Man jailed for violent disorder in city

Bradford was "apologetic and remorseful" over his behaviour at the protest, the court heard

A man has been sentenced to 20 months in jail for his role in a city centre protest which turned violent.

Joseph Bradford, 20, of Bishopsworth, Bristol, pleaded guilty to one offence of violent disorder after a video showed him as part of a group shouting at police and throwing a can at officers in Bristol on 3 August.

He was sentenced to 30 months detention, reduced to 20 months at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.

Sentencing Bradford, Judge Hart told him: "It took little to provoke you to express unacceptable attitudes and to translate them into serious public disorder."

The unrest occurred when protesters and counter protesters gathered near Castle Park in the city centre.

Prosecutors said Bradford took part in a planned protest in Bristol which had been advertised by a far right group.

Police tried to keep the protesters and counter protesters separate, but right wing protesters became violent, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Bradford had been at the protest in Castle Park and on the Bristol Bridge, the court heard.

He can be seen on video footage confronting police and throwing a can at them.

After police searched for him, Bradford handed himself in on 11 August.

Mr Maunder, defending, said: "It’s fair to say, he is embarrassed and ashamed.

"That is genuine and deep felt. He recognises his abject stupidity involving himself in such an ugly incident and sentiment.

"He has no political motivation or even thoughts. His grandparents were immigrants from the Caribbean."

Judge Hart said the defendant was ""apologetic and remorseful" during police interviews.

"People who support you will be astonished to see you could behave like this. How you came to do what you did is a mystery to those who knew you. It mystifies me," he said.

"Our law protects right of peaceful protest and won't criminalise holding of views, it will not tolerate resort to violence and threats and disorder."

Demonstrations took place across England after three young girls were killed in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July.

'Appalling level of violence'

Det Ch Insp Tom Herbert from Avon and Somerset Police said after Friday's hearing: "The footage shows the appalling level of violence officers had to deal with during the disorder last month.

"Bradford is the latest person to receive a significant prison sentence for this and will have a criminal record for years to come.

"More people will be appearing in court over the weeks and months ahead as our investigation continues."