Killing Bill Rioter Who Attacked Police Gets 5 Years in Prison

A woman has been jailed after she was filmed attacking police officers and smashing a police station window during a 'Kill the Bill' riot in Bristol.

Mariella Gedge-Rogers, of Clifton, Bristol, was found guilty of rioting by a jury at Bristol Crown Court in February this year.

The unanimous verdict found Gedge-Rogers guilty of being part of a group that used or threatened violence and together caused others to fear for their personal safety.

The 27-year-old was sentenced to five and a half years in prison at a hearing on Thursday. She will have to serve half of her sentence in custody and the other half on licence.

Gedge-Rogers was arrested six days after the riot which took place outside Bridewell police station in Bristol city center on Sunday March 21, 2021.

In footage played in court, Gedge-Rogers was seen hitting a police officer over the head with a skateboard and throwing objects at other officers from the roof of the station.

She repeatedly hit the station window with her skateboard before passing it to a man to do the same.

As the hearing began, Gedge-Rogers could be heard crying from the dock. She only spoke to confirm his name.

His Honor Judge Patrick said: “You used your skateboard as a weapon and threw missiles and objects. You had also been drinking a lot.

“Nevertheless, I conclude that your culpability is mitigated because of your PTSD. And I keep in mind that this will make the sentence more difficult to serve.

“Furthermore, you have expressed remorse for what you have done and I am told you are ashamed. People who knew you identify that you behaved inappropriately.

Speaking about the impact of the riot on the police, Judge Patrick said: “Despicable abuse has been directed at the police. Objects and missiles were thrown at them, some from the tops of police vans.

“At least one firework was set off, officers were removed from their lines. They were physically attacked, some with missiles, others with weapons, and still others were hit, spat on, kicked and punched.

He added that one police officer with significant experience described it as “one of the most frightening experiences of his career”, while another said it was “ferocious violence, prolonged and determined.

Gedge-Rogers is now the 15th person to be convicted in connection with the riot.

To date, those convicted have been imprisoned for a total of more than 50 years.

Jasmine York, 26, of Brislington, Bristol, is due to be sentenced on Monday (March 14) after being found guilty of arson.