News / bristol crown court
Jail term for man convicted over involvement in Bristol riot
A judge has issued a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence to Ryan Dwyer for his involvement in unrest that made headlines on March 21.
The 36-year-old, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to a charge of riot at Bristol Crown Court following the violent scenes that unfolded in the city centre after a peaceful Kill the Bill protest.
Dwyer was arrested on a warrant at Belfast Harbour by the Police Service of Northern Ireland last month and was also sentenced to an additional seven days – to run concurrently with the four-and-a-half-year sentence – for failing to appear at court.
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The court heard the 36-year-old verbally threatened and abused police officers and threw a beer can over one officer. He also smashed windows of Bridewell Police Station.
Ryan-Dwyer has been sentenced to four-and-a-half-years in prison – photo courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police
Judge James Patrick said Bristolians accepted the right for people to protest lawfully and peacefully but condemned abuse directed at police officers.
He said: “The police were subjected to vile abuse and were attacked. Some were dragged away from their colleagues…and kicked and punched. It was fortunate they were not more seriously hurt.
“They (the police) are all human beings; they are public servants and what you did was to dehumanise them.”
The unrest that took place on March 21 made national headlines – photo by Martin Booth
Four other people also appeared at Bristol Crown Court on a charge of riot and entered not guilty pleas.
The following will face trial next summer:
• Rose Lazarus, 20, of Hotwells, entered a not guilty plea. The trial will take place on July 14 2022.
• Leah Brenchley, 20, of Fishponds, entered a not guilty plea. The trial date is yet to be set.
• Sidney Barnes, 21, of Bishopston, entered a not guilty plea. The trial will take place on July 25 2022.
• Miles Walters, 26, of Redland, entered a not guilty plea. The trial will be held on July 11 2022.
Another person, Debra Wright, 42, of no fixed address, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker during the unrest on March 21. She was due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, but the hearing was adjourned until Tuesday 26 October.
Main photo by Anya Agulova
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