Man, 23, who spat at officers jailed

A MAN who spat at a police officer and threw a bottle at a horse during rioting in Bristol in March 2021 has been jailed.

Joseph Parry, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, was also part of a group who attempted to pull the door off a mobile police station.

He appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Monday and was sentenced after pleading guilty to a charge of violent disorder.

The 23-year-old was handed a 20-month prison sentence following his guilty plea. Judge James Patrick said he had taken Parry’s guilty plea, age, his previous good character, and that he was easily led by others into account when sentencing, but ultimately said Parry’s actions dehumanised officers.

Detective Superintendent James Riccio said: “Joseph Parry is a naive young man who, after drinking alcohol, got caught up in the moment.

“He spent more than three hours at the scene and had plenty of time and opportunity to walk away yet chose to stay and act aggressively towards police officers trying to maintain order.

“He has owned up to his actions but there can be no excuses for engaging in violent acts.”

Court proceedings are continuing into the events of March 21, 2021, which saw thousands of people take to the street to protest a controversial government bill which placed restrictions on protesting.