Man who threw missiles at police during disorder jailed

Ashley Hunt is the 22nd person to be sentenced for crimes committed during the disorder

A man who threw punches and missiles at police during a city centre protest has been jailed.

Ashley Hunt, from St George in Bristol, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to one year and eight months in prison for the role he played during the disorder in Bristol on 3 August.

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

Avon and Somerset Police have arrested 51 people in connection with the disorder, with 37 being charged so far.

The unrest erupted in Bristol after a far-right protest turned violent

Hunt pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder after an officer’s body worn camera captured the violent nature of his behaviour that day.

Sentencing Hunt at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Peter Blair told him the fact he committed the offence while on licence demonstrated he did not have respect for the criminal justice system.

He added: “Although you were not a main instigator your actions showed violence, aggression and a disregard for the police and the community”.

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

False claims were spread online that the person responsible was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.

Protestors attempted to storm the Mercure Bristol Hotel, which was believed to be housing asylum seekers

Det Ch Insp Tom Herbert said: “Ashley Hunt punched a person in Castle Park and the body worn footage shows how he continued to be aggressive and violent later on during the day towards both the public and officers.

“Prison sentences totalling more than 40 years have been handed down by the courts for those responsible for the ugly scenes last month.

“We have made more than 50 arrests so far and will continue to do all we can to further identify those responsible for the appalling violence that took place in August.”

Avon and Somerset Police said it was still keen to identify a number of people that officers want to speak to as part of their investigation.