Man 'with a much darker side' released from prison 28 months early Derek Drummond was sentenced to three years in prison in August last year Derek Drummond (Image: Merseyside Police ) A thug who shouted "s***houses" before punching a police officer in the face has been released from prison eight months into a three-year stretch, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed. Derek Drummond, of Pool Street in Southport, was 58 when he was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to violent disorder and assault of an emergency worker in August last year. Drummond was part of the violent riot on St Luke's Road, Southport on July 30 2024, during which police vans were set alight and officers attacked. The rioters claimed they protested in response to the deaths of three girls - Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine - who were murdered by Axel Rudakabana the day before. ‌ However, Elsie's mum had pleaded for no violence as the rioters set police vans alight and threw bricks at officers. During the protest, Drummond attacked Merseyside Police Constable Thomas Ball. In August 2024, Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court how some 50 police officers were injured during the violent scenes. Article continues below The court heard how it was estimated a group of about 1,000 people were involved. There were chants of "this is our f****** country", "s***houses' and 'scumbag b*******". He said: “Officers responded, and as the disorder continued more had to be drafted in. Constable Ball was deployed at about 7.15pm. He arrived with other officers and began to form a cordon. He saw what he described as an ever growing group of people. They were chanting and clearly aggressive. Chants of 'I’m England till I die' and 'f****** right let's get into them' were heard. Police hold back rioters near a burning police vehicle after disorder broke out on July 30 2024 in Southport (Image: Getty Images ) ‌ “Missiles rained down on the officers. Flash bangs were thrown at their feet. They managed to start to push people back. At that point, 'who the f*** is Allah' is heard. Tins of paint and wheelie bins were thrown.” Mr Taylor said Drummond was seen at around 8pm and was shouting "s***houses". He was told to get back by police, however he then moved towards an officer and punched him in the face. A sergeant struck the defendant with his baton and the officer who was attacked was able to kit up and re-join. Drummond later tried to break through a cordon, but was pushed back by officers. He then threw a brick at them. ‌ Mr Taylor told the court: “The defendant was circulated as wanted. On August 3, he presented himself at Copy Lane Police Station. He was arrested and cautioned. He replied that he was a fool and was holding his hands up.” Derek Drummond (Image: Merseyside Police ) In his police interview, Drummond said he "believed his behaviour was appalling" and accepted the footage showed his behaviour. Drummond had 14 previous convictions for 19 offences between December 1988 and January 2007. ‌ That included "a past history of violence", including three months at Preston Crown Court in 1994 for wounding without intent. He was also fined for a public order offence in 1995. Lionel Greig, defending, said Drummond pleaded guilty at the "first opportunity" and handed himself into the police. Mr Greig said: “In his words; 'I’m absolutely ashamed of how I've acted. I’ve left Southport down, I’ve let the kids down, I’ve let my family down.' (L-R) Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine ‌ "He’s appalled by his behaviour. He’s now lost his employment. He deeply regrets his conduct towards the police. He is aware that an immediate sentence of imprisonment will be imposed.” Addressing Drummond during his sentencing, Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC said: “I accept you are now deeply remorseful. Comparing your remorse now to how you were behaving on the night demonstrates that there is a much darker and different side to you.” Judge Menary said he could not be sure Drummond was an "instigator" but it was clear he was "on the frontline encouraging others". He added: “There are a number of serious aggravating factors. You have previous convictions for violence, but they are only of modest effect. More significantly, you were an active part of the crowd some elements of which were using racist language. ‌ Riot police form a line in Southport while a vehicle burns in the background (Image: Jack Heathcote ) "That indicates the motivation of the crowd of which you were a part. You were demonstrating outside a mosque that was badly damaged. You used significant violence towards an officer. You picked up at least a brick, even if you didn’t throw it. This was not mindless thuggery. You and every other defendant I am dealing with today made a choice to get involved.” Drummond was sentenced to three years in prison, reduced from four and a half years for his guilty plea. However, just eight months into his sentence, he has been released. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: “Victims must feel safe, which is why anyone released into Home Detention Curfew must pass a risk assessment, face strict rules, and wear a tag. Those who break the rules face being returned to prison.”