A ‘racist’ Wiltshire man has been jailed for his involvement in a disorder in Bristol.
Mark Bowen was just one of hundreds of people who joined a far-right protest in the city on 3 August, following the killing of three children in Southport.
The 40-year-old verbally abused members of the public and police as violence broke out – telling officers “Shame on you… I hope it’s your f****** kids next mate.”
The defendant, of Burton, Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to violent disorder when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Friday 9 August.
At Bristol Crown Court today (Wednesday), he was jailed for two years and one month.
Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly 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.”
