Attacker who threw bottle at horse is jailed

A MAN who spat at a police officer and threw a bottle at a horse during the Bristol Riot 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 in 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.

Parry is the 21st person to be jailed following the riot. 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 the man, but ultimately said Parry’s actions dehumanised officers.

Judge Patrick also highlighted how the defendant had spat on officers during the height of the pandemic. 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 will continue 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. ‘Kill the Bill’ protesters were fighting the introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which gives the Home Secretary more power to stop protests.