Two men plead guilty to role in Bristol disorder

Posted on 9 August 2024, at 16:31 in In Court

Two custody images of white men looking directly towards the camera. The man on the left is bald and wearing a light coloured top. The man on the right has short dark hair and is wearing a dark grey top

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Two men are due to be sentenced next week after admitting their part in the disorder in Bristol last Saturday (3 August).

Daniel Russell, 47, of Church Road in Redfield, Bristol, and Mark Bowen, 40, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to violent disorder when they appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today (9 August).

Russell was arrested after detectives reviewed footage which showed him kicking a man. He was then later seen kicking out at other protesters and shouting at – and being aggressive towards – police officers.

Bowen was arrested after he was recorded verbally abusing both police officers and other members of the public.

The two men were arrested on Wednesday (7 August) and were subsequently charged last night.

They both pleaded guilty when they appeared before magistrates in Bristol earlier today and were remanded into custody to appear at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday 14 August for sentencing.

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Reilly said: “Our message has been consistent ever since the disgraceful disorder we saw on Saturday: If you were involved in criminality, we will identify you and we will arrest you.

“The behaviour of these two men was completely unacceptable. Their actions caused distress and fear in our communities and that is something we will not stand for.

“We’re continuing to review all footage from Saturday to identify those responsible. So far, 20 people have been arrested in connection with Saturday’s disorder and this number will continue to rise.

“What we saw from too many people last weekend was not legitimate protest – it was violent disorder, and violent disorder has no place in Avon and Somerset.”