Boy, 15, believed to be first youth to get custodial sentence over riots

A 15-year-old boy is believed to have become the first youth to receive a custodial sentence for taking part in the disorder.

The teenager, who can’t be named for legal reasons, joined an anti-immigration march in Bristol on 3 August.

He was involved in clashes with police in Castle Park, on Bristol Bridge and near a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Bristol Crown Court heard the defendant, who had drunk a couple of cans of cider, was swearing at police and also participated in chanting.

The prosecutor told the court he was also filmed near a hotel throwing a chair at a stationary police vehicle and kicking it.

The boy later handed himself over to police and pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Addressing the court, the boy, who has no previous convictions, said: “I really regret it and wish I didn’t go that day. I am very sorry.”

District Justice Nicholas Wattam imposed a four-month detention and training order.

“Ultimately you participated in an incident involving persistent disorder directed towards the police and public.”

The judge added: “The primary purpose of youth justice is to prevent reoffending.

“My view is that this offence is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.”

The boy was released on conditional bail until his appeal hearing is heard in court.

BBC News