‘SELFISH IDIOTS’
FIVE CHARGED POLICE CHIEF FURIOUS AT ANTI-LOCKDOWN PROTESTERS, CALLING THEM A DISGRACE
FIVE people have been charged after hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters marched though Bristol.
Despite police warning demonstrators to cancel the Stand Up Bristol event, around 400 people met in Bristol city centre on Saturday to oppose England’s second lockdown.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh yesterday voiced his outrage at those who took part, branding them ‘plain stupid’ and saying they’re ‘nothing short of a disgrace’.
Officers have also confirmed that investigations into the illegal protest are ongoing. They will be scouring hours of CCTV and bodyworn camera footage from the day to bring lawbreakers to justice.
Four men and one woman have been charged with offences in connection with the event:
» Hollie Bishop, 26, of Britton Gardens, Kingswood, is charged with participating in a gathering of more than two people. She is due at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on January 7.
» Robin Campbell, 53, of Hill House Road, Downend, is charged with failing to comply with a direction in order to control coronavirus. He is due at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on January 7.
» James Freeman, 34, of Manchester, is charged with participating in a gathering of more than two people and obstructing/resisting a constable in the execution of their duty. He was due at Bristol Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
» Paul Thomas, 45, of no fixed address, is charged with participating in a gathering of more than two people. He was due at Bristol Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
» Kieran Whitfield, 24, of Crossways Road, Knowle, is charged with participating in a gathering of more than two people. He is due at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on January
19.
Another four people have been bailed following their arrest:
» A 73-year-old man from Southwark, London, was arrested on suspicion of holding or being involved in holding a gathering of more than 30 people on land in England. He has been bailed until December 7.
» A 43-year-old man from Bishopston was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a direction in order to control coronavirus, conspiring to cause a public nuisance.
He has been bailed until November
27.
» A 50-year-old man from Brentry was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a direction in order to control coronavirus, conspiring to cause a public nuisance. He was bailed until November 27.
» A 70-year-old man from Glastonbury was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with a direction in order to control coronavirus, conspiring to cause a public nuisance. He was bailed until December 7.
Three people have been released under investigation:
» A 36-year-old man from Patchway was arrested on suspicion of breaching bail conditions.
A 42-year-old man from Emersons Green was arrested on suspicion of failing to comply with direction in order to control coronavirus, conspiring to cause public nuisance.
A 28-year-old man from Kingswood was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
One man, in his 20s, has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
The police presence included public order teams, a mounted horse unit, dog section and drone.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “I am proud of the way that my officers responded to this protest.
“In the face of violence and intimidation they conducted themselves with restraint, courage and professionalism. They are the best of us.
“These protesters are nothing short of a disgrace, from the criminally misguided to just the plain stupid.
“Whilst the majority of our communities do their best to support each other through the Covid-19 pandemic, and our NHS and other essential workers make sacrifices to keep our society going and save lives, these selfish idiots are an embarrassment to Bristol.”
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These protesters are nothing short of a disgrace, from the criminally misguided to the plain stupid... these selfish idiots are an embarrassment to Bristol Chief Constable Andy Marsh