17th Bristol rioter jailed for Kill the Bill violence
31-year-old Matthew O'Neill from Patchway was caught on camera setting a police van on fire
A 31-year-old man, who was caught on camera trying to set a police van on fire during Bristol's Kill the Bill riot last year, has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Matthew O'Neill, from Patchway in South Gloucestershire, admitted charges of riot and arson during the violence on March 21, 2021.
Footage collected by Avon and Somerset Police during their investigation showed O'Neill clearly using lit items to set a police van on fire.
He also used a police shield to fan the flames and used a chair as a weapon, to smash the front window of another police van that was already well alight.
O’Neill also used a police shield and baton to attack officers, as well as cause damage to the front of Bridewell Police Station.
At today’s hearing, Judge Patrick said O’Neill was part of a group which ‘hijacked’ a peaceful protest and “became aggressive in an immediate, menacing and threatening way”.
He added: “Officers were struck, spat on, kicked and punched, and dragged into the crowd away from their colleagues.
"They were dehumanised throughout this disorder.
“Operationally this was a very difficult situation to police.
"Your behaviour was criminal and far exceeded anything that can be described as a lawful protest.
“By your plea, you accept that you were part of at least 12 people causing, threatening or using violence against police officers."
The judge added the riot caused "serious distress" and damage which is being paid for with public money.
Detective Superintendent James Ricco said O'Neill chose to use "the uncontrollable weapon of fire" during the incident.
WATCH: Our video report from the day after the riot:
“The change in plea on what would have been the first day of his trial is testament to the compelling visual evidence against him, meticulously collated by our team of investigators," he said.
O'Neill is 17th person jailed for offences during the riot to date, with the combined sentence handed out now counting 65 years and five months.
“This sends out a clear and compelling message that violence and destruction will not be tolerated and if you engage in that kind of behaviour, you can expect to be brought to justice for your actions," Det Supt Ricco said.
In a separate hearing today 26-year-old Fleur Moody from Montpelier admitted a charge of affray related to the riot.
She has been released on unconditional bail and will be back at Bristol Crown Court on Monday 5 September.
That brings the total number of people held accountable for offences committed outside Bridewell Police Station to 21.