AN arsonist who stoked a migrant hotel fire has been jailed for NINE years – the longest sentence yet over this summer's riots.
Thomas Birley, 27, pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life after he tried to torch a Holiday Inn housing asylum seekers.
Prosecutor Alisha Kaye said Birley added wood to an already-flaming industrial bin during the riot near Rotherham on August 4.
The bin had been placed in front of a fire door of the hotel while staff and guests sheltered inside.
He then helped place a further bin on top of the one ablaze, Sheffield Crown Court heard.
Birley, who had also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon, was sentenced at the court.
Judge Jeremy Richardson said painter and decorator Birley's actions were "suffused with racism from beginning to end".
He told Birley, 27, his case was "unquestionably" one of the most serious of the dozens he has dealt with in the last month.
Rioting thugs targeted a Holiday Inn Express housing asylum seekers just outside Rotherham on August 4.
The hotel was attacked by around 400 people during days of rioting involving violence, arson and looting as well as racist attacks.
Birley was also filmed throwing missiles at the police, squaring up to officers while brandishing a police baton.
He also threw a large bin which crashed into a line of police with riot shields.
The thug is the first person to be sentenced for arson with intent to endanger life following the 12 hours of violence at the hotel.
Rioting yobs injured 64 police officers as well as three horses and a dog.
Judge Richardson heard how 22 staff in the hotel barricaded themselves inside its panic room.
The court was told how terrified workers "thought they were going to burn to death".
He said he needed to pass an extended sentence due to Birley's ongoing dangerousness.
The sentence includes an extended five-year licence period when Birley is released.
Security minister Dan Jarvis told Sky News: "Of course, sentencing is very much a matter for the courts and a matter for the judge.
"But it reflects the seriousness of the crime. I think most of us will remember the events of that particular day.
"I'm a South Yorkshire MP and Rotherham is not far away from my own constituency.
"So, the sentence that has been imposed today, I think, reflects the very serious nature of the criminality that we saw on that day."
Reacting to Birley's sentence, Jarvis added: "I think it sends a very strong message.
"That kind of vile behaviour is completely unacceptable. It's illegal and it won't be tolerated."
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