Men jailed after violent disorder in Bristol
It's after violent anti-immigration protests in the city earlier this month
Last updated 14th Aug 2024
Two men have been sentenced for violent disorder in Bristol earlier this month.
The protests formed part of a wider anti-immigration movement across the UK, with disruption in the city centre on 3rd August.
Mark Bowen
Mark Bowen, 40, of no fixed address, has been jailed for 25 months at Bristol Crown Court after admitting violent disorder in the city on August 3.
Prosecuting, Robert Yates told how Bowen was heard shouting at police: "Shame on you, you horrible c**, I hope it's your f**** kids next mate".
Bodycam footage played to the court showed officers being pelted by objects as protesters screamed "we want our country back".
Mr Yates said a small number of officers on bicycles were in "genuine fear" as they tried to keep the anti-immigration protesters from entering the Mercure Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers.
Bowen, who said he had consumed up to 10 pints of cider, claimed in police interview that he did not have social media and believed he was joining in with a "football celebration".
Representing Bowen, Giles Nelson said his client was homeless, did not have social media and was "mortified" to hear of the comments he had made to police.
"He is deeply disgusted with himself. He doesn't have racist beliefs or ideologies," Mr Nelson said.
Judge Moira Macmillan, referring to the comments Bowen made to officers, told him: "It was a despicable thing for you to say."
The judge added: "Officers were made in genuine fear for their personal safety as a consequence of your behaviour."
Daniel Russel
Daniel Russell, 47, from Bristol, has been jailed for 32 months after admitting violent disorder in the city.
Bristol Crown Court heard Russell was seen kicking a black man, who may have been part of an anti-racism protest, after the man broke through police lines separating the two groups in Castle Park.
The ground worker was then captured on footage posted on social media kicking out at counter-protesters who were stood in front of the entrance to the Mercure Hotel in Bristol, which is used to house asylum seekers.
Representing Russell, Mark Linehan told the court: "Mr Russell is profoundly ashamed of his actions on that day. He apologises to those that had to witness it, those that had to experience it in uniform, and to the community at large."
Mr Linehan said his client had learning difficulties and sustained a head injury as a child after being accidentally shot in the head by a pellet gun.
Judge Moira Macmillan jailed Russell for 32 months telling him: "As a result of the activities that were taking place at this time, your neighbours in this city were frightened to leave their homes."
"These people are still frightened to do so and frightened for the safety of themselves and their children. You decided to take part in a violent protest against immigration."
Dominic Capaldi
Dominic Capaldi, 34, has been jailed for 34 months for violent disorder in Bristol on August 3rd.
Bristol Crown Court heard Capaldi was captured on police bodycam footage throwing objects towards officers in the city's Castle Park, including while crowds chanted "send them back".
The ground worker was also seen throwing objects at police who were trying to protect protesters from gaining entry to the Mercure Hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers.
Defending Capaldi, John Stokes told the court: "It is very sadly a case of 'hindsight is a wonderful thing', he recognises now with retrospect the foolishness of his actions on that day."
Mr Stokes said Capaldi's child was turning seven on the day of his sentencing, with the consequences of his client's offending having a "significant" impact on his family.
Judge Martin Picton jailed Capaldi for 34 months, telling the court: "This was the first post-Southport protest in Bristol to turn violent, but it has to be seen in the context of co-ordinated action on the part of extremists to cause violence, and by so doing to generate fear on the part of the community as a whole."
More charges
Meanwhile, two more people have been charged following violent disorder in Bristol.
Benjamin Tavener, 35, of Charfield, south Gloucestershire, was charged with violent disorder and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court later on Wednesday.
A 15-year-old boy was charged with violent disorder and is due to appear at court on Thursday.