Teenager wins custody appeal after admitting to taking part in Bristol riots
The 15-year-old will not serve a custodial sentence for his role in the riots
Last updated 22nd Sep 2024
A teenage boy who was detained for his role in far-right riots in Bristol in August has won an appeal against a custodial sentence.
The boy, who is aged 15, had joined anti-immigration demonstrations that arose following the Southport stabbings in July.
On August 3rd, a large demonstration erupted into violence in Bristol, with police and protestors clashing at various locations in the city including Bristol Bridge and Castle Park.
Tense clashes also erupted at hotels housing asylum seekers, as far-right demonstrators had been trying to reach the hotel and break in.
The schoolboy, who is unable to be identified due to his age, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Bristol Youth Court on a previous occasion.
Following the plea, the child had become the first child to be given a custodial sentence for the violence, when he was handed a four-month detention order.
However, defence lawyers for the child, said that the sentence was not appropriate for the child.
Laura Collier, defending, said the boy had gone into the city centre to get food after watching a football match.
"The appropriate disposal in this case is a referral order," she said.
"The most significant thing that will prevent him from having anything further to do with the criminal justice system is his education."
Judge Euan Ambrose said the court would substitute the custodial sentence with a 12-month referral order.
"The principle aggravating feature is the effect the overall disturbance had upon minority groups in Bristol, on the local community generally and the Avon and Somerset Police, both individually and organisationally," he said.
"For an adult, there is no doubt this behaviour crosses the custody threshold.
"For a 15-year-old, it is less straightforward. The guidelines make it clear that a sentence of custody - a detention and training order - is a sentence of last resort.
"We take into account a letter from your school which says you are often easily led when tensions are high.
"It is a crucial year in your education and if it is disrupted by a detention and training order, it is likely to have a considerable impact upon your future."