Man who threw objects at police officers and two others involved in Bristol protest jailed
Watch the moment Dominic Capaldi threw things at mounted officers
A man who hurled items at police officers and threw missiles during disorder in Bristol has been jailed for two years and 10 months.
Dominic Capaldi, 35, admitted a charge of violent disorder relating to the protest in the city on Saturday 3 August.
Bristol Crown Court heard how he was part of a group displaying racist verbal and physical aggression in Castle Park.
He was then caught throwing objects at mounted police officers.
The court heard how Capaldi was the first of the group to start throwing things.
He admitted throwing a coin, but claimed to have no recollection of throwing other items.
Judge Martin Picton said: "Whatever the objects were, they were heavy enough to be launched in an effective manner and could well have hit the targets for which you were aiming.
"You have accepted throwing a coin but claim to have no memory of the other items that you launched towards the police."
He continued: "I am sure you would have appreciated and intended that your actions should provoke others to move from a verbal confrontation to a physical one."
The court heard how the group then made their way to a hotel in the city which houses asylum seekers, where Capaldi was again caught launching things at officers.
There were just two officers standing between opposing groups outside the hotel.
The judge said: "The officers showed remarkable bravery in trying to keep people safe.
"Shortly after you and others can be seen to throw items at the police the group surged at the officers attacking them.
"You threw missiles and did so on multiple occasions and as the level of violence increased."
The judge concluded: "Your family are going to suffer by reason of your actions. Your partner and children are going to have to cope with your absence."
Two other men were jailed in connection with the disorder.
Daniel Russell, 47, of Redfield, Bristol, also admitted violent disorder after he was seen kicking a man before later kicking out at other protesters and shouting at - and being aggressive towards police officers.
He pleaded guilty on Friday 9 August at Bristol Magistrates' Court and was today sentenced to two years and eight months.
Video footage shows Russell behaving aggressively at the protest
Mark Bowen, 40, of Burton, Wiltshire, was the third man to be jailed at Bristol Crown Court. He also pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
He was arrested after verbally abusing members of the public and police officers.
Video footage shows Mark Bowen hurling verbal abuse
A total of 28 people have now been arrested in connection with the violent disorder.
Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly of Avon and Somerset Police said: "The sentences handed out by the judge today send a very clear message.
"Firstly, to those who actively choose to take part in violent unrest, who attack members of the public and police officers, or cause them to fear for their safety.
"You are highly likely to be sent to prison for a significant amount of time.
"Secondly, to the general public, both those who were in Bristol city centre that Saturday night and found themselves caught up in disorder and those who watched or heard about it in the news.
"Anyone who causes unrest on our streets will be arrested, charged and put before the courts and suffer the consequences for their actions.
"The judge described those involved in the disorder as right-wing extremists and racists.
"These abhorrent people will not win. They will not divide this city – a city rich with diversity.
"We will continue to arrest and bring to court those involved in this shameful incident, whether they took part in violent acts or crimes motivated by hate, and they too will pay a heavy price for their conduct.
"I’d like to thank the officers deployed to this incident. They demonstrated real bravery while under attack by a violent mob which these men jailed today were a part of. Their courage and professionalism undoubtedly limited the scale of unrest and kept the public safe.
"In addition my thanks go to the investigative teams, which are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure offenders continue to brought to justice."