A Hells Angel who was jailed for his part in a violent riot while opposing a Black Lives Matters protest has died in prison.
Colin Green, who was leader of the Tyne and Wear Chapter of the motorbike group, was just 15 days into his 29-month prison sentence when he passed away at HMP Northumberland on Tuesday.
During his sentencing hearing on May 9, Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 58-year-old was among a mob who gathered at Grey's Monument in Newcastle. They were opposing a group demonstrating in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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The court heard how shocking scenes unfolded as the "counter-protesters" attacked police and the other group by throwing cans, bottles and smoke grenades. Police officers, horses, dogs and members of the public were injured in the June 2020 riot.
Although Green didn't throw anything, Judge Edward Bindloss said he was an "influential figure" as the leader of the local Hells Angels. He said: "My assessment of him is of him walking around in a cool, calm arrogant manner, walking up to the police and behind them, striding around in a way that made me assess him as thinking he was untouchable. He is highly influential and it was open to him to say we are leaving the scene, let's go. He chose not to do so."
Nick Lane, defending, said he has no previous convictions, didn't throw anything "but is significantly ashamed and embarrassed by his behaviour." He said he was bitten by a police dog during the disturbance and was taken away in an ambulance.
He added that he was in a paid role with the Hells Angels and has done a lot of charity work via the group. Green provided references to the court, including from a former police officer.
Green, of Church Street, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was jailed for 29 months. He was joined behind bars by a number of other rioting louts, which including other members of Hells Angels.
HMP Northumberland in Acklington, Northumberland, holds 1,348 male offenders and is run by Sodexo Justice Services. The prison said an investigation will now take place into Green's death.
A spokesperson for the category C prison said: "We can confirm that a prisoner sadly died at HMP Northumberland on Tuesday 24 May 2022. The next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with the family. As with all deaths in custody, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and therefore we are unable to comment further at this stage."
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