A BRADFORD man cried in court as he pleaded guilty to violent disorder following disturbances in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre last weekend. 

Liam Ryan, 28, of Thirkleby Royd, Clayton, pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates' Court this morning after the prosecution said he played an "active role in the disorder".

Prosecutor Laura Peers said there had been a number of "large-scale disturbances" in Piccadilly Gardens last Saturday and Ryan had travelled from West Yorkshire to take part in the disorder.

Ms Peers said a "large group of far-right protesters" were seen engaging in an "altercation with one black male", which was filmed by members of the group and uploaded on social media.

Liam RyanLiam Ryan (Image: police)

The prosecutor said the footage showed "a black male being confronted by a large group of white males".

Ms Peers said Ryan had "played an active role in the disorder", adding: "He was seen on the footage aiming a punch towards the male involved."

District Judge Jane Hamilton remanded Ryan, who was shaking as he wiped tears away with a tissue after pleading guilty, into custody and ordered him to appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 14.

Earlier, Greater Manchester Police said four men - including Ryan - had been charged over the disorder in Manchester city centre last weekend.

David Green, 41, of Hamilton Street, Stalybridge, was also charged with violent disorder, while Andrew Phillips, 27, of Ripon Crescent, Stretford, and Shaun Holt, 42, of Oak Road, Stockport, were both charged with violent disorder and assault.

The faces of four men charged over Manchester tensionsThe faces of four men charged over Manchester tensions (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Holt also appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court today.

Holt gave no indication of plea.

District Judge Hamilton remanded Holt into custody and he will appear for a plea hearing at Manchester Crown Court on September 11.

Disorder erupted in cities across the country last week after the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport - with unrest fuelled by misinformation online that the suspect was an asylum seeker.

The Government has said it will do "whatever it takes" to ensure those engaging in criminal activity are dealt with, including courts sitting overnight.

Minister for policing, Dame Diana Johnson, said: "We've already got people arrested and remanded into custody.

"It's very clear that we want to send that message to people - if you engage in this type of criminal thuggery on our streets, you will be held to account," she added.