Two more men have been jailed for their involvement in a disorder in Bristol city centre last August. Joe Saunders and Mark Goodman are the latest rioters to be put behind bars over the anti-immigration and counter protests which took place in Castle Park, Bristol Bridge and outside an asylum seeker hotel on August 3, 2024.
Mark Goodman, of no fixed address, was seen on police body-cameras behaving aggressively and being verbally abusive towards members of the public and police officers during the disorder. Avon and Somerset Police said the 38-year-old was seen throwing a drinks can from the crowd and aiming a punch at a police officer.
On Bristol Bridge he was aggressive and verbally abusive towards police officers. While outside a hotel which is used to house asylum seekers, Goodman threw an object and punches, and was seen kicking a police officer’s bike. He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to 30-months in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, January 16.
Joe Saunders, from Exeter, was also part of a group on Bristol Bridge, where he was seen throwing an object towards police officers and being verbally abusive. He also pleaded guilty to violent disorder and was sentenced to 28 months in prison when he appeared in court on Tuesday (14 January).
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert said: “The actions of both these men on Saturday 3 August put members of the public and police officers at risk of harm and caused real fear in Bristol’s communities.
“They have rightly received significant prison sentences for their behaviour as part of the group on that day, and follow the several dozen people who have already been sentenced for their involvement.”