court accused of using Facebook to encourage rioting or looting.

Karl Manley, 28, of Goldfinch Close, Heysham, Lancashire, and Stefan Johnson, 21, of Greenfield Street, Lancaster, are accused of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence, namely burglary.

Warren Calvert, 19, of Kingsway, Heysham, and Christopher Schofield, 26, of Eckroyd Close, Nelson, Lancashire, are accused of assisting or encouraging rioting or violent disorder.

None have yet entered pleas to any of the charges.

Duncan Birrell, prosecuting, told Preston Crown Court the charges arose out of the disorder which swept the country earlier this month.

All four defendants were granted bail to appear for a further hearing on October 20 at Preston Crown Court.

PA