The incident saw ten teenagers aged between 14 and 18 terrorise the city on July 30 last year as they ran amok with machetes, with one firing a gun.
Judge Samantha Cohen imposed lengthy sentences at Basildon Crown Court on the thugs totalling 34 years in custody between them.
During the hearing on Monday and Tuesday (July 14 and 15), the court heard how witnesses and business owners had been left in terror following the clash between the rival gangs from Newham, with enormous costs to businesses.
Nine of the ten charged in relation to the incident received custodial sentences, and while their ages were taken into account the severe sentences reflected the seriousness of the violence.
Ch Supt Chris Bradford said: “Last summer, a small group among thousands of law-abiding visitors thought they would bring disorder to Southend.
“They have now faced the consequences of their reckless, and dangerous actions.
“As we welcome visitors again this year, our message to everyone remains clear: Southend is open to everyone who wants to enjoy our city and the seaside.
“But if you come here to cause trouble, our officers will be waiting.”
The hearing was marked by continued violence, with an incident in the dock on Tuesday which saw two defendants from rival gangs throw punches at each other and police and people from the gallery rush to break up the fight.
Specific praise was levelled by the judge for the efforts of emergency responders who reacted to the incident, which saw two of the participants injured.
Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of Southend Council, said: “Following the disorder, I said there was no place for violence in Southend, and I stand by that.
“Today’s result shows what can be achieved when we work together to protect our city.
“I’m proud of the ongoing partnership between the council and Essex Police, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure Southend remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”
The gang members were sentenced as follows:
- Hamza Dinbil, 18 of Corporation Street, Stratford has been handed a 22-month custodial sentence for his involvement in the disorder in Southend last year including violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
- Michael King, 18 of Crescent Road, South Woodford has received 7-and-a-half years for conspiracy to cause GBH.
- Lucas Braga, 18, of Pitchford Street, Stratford has received a two-year custodial sentence for violent disorder as well as a 12-month sentence to run concurrently for possession of a bladed article.
- A 17-year-old from Basildon has received a 20-month custodial sentence for violent disorder alongside a four-month concurrent sentence for possession of a bladed article.
- Tyler Omo-Irogho, 19, of Clarendon Road, Watford has been sentenced to a custodial sentence of three years and three months in total.
- Mekai Brown, 19, of Higham Road, Woodford Green has received an 8-year custodial sentence for conspiracy to cause GBH to run concurrently with a three-year sentence for violent disorder.
- A 17-year-old defendant from Tower Hamlets has been adjudged to be better sentenced via youth court for a referral order rather than a custodial sentence, with a date for trial due to be announced later.
- A 15-year-old from Basildon has been handed a custodial sentence of 18 months for his involvement in violent disorder in Southend last year when he was just 14-years-old, as well as a concurrent sentence for possession of a bladed article of four months.
- A 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons has been handed a custodial sentence of six years and 11 months for conspiracy to cause GBH, alongside a concurrent sentence of three years and two months for possession of a firearm.
- Isaac Bello, 18, of Prospect Road, Woodford Green, has received a two-year custodial sentence for violent disorder, as well as a 12-month concurrent sentence for possession of a bladed article.
