Three more men jailed for Bristol Riot offences following guilty pleas
They were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today
Last updated 16th Dec 2022
Three more men have been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court for offences during a Bristol riot in 2021.
Gopal Clarke, Henry Olohan and Arthur Lazarus were all sentenced today (Friday 16 December) after pleading guilty to crimes during the riot outside Bridewell Police Station on Sunday 21 March 2021.
Clarke, of Kingswood, pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder at a previous hearing.
During the force's examinations, footage showed Clarke kicking officers multiple times - as well as throwing an object at them from a close range.
The force say he also took one of the police officer's batons, thanks to the help of another member of the public.
The footage also showed the 25-year-old using a police shield to ram officers and to strike several of them on the head with force.
He was sentenced to 18 months in jail.
Olohan, 24, of Montpelier in Bristol, was also jailed for eight months after previously entering guilty pleas to offences of affray and criminal damage.
The third person sentenced was Lazarus, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
The 23-year-old from Falmouth received a 20-month sentence.
His Honour Judge James Patrick, in sentencing Lazarus, said: “You arrived near the front of the protest and were abusive to police, targeting them at just before 6pm, as they were trying to keep the situation under control.
“You were pushing the line and throwing liquid and you used a police shield to attack officers.”
In all, 26 people now have been jailed for offences committed during the riot.
That equates to a combined prison sentence of 85 years and one month.
Detective Superintendent James Riccio said: “The admissions of guilt may well be a result of the compelling evidence investigators have gathered, but I also hope it’s because these three men have come to realise their actions went too far.
“This was a night of shameless and destructive violence and we welcome these latest sentences for the appalling crimes committed.”
We’d like to remind all concerned that criminal proceedings relating to the events of Sunday 21 March are ongoing against other defendants and that they have a right to a fair trial.
It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.