Two men from Stoke Gifford have been jailed for a combined four years for their involvement in the violent disorder in Bristol last month.
Lee Gilpin, 43, and Michael Tarling, 42, were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 12th September having been part of groups which used or threatened violence and caused others to fear for their safety during the disorder on Saturday 3rd August 2024.
They are the 18th and 19th people to be sentenced for their involvement in the 3rd August disorder.
As of 12th September, a total of 50 people have been arrested and 37 have been charged as part of the subsequent police investigation.
Gilpin threw a concrete parasol stand at the windscreen of a police vehicle and verbally abused and assaulted members of the public and police officers outside the Mercure Hotel on Redcliff Hill. He also kicked a police officer’s bike.
He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Video clip: Footage of Lee Gilpin during the disorder [MP4; 6.8MB on Dropbox]
Tarling was identified as part of the group in various locations during the 3rd August disorder.
In Castle Park he was seen throwing an object at police officers and later threw kicks and punches at another man on Redcliffe Way before again throwing an object into a crowd of people.
The court heard he had made racial comments and was gesturing towards police officers and counter protesters. He was also jailed for two years.
Video clip: Footage of Michael Tarling during the disorder [MP4; 6.5MB on Dropbox]
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said:
“Both these men played significant roles in the violent disorder we saw in Bristol that day and have rightfully been sentenced for it.”
“Nineteen people have now been sentenced in court and are serving more than 35 years combined in prison.”
“Our investigation is still continuing with dozens of people having been identified, arrested and charged for their involvement and I would continue to urge anyone who recognises any of the people featured in the images we’ve released to come forward.”
Related links
- Bristol protest violence was ‘absolutely outrageous’ (BBC News, 3rd August)
- Police warning after disorder leads to multiple arrests (BBC News, 4th August)
