Man jailed for throwing punches during city-centre disorder

A self-employed businessman who punched a woman and threw a can at police during disorder in a city centre has been jailed for three years.

Ashley Harris, 36, of Chipperfield Drive, Kingswood, pleaded guilty to violent disorder after his “significant” role in the unrest in Bristol on 3 August.

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

Footage played to Bristol Crown Court showed Harris clashing with police and counter protesters, throwing punches, hurling a can at police, and encouraging others to join in.

Harris is the 11th person to be jailed for their involvement in the unrest, with a total of 41 people arrested so far and 28 having been charged.

Widespread disorder broke out across England after the killing of three young girls in Southport, Merseyside, on 29 July, with false claims spread online about the person responsible.

The court was told how Harris was involved in early altercations in Castle Park before punching a female counter-protester outside the Mercure Hotel, which was believed to be housing asylum seekers.

Jailing Harris for three years, Judge James Patrick said: “Right at the start of the protest you were in Castle Park, squaring up to the police officers and were aggressive to others.

“As the police attempted to maintain order you were front and centre of what was going on as the crowd chanted, ‘We want our country back’.

“You threw a can at police officers and only backed off when police dogs forced the crowd back.”

Judge Patrick added Harris was “swearing at police officers and goading them” outside the hotel, before “throwing a punch at a woman”.

The court was also told how Harris was struck on the head by a flying object as he “charged” at a group of counter-protestors.

“The footage I have seen shows you strike out at a number of people, you were encouraging the group and at the front and centre of the movement towards the Mercure,” Judge Patrick said.

“You were significantly more involved than others. You participated in widespread acts of violence which was persistent and sustained.

“I note that you are sorry and ashamed. I hope that is true and simply not hollow words,” he added.

BBC News