‘Key architect’ of riots after Southport attack jailed for seven and a half years

Andrew McIntyre set up a Telegram channel called ‘Southport Wake Up’ in the aftermath of the knife attack in Southport on 29 July. Photograph: Merseyside police/PA

A man described as a leading organiser of last summer’s riots has been jailed for seven and a half years for using social media to encourage people to take part in the disorder.

Andrew McIntyre, 39, set up a Telegram channel called “Southport Wake Up” in the immediate aftermath of the knife attack in the Merseyside town on 29 July last year, Liverpool crown court was told.