News / Crime
‘These abhorrent people will not win’
A senior police officer has pledged that more people involved in the racist violence in Bristol on August 3 “will pay a heavy price for their conduct”.
Avon & Somerset Police deputy chief constable, Jon Reilly, was speaking on Wednesday after the first three men were sentenced for their part in the fighting in Castle Park and on Bristol Bridge, and the attack on the Mercure hotel in Redcliffe.
It comes as more than 30 people have been charged in relation to the violent disorder, including a 15-year-old boy who is due to appear in court on Thursday.
is needed now More than ever
A far-right rally began in Castle Park on August 3 before a racist mob attempted to attack the Mercure Hotel in Redcliffe – photo: Rob Browne
Deputy chief constable Reilly said: “The sentences handed out by the judge today send a very clear message.
“Firstly, to those who actively choose to take part in violent unrest, who attack members of the public and police officers, or cause them to fear for their safety.
“You are highly likely to be sent to prison for a significant amount of time.
“Secondly, to the general public, both those who were in Bristol city centre that Saturday night and found themselves caught up in disorder and those who watched or heard about it in the news.
“Anyone who causes unrest on our streets will be arrested, charged and put before the courts and suffer the consequences for their actions.
“The judge described those involved in the disorder as right-wing extremists and racists.
“These abhorrent people will not win. They will not divide this city – a city rich with diversity.
“We will continue to arrest and bring to court those involved in this shameful incident, whether they took part in violent acts or crimes motivated by hate, and they too will pay a heavy price for their conduct.
“I’d like to thank the officers deployed to this incident. They demonstrated real bravery while under attack by a violent mob which these men jailed today were a part of.
Their courage and professionalism undoubtedly limited the scale of unrest and kept the public safe.
“In addition my thanks go to the investigative teams, which are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure offenders continue to brought to justice.”
Vicky Cook, chief crown prosecutor at CPS South West, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service is working closely with the police, the courts and the government to deliver a rapid response to the violent disorder we have seen in Bristol and across the country.
“In the South West, we are seeing people charged, convicted and jailed every day for their actions during the recent unrest.
“Today’s sentences are the first for the disorder that took place in Bristol on August 3. To date we have seen over 30 people charged across the South West.
“Our team of prosecutors continues to work round-the-clock to make sure those who break the law are brought before the courts without delay and face the consequences of their actions.
“Prosecuting cases as swiftly as this does not mean taking shortcuts or compromising quality.
“We are working with the police to build strong, high quality cases that enable our prosecutors to make the right charging decision at the earliest possible opportunity.
“This approach also ensures that we can provide the courts with everything they need to consider appropriate sentences – including those that carry very significant prison time.
“The kind of disorder and unrest we have seen has an enormous impact on our communities, leaving people fearing for their lives, their homes and the safety of their neighbours.
“I hope that this swift response sends a clear message – both to the perpetrators of this shocking violence and to the communities affected by it – that this criminality will not be tolerated, and that those who bring fear and violence to our streets will not escape justice.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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