‘Kill the bill’ rioter jailed for 14 years

A rioter who “used the uncontrollable weapon of fire” during the ‘kill the bill’ riot has been jailed for 14 years.

Ryan Roberts was said to have played a “leading role” in the violent events of March 21, which included attempting to set fire to two police vans while officers were still inside.

Roberts, 25, of no fixed address, was convicted of five offences: riot, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempted arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered and two counts of arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered.

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Judge James Patrick said Roberts was “actively involved in attacking the police”, played a “leading role” in attacking Bridewell police station and “used the uncontrollable weapon of fire”.

Roberts threw missiles at police officers, kicked their shields and struck one with his hand before attacking the police station.

He attempted to start a fire under the wheel arch of a police van with an officer still inside, repeatedly hit an officer with a police baton and damaged three police vehicles, one of which he tried to roll over with others before starting a fire inside.

Video footage shown to the jury during the trial showed Roberts holding a piece of burning cardboard under a police van as it reversed, with seven officers inside the vehicle at the time.

Other video clips showing Roberts moving a bin alongside a police car before setting it alight and throwing items, including large metal fences, at police officers.

Ryan Roberts was high on cocaine when he attacked police officers during the ‘kill the bill’ riot – photo: Avon & Somerset Constabulary

One police officer said: “I was sat in a van and heard over the radio that my van was on fire. I sat in that van, unable to move it as the tyres had been let down, unable to see out of the driver’s side as the window had been sprayed over and the wing mirror smashed off…

“I wondered how I could get out the van with the doors bolted closed, in my heavy bulky uniform. I thought I must take the van keys with me, as I could smell burning and the van started to fill with smoke…

“I came to the conclusion that it was better to sit in a burning van. To hope that my overalls would protect me from some of the flames…

“I actually sat in my van and had to decide whether I would rather be dragged into a crowd alone and seriously assaulted or sit there and potentially burn. That is not a decision I would wish anyone else to have to take.”

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Read more: ‘We are proud of those who fought back against the police’

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Avon & Somerset Constabulary senior investigating officer, detective superintendent James Riccio, said that Roberts’ behaviour “was appalling and it’s clear his actions escalated the level of violence directed at officers that night”.

Riccio said: “Not only did he repeatedly target officers by hitting and kicking them and throwing large objects at them, but he attempted to set fire to vehicles with officers inside, leaving some to contemplate whether it was better to stay inside a burning van or risk getting out into a hostile crowd. This was a terrible decision for them to make.

“These are officers who come to work every day to serve and protect the public. Their victim impact statements are powerful and show the physical and psychological impact the terrible events of that night have had on them.”

He added: “The investigation into the riot continues unabated and I know the team are committed to identifying all those involved and examining every piece of evidence, to ensure justice is served”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: ‘Where is the condemnation from Bristol’s leaders about the actions of the police?’

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