First Riot Conviction in South West: Ryan Roberts Sentenced
Ryan Roberts, a man with no fixed address, has become the first person in the South West to be convicted of riot by a jury. The verdict came after a trial held last October. Roberts was found guilty of five serious offences, including riot, attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and two counts of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Brutal Attack on Police Station Caught on Camera
At Bristol Crown Court on Friday 17 December, Judge James Patrick blasted Roberts for his “leading role” in attacking police officers and trying to smash into Bridewell Police Station. The court heard he “used the uncontrollable weapon of fire” during the chaos.
The jury watched a 34-minute compilation of CCTV, mobile phone, and body-worn officer footage. It showed Roberts throwing missiles at police, kicking their shields, and striking officers. He even tried to start a fire under a police van containing officers inside, threatening they would explode.
- Roberts repeatedly hit officers with a police baton.
- He damaged three police vehicles, trying to roll one over before lighting a fire inside it.
- He set a bin on fire next to a police car and hurled large metal fences at police lines.
Officers Describe Terrifying Ordeal in Burning Van
Victim impact statements from officers exposed the terrifying choices they faced during the riot:
“I sat in that van, unable to move it as the tyres had been let down, unable to see out the driver’s side as the window had been sprayed over and the wing mirror smashed off… I wondered how I could get out with the doors bolted closed, in my heavy bulky uniform. I could smell burning and the van started to fill with smoke.”
Another officer added: “I had to decide whether to stay in a burning van hoping my overalls would protect me or risk being dragged into a hostile crowd. That is not a decision anyone should face.”
Police Praise ‘Appalling’ Behaviour, Vow to Continue Investigation
Detective Superintendent James Riccio condemned Roberts’ actions, saying, “His behaviour was appalling and clearly escalated the violence against our officers that night.”
“He targeted officers by hitting, kicking, and throwing large objects, and even tried to set fire to vehicles with officers trapped inside. Some officers had to make terrifying choices between burning or facing a hostile mob.”
Riccio added, “These officers come to work every day to protect the public. Their impact statements reveal the physical and mental toll of that night’s horror.”
The investigation into the riot on 21 March continues, with twelve people already sentenced to nearly 50 years in total. Police say they remain committed to identifying all involved and bringing them to justice.
