Herefordshire man jailed after violent riots in Bristol

A HEREFORDSHIRE man has been jailed for violent disorder after throwing a fence panel at police.

George Coldicott, 28, from Leominster, and Ashley Harris, 36, from Kingswood, were both sentenced after pleading guilty to violent disorder.

The men were part of a group that used or threatened violence during the riots in Bristol on August 3, causing others to fear for their safety.

Bristol Crown Court heard Harris threw objects, including bottles and cans, at police and counter-protesters, engaged in altercations with and punched members of the public and “hurled abuse” at police officers.

He pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to three years in prison.

The judge said he was part of the “violent mob” and “taunted, shouted and yelled” at police officers and passers-by while being “completely out of control”.

Coldicott appeared before Inner London Crown Court where he was sentenced for his involvement in riots in Bristol on August 3 and in London on July 31.

In a physical video taken in London, he was seen throwing a metal element of a fence at a police officer. In Bristol, he was also seen throwing an object at a police officer.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with violent riots in Bristol and London. He pleaded guilty to both offences. On 30 August, he was sentenced to 22 months in prison for the London offence and 34 months for his role in the Bristol riots. Both sentences must be served concurrently.

Detective Chief Inspector Clement Goodwin said: “Both Harris and Coldicott played a significant role in the significant violent disturbances we saw in Bristol on August 3.

ALSO READ:

“Their actions endangered the public and police officers. The judges recognized this and sentenced both of them to long prison terms.

“Our investigations are already well underway. 43 people have been arrested and 29 charged. Twelve people have now been jailed for their involvement in the shocking riots in Bristol.”

Officers continue to appeal for the public's help in identifying a number of people we would like to speak to as part of the investigation. Their images and details of how to provide information can be found at this link: