Man who punched woman at far-right Bristol protest jailed
Ashley Harris, 36, joined an anti-immigration march on August 3rd
A self-employed businessman has been jailed for three years for his role in a far-right protest that erupted into violence in Bristol.
Ashley Harris, 36, joined an anti-immigration march on August 3 and was involved in clashes with police and counter protesters in Castle Park, on Bristol Bridge and outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Footage played to Bristol Crown Court showed Harris, who runs his own scaffolding and roofing business, throwing punches, chucking a can at police and encouraging others to join in.
The court heard he was involved in early skirmishes in Castle Park before punching a female counter-protester outside the Mercure Hotel as a small number of police struggled to hold back the rival groups.
Harris, of Chipperfield Drive, Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Jailing Harris for three years, Judge James Patrick said: "Right at the start of the protest you were in Castle Park squaring up to the police officers and were aggressive to others.
"As the police attempted to maintain order you were front and centre of what was going on as the crowd chanted, 'We want our country back'.
"You threw a can at police officers and only backed off when police dogs forced the crowd back."
Judge Patrick said that later outside the hotel Harris was "swearing at police officers and goading them".
"You threw a punch at a woman," he said.
"You charged at the other group and a missile was thrown at you and hit you on your head."
The judge added: "The footage I have seen shows you strike out at a number of people, you were encouraging the group and at the front and centre of the movement towards the Mercure.
"You were significantly more involved than others. You participated in widespread acts of violence which was persistent and sustained.
"I bear in mind your mother is ill and I bear in mind the impact upon your business. I also note that you are sorry and ashamed. I hope that is true and simply not hollow words."
Meanwhile, three people have been sentenced for their roles in the violent disorder that marred Plymouth on August 5.
Aminadab Temesgen, 19 of Yellowmead Road, Plymouth, was handed a 14-month sentence for throwing bottles at police and the public.
Jamie West, 34, of Park Avenue, Devonport, Plymouth was jailed for 20 months for throwing missiles at police and the public while shouting abuse.
And Paul Braidwood, 44, of Ward Place, Plymouth was also jailed for 20 months for shouting verbal abuse at an officer before pulling them to the ground and punching them in the face.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "These convictions feature men from each opposing group who decided to resort to violence that night.
"The sentencing reflects the seriousness of the incident and the real threat that our communities faced.
"Today's outcome sends a clear message that we don't discriminate, if you break the law, threaten public safety, and harm communities, we will pursue you and bring you to justice."