Two men jailed for causing 'real fear' during disorder

Two men have been jailed for more than two years for causing "real fear" during disorder in a city centre.

Joe Saunders, 42, of Exeter, and Mark Goodman, 38, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to violent disorder when they appeared at Bristol Crown Court this week.

Both men aggressively shouted at officers and threw objects during the incident at Castle Park on 3 August.

Avon and Somerset Police's Det Ch Insp Tom Herbert said the action of both men put people "at risk of harm" and caused "real fear".

The court was told that Goodman threw cans from the crowd and attempted to punch an officer.

He also kicked an officer's bike. Goodman was sentenced to 30 months in prison when he appeared in court on Thursday.

During the violent disorder, Saunders threw objects towards police and was verbally abusive, the court was told.

Saunders, who appeared in court on Tuesday, was jailed for 28 months.

DCI Herbert added: "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."

The unrest occurred when hundreds of far-right protesters and a counter-protest group gathered for two demonstrations in Bristol on 3 August.

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