Man jailed for involvement in Bristol Kill the Bill riot
The man threw missiles at police and tried to get in a moving vehicle as an officer drove it away
Last updated 17th Sep 2021
A man has been jailed for five years after admitting taking part in Bristol's Kill the Bill riot back in March.
41-year-old Benjamin Rankin of no fixed address appeared at Bristol Crown Court earlier today (September 17).
During the riot he threw missiles at police, threw a bike at a flaming police vehicle and tried to get into another as an officer tried to drive it away.
Passing the sentence Judge James Patrick said it was "fortunate" that officers were not more seriously hurt.
“Your behaviour was criminal and far exceeded anything that can be described as a lawful protest," he said to Rankin.
“You have pleaded guilty to the offence of riot.
"You were on a roof of the police station throwing missiles, someone was setting fire to the van and you provided cover to try and prevent him from being identified.
“The dehumanisation of officers is a big factor in this case and your remorse shows you have some empathy.”
The judge added that had Rankin been found guilty following a trial, the sentence would have been longer at six years and nine months.
Ch Supt Carolyn Belafonte said: “Benjamin Rankin took part in some of the worst violence and disorder seen in Bristol for many years.
"He should be thoroughly ashamed of the role he played in the riot and for the fear and anxiety he caused within our communities.
“A total of 80 people have been arrested so far in what continues to be the largest investigation ever carried out by our force.
"To date, 35 people have been charged but this is far from over and all those people who instigated and took part in this wanton violence should be brought to justice for their shameful actions.
“A total of 37 people remain on our online gallery and we still need the public’s help to identify them.”
You can see their online gallery here.