Man who threw concrete blocks at police jailed

Timbrell (L) and McCarthy (R) were both jailed for their "shocking" and "abusive" behaviour

A man who hurled bricks, a glass bottle, and three concrete blocks at police during disorder in a city centre has been jailed for two and a half years.

Craig Timbrell, 38, of Hartcliffe, appeared at Bristol Crown Court earlier, charged with violent disorder over his "prominent role" in the unrest in Bristol.

The disorder occurred when hundreds of far-right protesters and a counter-protest group gathered for two demonstrations near Castle Park on 3 August.

Another man, Bradley McCarthy, 34, of Knowle West, was also sentenced on Tuesday to 20 months in prison for being "racist and abusive" towards protesters and shouting in a police dog's face.

A 15-year-old boy appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court earlier where he pleaded guilty to violent disorder in relation to the unrest.

District Judge Lynne Matthews told him he would be sentenced on 25 September following the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Tensions have been high across England after the killing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July, with false claims spread online about the person responsible.

Eight people have now been handed prison sentences in relation to the Bristol disorder, with 30 people arrested.

At Timbrell's sentencing, Judge Julian Lambert said his actions that night had been a "violent, ignorant, drink-fuelled defiance of the law".

"Right-wing extremists and racists have been intent on provoking violence directed at innocent people and the police whose role it is to protect us all," Judge Lambert said.

"The violence that I saw from you was intense and shocking. It was also a potential catalyst for yet worse violence.

Police have warned other suspects can expect "a knock on the door soon"

"The law respects the right of freedom of expression and peaceful protest. It cannot tolerate resort to violence and threats."

Timbrell handed himself in on 15 August and accepted he had thrown projectiles, saying he felt remorseful and wished to apologise.

The defence argued that his mental health was in decline at the time of his arrest, having lost care of his daughters six weeks earlier.

Bristol Crown Court was told how McCarthy was arrested by officers on 3 August for breach of the peace and later released by officers, but remained in the area.

“Instead of taking that as a sign to go home, he can later be seen shouting at police officers and also shouting in a police dog’s face,” prosecutor Emily Evans said.

McCarthy was caught on video “threatening” counter-protesters, with Ms Evans adding: "He is seen to be goading protesters to cross the police line."

The court was shown two videos of him demonstrating in Castle Park and one of him on Redcliffe Hill, where protesters attempted to storm a hotel that was believed to house asylum seekers.

"There has been coordinated action by extremists to cause violence and by so doing to generate fear throughout the community," Judge Lambert said.

"You should have well understood the potential incendiary effect of your actions."

Timbrell and McCarthy were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court

McCarthy had admitted violent disorder at a previous hearing.

Defence solicitor, Robyn Rowlands, said the defendant had recently tried to help a person who was dying after taking their own life, which had an “exceptional effect” on his mental health.

He had "lost all sense of himself", Rollins said, adding: "He has a stable family life and is absolutely committed to his family."

McCarthy shrugged his shoulders as he left the dock and said to his family: “See you in 10 months.”

Teenager admits violent disorder

At Bristol Magistrates' Court earlier, a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his personal details and enter his guilty plea during the short hearing.

Judge Matthews said: "I would not use the words stupid and silly. I would use words criminal, disorder, violence, and you will be sentenced accordingly.

"The pre-sentence report must cover the prospect for detention."

The teenager was bailed and told he must not be in a group of three or more people, unless it is his family.

"You are not going out with mates - even mates that were not on that footage - because I can't trust you," added Judge Matthews.

Avon and Somerset Police are still investigating the Bristol disorder, and have issued a warning to those involved to expect a “knock on the door soon".