Three Men Jailed for Setting Alight Leeds Bus During Harehills Riot

Hi and welcome to this JK B'HAM Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS:

Three men have been jailed for their roles in a shocking arson attack on a bus during a night of rioting in Harehills, Leeds. The violence erupted on July 18 after a police intervention to support social workers removing children from a Roma family’s home sparked disorder among local residents.

Iustin Dobre, 37, Mark Mitchell, 34, and Milan Zamostny, 30, were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court for arson and violent disorder after the mob they were part of turned its fury on a double-decker bus, forcing the driver and passengers to flee in fear.

Prosecutor Richard Holland described how a crowd of more than 300 people gathered and blocked the bus as it made its way through Foundry Approach. Bricks were thrown, and a group—led by Dobre—surrounded the vehicle and began setting fire to it. Video footage shown in court captured the moment Dobre ignited the flames while onlookers cheered. The dramatic attack, which left the bus in ruins, was widely shared on social media.

“There was serious concern that the bus would explode,” one community impact statement read out in court detailed. “Women and children outside the nearby mosque were seen wailing in fear as the flames spread.”

Mitchell, who had no prior connection to the incident, was described by his lawyer as someone who “became caught up in the chaos” after struggling with depression in the weeks leading up to the riot. He was passing through the area when the disorder began and, overwhelmed by anger and frustration, joined the group attacking the bus. “He demonstrated regret and remorse for his actions,” his lawyer added.

Zamostny, a Czech national, was trafficked into the UK at the age of 18. He was seen on footage helping to tip over a police car and participating in the attack on the bus. His lawyer noted that Zamostny has learning difficulties and was not fully aware of the consequences of his actions. “He accepts he behaved in a deplorable way but was influenced by the mob mentality that night.”

The bus driver has not returned to work since the incident, with the court hearing how the psychological and emotional impact has deeply affected him and his colleagues. “It’s something you cannot put a monetary amount on,” a representative for the bus company said in a statement. “The incident left a scar on our entire team. The driver may never return to work, and we may lose him as a result.”

Sentencing the men, Judge Tom Bayliss KC described their behavior as a “chilling example” of how quickly public order can break down when mob violence takes hold. “The events that night serve as a stark reminder of what can happen when anger and chaos are allowed to override common sense and the rule of law.”

Dobre and Mitchell were each sentenced to six years in prison, while Zamostny received five years and four months. The judge emphasized that the sentences should serve as a warning to anyone else contemplating similar actions.

Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds of Leeds Police welcomed the sentences, calling the violence “shameful” and a betrayal of the community’s values.

In the context of the sentencing of three men for their involvement in arson during the disorder in Harehills, it is crucial to understand UK law regarding such offenses. Under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, arson is treated as a serious crime, particularly when it involves recklessness regarding danger to life. Sentences can vary significantly based on the severity of the incident, prior criminal history, and impact on the community. In this case, the sentences imposed—six years for Isutin Dobre and Mark Mitchell, and five years and four months for Milan Zamostny—reflect the serious nature of their actions and the chaos that ensued on July 18, 2024  .

The judge highlighted that such mob behaviour leads to a breakdown of law and order, justifying substantial penalties to deter similar conduct in the future .

A fourth individual, Celan Valentin Palaghia, 21, was sentenced to three years for a separate incident during the riot. He was involved in setting fire to furniture taken from a van that had been forcibly stopped by the mob.

Footage shown in court depicted Palaghia throwing items from the van and using them to start a blaze, while encouraging others to join in.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.com