Two Jailed Over Brutal Bristol Riot
William Houlton, 20, and Callum Middleton, 30, were handed hefty prison sentences after admitting riot charges at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 10 December. Middleton got three years and nine months, while Houlton was locked up for three years.
Fireworks and Fury: Middleton’s Shocking Violence
Midnight chaos unfolded when Middleton, from Swansea, hurled a firework into a crowd. He also aggressively attacked officers and repeatedly threw bottles at them. The court heard his actions were premeditated, turning a supposed protest into a dangerous melee.
Houlton Smashes Police Van in Carnage
Meanwhile, Houlton, from Compton Martin, was caught on camera wrecking a mobile police station with a metal road sign. He also tried to tip over a police van with a gang of others during the violent riot outside Bridewell Police Station on 21 March.
Detective Superintendent James Riccio slammed the pair, saying: “We can’t let the despicable conduct of those involved in the riot escape without punishment. They brought shame on themselves and the city of Bristol. Middleton’s premeditated violence endangered lives – peaceful protesters don’t bring fireworks.”
Six More Deny Riot Charges – Trials Set for 2022
- Michael Truesdale, 27, no fixed address, denied riot charges.
- Tyler Overall, 27, of Filton, pleaded not guilty.
- Alisa Ruah, 21, from Montpelier, also denied the charge.
- Alex Papadopolous, 27, of Glastonbury, faces a hearing on 17 December.
- Andrew Cripps, 31, Montpelier, and Joseph Parry, 27, Llanelli, have hearings set for 20 January 2022.
- Joseph Foster, 31, Filton, will face a future date for his hearing.
The six are slated for trials in the new year, refusing to admit involvement in the violent scenes that shook Bristol last March.
