Jail for trio involved in violent Bristol protests

A man from Wells who runs his own removal business has been jailed for two years for his role in violent protests in Bristol.

Marc Donavon, 40, joined an anti-immigration march on 3 August, which saw beer kegs thrown at police vehicles and clashes in Castle Park in the city.

Appearing at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday, the judge said there were "clear images" of Donavon taking part in the protest.

Two other men, Daniel Lock and Thomas Medler, were also sentenced for taking part in the disorder.

The sentence came hours after a 15-year-old became the first youth to be jailed for their part in the Bristol protests.

While Donavon's involvement in the events was described as "relatively slight" Judge Michael Cullum said he had surrounded himself with people throwing beer kegs at police vehicles, which he had given "encouragement by filming".

Donavon had also "kicked out" at people, thrown objects at police officers and poured liquid over a passing cyclist, the court heard.

Alec Small, defending, said the defendant had handed himself in to the police and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Passing his sentence, the judge said: "You've been out of trouble for about a decade, your more serious convictions approaching 15 years [old].

"You have worked hard, and I accept you have rehabilitated yourself. You are a hardworking man with a removals business, and you have a family.

"You are before the court for one offence, which is out of character to what has happened for the last decade or more."

The judge said Donavon's actions must be taken in the context of those he was with, which would have led people to fear for their personal safety.

Donavon did not take part in the violent protest at the Mercure Hotel, which houses asylum seekers.

Judge Cullum handed him a two-year prison sentence, reduced from three years due to his early guilty plea.

Daniel Lock, 31, from Kingswood, a self-employed electrician, was also sentenced to two years in prison.

The court heard that Lock had "got into a fight" outside the Mercure Hotel after someone spat at him.

Tabitha Macfarlane, defending, said Lock had been of previously good character and had never been inside a police station before.

She read out a statement submitted on behalf of Lock's football manager who described him as "one of the most kind-hearted and reliable people that I know", who regularly "goes out of his way to help others".

Ms Macfarlane said it was in his words "completely stupid behaviour" and he accepted his part in the events.

A third defendant, Thomas Medler, 24, of Lockleaze, was handed a 34-month prison sentence for violent disorder and a further eight for breaching a sexual harm prevention order, giving him a 42-month sentence in total.

Mohammed Osman, 37, of Easton, appeared before the court but had his sentencing pushed back for a pre-sentence report to be written.

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