Suicide of Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch (25 February 1963 – 19 October 2024)[1] was a 61 year old prisoner who hanged himself at HMP Moorland, aged 61 on 19 October 2024.[2] He was serving his 2 year and 8 month sentence for violent disorder in Manvers, Rotherham in relation to the 2024 United Kingdom riots.[3]
Background
Prior to his arrest, he had been working in the packing industry but had been made unemployed.[2]
Peter Lynch believed in conspiracy theories about the "deep state" and NASA.[4]
Arrest and sentencing
Lynch took part in the 2024 United Kingdom riots outside a Holiday Inn Express hotel housing asylum seekers in Manvers, Rotherham on 4 August 2024. He was recorded yelling "scum", "child killers", "protect my children", "we are on the streets now to protect our kids" and "you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them" at police during the riot.[2] He was pictured holding a placard asserting the corruption of MPs, police chiefs, TV media, and judges and the judiciary.[4]
He was arrested and charged with violent disorder on 22 August[4] for which he pleaded guilty and was jailed for 2 years and 8 months.[3] In sentencing Lynch on 22 August,[5] Judge Jeremy Richardson KC said that Lynch's sign and protest were not unlawful, but his verbal abuse towards police officers during the "racist incident" crossed the line.[6]
Aftermath
After Lynch's death, right-wing political figures portrayed him as a victim of "two tier" justice and blamed Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his death.[7]
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform, wrote on X that Lynch had said some "very unwise, daft, bad things." But did not "deserve to die for it" and claimed that "Two-tier justice by Sir Keir Starmer killed this man."[7]
Tommy Robinson wrote on X: "Peter Lynch was one of us. A concerned British grandfather. Imprisoned by a corrupt judiciary under orders of Keir Starmer."[7]
Respects were paid to Lynch at the 'Unite the Kingdom' march in London on 26 October 2024, a few days after his death. Tommy Robinson asked his supporters on X to remember "we're here not only for him, but most importantly to pay respects to Peter Lynch, and support the families of the politicial prisoners".[8]
Investigation
An inquest was held following his death. With Peter's son, Casey having concerns about the investigation including whether his dad should've been there in the first place and why two previous suicide attempts were not "taken seriously".[9]
An inquest is expected to run from 20 July to 4 August to investigate his death and his mental health during the time of his arrest and his death.[10]
References
- ↑ "Peter Lynch". ppo.gov. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Holly Evans (21 October 2024). "Grandfather jailed over race riot at Rotherham asylum hotel dies in prison". Independent. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Robyn Vinter (22 August 2024). "'Disgraceful example of a grandfather' jailed for role in Rotherham riot". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Asylum hotel rioter, 61, dies in prison". BBC News. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Grandfather Peter Lynch jailed over riot outside Rotherham hotel dies in prison". Sky News. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Conspiracy theorist grandad jailed over disorder". BBC News. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Euan O'Byme Mulligan (21 October 2024). "How death of rioter who targeted asylum hotel reignited a far-right conspiracy". iNews. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Thousands march over riots and deaths in custody". BBC News. 26 October 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Rioter, 61, found hanging in cell, inquest told". BBC News. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Inquest into rioter death to 'examine mental health'". BBC News. 14 May 2026. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
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