News / Kill the Bill
Protesters ‘full of rage at impunity of cops’
A group that offers “unconditional support” to people arrested at Bristol protests says they are “full of rage at the impunity of the cops”.
It comes as the jail terms given to those caught up in the ‘kill the bill’ riot in March 2021 have risen to more than 100 years.
The latest people sentenced to prison terms include one man who tried to set fire to a police vehicle while officers were inside and another who helped set a mobile police station alight.
is needed now More than ever
Avon & Somerset Constabulary detective superintendent James Riccio said: “The fact the courts have now given out prison sentences amounting to more than 100 years shows the gravity of offences committed on that shameful evening. To say the riot is a stain on the history of Bristol is no understatement.
“The actions of the minority who engaged in the violence were wholly unacceptable. Our communities do not want to see wanton disorder on the streets, so it’s right those who freely chose to act in this way now face the consequences of their actions.”
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Read more: Are Bristol’s ‘kill the bill’ protesters being made examples of by the state?
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Rokas Barisauskas, 21, of Manchester, admitted charges of riot and arson and was jailed for six years.
Also jailed after appearing at Bristol Crown Court was Daniel Ellis, 27, of Hartcliffe, who admitted charges of riot and arson and was imprisoned for four years and six months.
Carmen Fitchett, 24, of St Andrew’s, admitted a charge of affray and was given a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Leah Brenchley, 22, of Fishponds, admitted charges of assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage and was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for nine months.
Riot police on Bridewell Street on the evening of March 21 2021 – photo: Martin Booth
In a statement released on Friday, Bristol Defendant Solidarity said: “4 people were sentenced in court today in Bristol for the KTB uprising 2 years ago.
“Thankfully 2 people had their sentences suspended and were able to walk free. But our thoughts go out to the 2 that received 4.5 and 6 year sentences and are currently sat in a prison cell.
“We are full of rage at the cops, the CPS and the Judges. They have terrorised and traumatised people with their repressive campaign over the last two years. Many people’s lives have been dominated by this before they even got sentenced.
“We are full of rage at the impunity of the cops in this so called justice system. We have not forgotten the violence they dished out that day.
“But most of all we are full of love and amazement at the unfaltering support for everyone going through this.
“Big up to everyone who came to court today and everyone supporting people behind the scenes. It is our unified strength that keeps us going and keeps us fighting!”
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Bristol burns after peaceful protest turns into violent riot
- Riot police break up peaceful protest on College Green
- ‘All we did was defend each other’ says man jailed for riot
- Police change account and confirm no officers suffered broken bones during riot
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