Peter Lynch, a 61-year-old grandfather, who was jailed for shouting abuse at police officers outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, has died in prison.
Lynch had been serving a sentence of more than two years at HMP Moorland, near Doncaster, following his involvement in a violent protest at a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham. The Ministry of Justice confirmed his death, which occurred on October 19, 2023.
A spokeswoman for the prison service said, “HMP Moorland prisoner Peter Lynch died on October 19, 2023. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”
The Riot Incident
Lynch was sentenced to two years and eight months in August after being captured on body-worn camera footage yelling insults at police officers during the protest. The footage, presented at Sheffield Crown Court, showed Lynch shouting phrases like “scum” and “child killers” at the officers, who were protecting the hotel where asylum seekers were staying.
The protest took place on August 4, when a large crowd gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers. Lynch was seen at the front of the mob holding a placard, accusing various institutions, including MPs, the media, and the police, of corruption.
During the chaos, Lynch was filmed repeatedly confronting riot police and yelling, “protect my children” as the officers tried to push the crowd back with shields. Though Lynch did not physically assault any officers, the court found that his behavior encouraged others to act violently.
Health and Personal Background
Lynch had a history of health issues, including diabetes, thyroid problems, angina, and a recent heart attack, the court was told. His barrister also shared that Lynch had lost his job in the packing industry before his arrest. He had been married for 36 years and had four adult children and three grandchildren.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, who sentenced Lynch, noted, “You did not attack any police officers directly, but you encouraged others to act violently through your conduct, and you were part of this mob.”
Aftermath of the Rioting
The Rotherham riot resulted in serious injuries, with 64 police officers hurt, along with four dogs and a horse. Riot police were bombarded with fencing and other projectiles. In one instance, rioters attempted to set a bin on fire outside the hotel. Some even managed to break into the building.
Approximately 240 asylum seekers were trapped in the upper floors of the hotel during the violence. Staff members were forced to barricade themselves in a panic room for safety, fearing for their lives.
Lynch was one of over 50 men who have been jailed for their involvement in the Rotherham riots.
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