A Fishponds woman is the latest to be jailed after violence which flared after Bristol's Kill the Bill protest in March, 2021. The initially-peaceful protest was against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill, proposing to give extended power to police to shut down demonstrations.
But as the day wore on there were clashes between police and protesters outside Bridewell Police Station. People were injured in the melee, including 44 police officers, and at least £212,000 worth of damage was caused to police property, including by fire.
Today (February 24, 2023) Indigo Bond, 21, of Victoria Park, was sentenced after pleading guilty to violent disorder. Judge James Patrick jailed her for 20 months.
READ MORE: Three more jailed after Bristol Kill the Bill riot
The judge told her: "You were in an active role for a significant period of time. You were under the influence of drink and drugs."
The court heard Bond was verbally abusive to police, threw pieces of wood at them and punched and kicked out at them. Her involvement in the disorder spanned some six hours, during which time she was pepper sprayed and changed clothes.
Russell Fraser, defending, opened his case by reading a reference from Bond's gran. That stated: "She is one of the most thoughtful and kind people I've ever known."
Mr Fraser told Bristol Crown Court his "shy" client had acted out of character. He said: "She got caught up with events of the day. She recognises now she should have walked away.
"She was angry with the police. Defendants feel aggrieved by certain police behaviour. She recognises she should have walked away. It is highly unlikely she will be back before the court again should she find herself in a similar situation."
Bond is the 31st person to be sentenced following the riot on Sunday 21 March 2021. Together, they have been sentenced to a total of 96 years and four months.
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