Five jailed for their part in Bristol riot that left officers fearing they would die

Kane Adamson, Brandon Lloyd, Kain Simmonds and Stuart Quinn had previously pleaded guilty to being part of a group that “laid siege” to Bridewell police station, and used or threatened violence that caused officers to “fear for their personal safety”, with some thinking they would die.

At Bristol Crown Court on Friday (July 30) they were sentenced to a total of 13 years and 11 months in prison.

A fifth person, Yasmin Schneider, was also jailed after admitting two counts of outraging public decency during the night of the riot on March 21.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said the events of that night were “nothing short of reprehensible”.

Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte, head of investigations, said: “The sustained violence, the likes of which we have not seen in this city or even the country for many years, had absolutely nothing to do with any protest.

“Dozens of people came together and acted as a mob to attack and injure police officers, set fire to police vehicles and damage a neighbourhood police station.”

To date, 75 people have been arrested and 29, including the five sentenced on Friday, have been charged.

Prior to the hearing, Judge James Patrick had viewed evidence of the offending, which had been gathered during the “largest ever investigation” conducted by the force. This included footage from officers’ body-worn cameras, CCTV and mobile phone footage.

Adamson, 21, of Lockleaze, Bristol, threw items including road signs, a road work barrier and an electric scooter at officers while he also threatened officers and repeatedly punched and kicked their shields. He was jailed for three years and six months.

Lloyd, 21, of Henbury, Bristol, pushed and kicked officers’ shields, cornered and assaulted a police constable by kicking them, and threw items at, and kicked the windows of, the Bridewell police station, damaging the glass. He was jailed for three years and 11 months.

Simmonds, 18, from Springfield, Birmingham, sprayed an aerosol in the direction of an officer’s face, kicked officers’ shields, kicked the window of the police station and repeatedly struck a police van with an officer’s baton. He was sentenced to three years and three months at a young offenders institution.

Quinn, 46, of St Paul’s, Bristol, incited others to attack police officers, throw items at the Bridewell police station and cause damage to a police van. He was jailed for three years and three months.

Schneider, 25, from St Paul’s, Bristol, urinated at the feet of one police officer and exposed themselves in front of a number of others. They were jailed for five months.

Judge Patrick said: “I have read all of the victim personal statements and I found them very moving. There were many officers injured and many officers, and their families, who have been greatly affected by the incident. Some officers thought they would die and some officers could not even speak about it to their families.

“Officers were struck, spat on, kicked and punched some while defenceless on the ground. It was fortunate some were not more seriously hurt. This lasted from the evening to the very early hours.

“They [the officers] are all public servants and are all human beings. What you did was to dehumanise them.”

Det Chief Supt Belafonte said: “What happened on the night of Sunday March 21, 2021, was nothing short of reprehensible.

“Kane Adamson, Brandon Lloyd, Kain Simmonds and Stuart Quinn have admitted what they did and taken responsibility for the fear and damage they caused.

“Likewise, Yasmin Schneider, who while not involved in any violence still acted repulsively, has accepted what they did was wrong.

“I imagine all five may not have realised they were throwing part of their lives away and damaging their futures when they engaged in such behaviour and I hope the sentences they’ve received serve as a strong reminder that wanton violence will not be tolerated.”

She added: “Officers came to work that day to investigate crimes and protect the public but instead 44 of them were assaulted by a mob who laid siege on their place of work.

“It is completely unacceptable that any police officer should come to harm in the course of carrying out their duties and as a force, we were humbled by the incredible support shown to them by our communities in the days that followed.

“Many of the officers and staff on duty that night will never forget what happened. The physical wounds may have healed but the psychological ones may take longer and we continue to make support available to all those who need it.

“Finally, we mustn’t forget the huge financial cost the disgraceful actions of those who participated in the riot have incurred to the public.

“The damage to the Bridewell [police station] and to the police vehicles alone cost taxpayers £212,000 while significant police resources continue to be invested in bringing those responsible to justice.

“It is without doubt the largest investigation we as a force have ever carried out, with tens of thousands of hours of digital footage reviewed, hundreds of statements collated and dozens of forensic examinations carried out.”

Det Chief Supt Belafonte said she was “extremely proud and grateful” for all the hard work the investigation team has and continues to put in, adding: “I know they won’t stop until every person identified is spoken to and every bit of evidence is assessed and if appropriate, put before the courts.”

James Le Grys of Crown Prosecution Service South West said: “These people formed part of an outbreak group away from the protest and caused havoc throughout the city centre.

“They chose their route deliberately and targeted the Bridewell police station creating a vast amount of damage, fear and disruption.

“We respect the right to legal protest but when people resort to violence and destruction we will charge offences that reflect the gravity of the criminality.”

Tony Henley, secretary of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: “These people were not protesting a cause. They were thugs intent on causing damage and hurting our brave colleagues.

“Forty-four police officers were assaulted that night. It pains us to say some officers thought they would die in the violence and we are fortunate that the physical injuries were not worse than they were.

“Officers were struck, spat on, kicked and punched – some whilst defenceless on the ground. Let that sink in. It’s utterly disgusting – they do not deserve to be treated that way.”

He added: “Our brave colleagues – who let’s please remember are mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, partners, sons and daughters – simply don’t go to work to face such violence. They go to work to keep people safe. They should be going home to their families at the end of their shifts.

“They should not fear for their lives. Or face being rushed to hospital.

“Many colleagues will never forget what happened that horrific night. Not only are they still affected but so are their families and we are supporting them all as best as we can.

“At this time, we would also like to pay credit to our colleagues involved in this part of the investigation. They should be proud of their work.”