'Central' figure to violent disorder in Bristol in court
A 'persistent' and 'central' figure in the August 3 violent disorder in Bristol city centre has been jailed for more than two years. James Maine, 44, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today (Tuesday, September 17) alongside 30-year-old Shane Dennis for their roles in disruption which broke out between anti-immigrant groups and counter-protesters last month.
Maine, of Kingswood, was sentenced to 28 months in prison after admitting to violent disorder. On August 3, he threw missiles and punched a member of the public, police said. CCTV gathered during the still-ongoing police investigation shows Maine running at members of the public and throwing a punch.
Judge Peter Blair said that Maine's involvement in the disorder was "persistent" and described him as "one of the central individuals" involved in the incident.
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Meanwhile, Dennis, of Knowle, was sentenced to four weeks after pleading guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence after shouting racist remarks in Castle Park that same day. Judge Blair accepted that the 30-year-old was not involved in the violence, but said Dennis’ actions were provocative and helped to fuel the disorder.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: “There was no excuse for violence that day. The scenes played out in Bristol on 3 August were criminal and disgraceful, and now more than 20 people have been sentenced for what they did on that day.
“Detectives are continuing to investigate, and work with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to ensure all those responsible for such reprehensible scenes are brought to justice.”
Avon and Somerset Police say 21 people have now been sentenced over the disorder, with 37 people charged and 51 arrests made. Earlier today, officers arrested a 25-year-old man from the Shirehampton area of Bristol on suspicion of violent disorder. He is currently in police custody.