A woman convicted of riot after a Bristol Kill the Bill protest - which she had not intended to join - has been jailed. Charly Pitman denied wrongdoing after the event turned into an attack on police outside Bridewell Police Station on March 21 last year.
But after a trial a jury convicted her of riot after deliberating for just over an hour. Pitman, 24, whose address was given as Chelsea Road in Easton, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today (July 7, 2022) supported by a large contingent of family and friends.
Judge Julian Lambert jailed her for three years. He told Pitman: "You could and should have left the scene of major public disorder, but you chose to stay and turned to violence.
READ MORE: Woman admits violent disorder after Bristol Kill the Bill riot
"You were in the forefront of a violent attack on police officers striking police shields, hitting out at police officers and then hitting and kicking a police officer. You were then seen to throw a missile at the police line.
"Your response to pleas for peaceful protest was abusive and derision. You were to be heard encouraging the crowd to confront the police."
Emily Heggadon, prosecuting, said the riot traumatised officers and caused high-value damage to police property. She said Pitman, a woman of previous good character, made no comment when interviewed.
Nerida Harford-Bell, defending, said her client had done voluntary work in the community. Miss Harford-Bell said: "She watched the footage of herself. There was no doubt she was deeply ashamed and embarrassed by what she did."
Miss Harford-Bell said her client's offending was short-lived and during daylight hours. She described Pitman as an "extremely vulnerable young woman" who had contended with anxiety and depression.
The court heard that on the day in question Pitman had not gone out to join the Kill the Bill protest, but it followed a London vigil following the death of Sarah Everard. Miss Harford-Bell said: "She was supporting women's rights generally to be on the street."
Miss Harford-Bell added that her client was not a danger to anyone. She urged the judge to consider imposing a prison sentence that could be suspended.
Earlier Detective Superintendent James Riccio said: “Charly Pitman may not have used the highest levels of violence but she took up a prominent role at the front of the crowd and her actions undoubtedly escalated tensions and encouraged others to attack police officers.
“The fact the jury took little more than an hour to convict her highlights how clear her offending was. She denied acting together with others with a common purpose but the jury evidently had no doubt she was guilty of riot.”
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