A man was convicted for attempted arson with intent of endangering life after setting fire to two police vehicles with officers inside. The incident occurred during the riots ‘Kill the bill!’ in Bristol earlier this year.
Ryan Roberts, 25, was captured telling an officer driving one the vans that he was going ‘go bang’ during March’s disorder.
The jury was informed that Roberts played a key role in the disorder over several hours. A compilation of his offences was shown to them for 34 minutes.
Footage made up of CCTV, cell phone footage, and officers’ body worn videos showed Roberts climbing onto the roof of the Bridewell Police Station, and leading offensive chants against police.
Roberts, who was not at a fixed address, was captured then throwing missiles towards police officers, striking one with his arm, and then attacking the Bridewell.
Later, he was captured on multiple occasions trying to light a fire underneath the wheel arch of an officer van. An officer inside told him that it was going to explode.
Ryan Roberts, 25, has been convicted of attempted arson with intent to endanger life after trying to set fire to two police vans with officers inside during the ‘Kill the bill’ riots in Bristol earlier this year
Roberts was then captured repeatedly hitting an officer using a police baton, before causing three police vehicles to be damaged. One of the vehicles he tried to roll over with others, before setting fire to it.
The court was shown footage of Roberts holding onto a piece of cardboard that had been burned, while seven officers were inside.
Other clips of Roberts moving a container alongside a police vehicle, setting it alight, and throwing items at police lines were shown to jurors.
Following a four-day trial at Bristol Crown Court Roberts was convicted on five charges: riot; attempted arson with the intent to endanger lives; attempted arson becoming reckless as whether life is in danger; and two counts each of arson being reckless or reckless as whether life is threatened.
He will be sentenced later.
James Riccio, senior investigating officer, stated that Ryan Roberts played a major role in one the most shameful nights of Bristol’s recent past.
Roberts was caught telling an officer driving one the vans that he was going “go bang” during the April disorder
Later, he was captured on multiple occasions trying to light a fire underneath the wheel arch of an police van. An officer inside told him that it was going to explode.
“He denied all the offences, and blamed police for their actions. But the footage we found of him in the riot spoke volumes.
‘He not only repeatedly targeted officers physically, hitting them and kicking them, but he also tried to set fire to vehicles that had officers inside.
“The most disturbing aspect of this offense is that he wasn’t just trying to burn the vehicles. He was knowingly endangering the lives of officers and others in the area.
“These officers come to work every day in order to protect the public. They should never be assaulted, and should not face threats or attempts to their lives.
“The investigation team deserves a lot of credit for their efforts in holding those responsible accountable. I know they won’t stop until every individual is spoken to and all evidence is analyzed and, if necessary put before the courts.
After a four-day trial at Bristol Crown Court, Roberts was convicted for five offences: riot, attempted murder with intent to endanger lives, attempted arson recklessly as to whether life may be endangered, and two counts arson reckless as as to whether or not life is endangered.
After a four-day trial at Bristol Crown Court, Roberts was convicted for five offences: riot, attempted murder with intent to endanger lives, attempted arson recklessly as to whether life may be endangered, and two counts arson reckless as as to whether or not life is endangered.
James Le Grys Crown Advocate for CPS said: “Six months later, this incident still remains shocking due to violence used by the people who hijacked an otherwise peaceful demonstration.
“Ryan Roberts” was one of the main criminals. His violence even extended to trying to lighten an occupied police car.
“Today he’s been convicted of his part in the horrible scenes captured on video. We have worked closely with the Police in order to provide a coordinated response and support this complex investigation.
“We respect the right of legal protest, but when people resort violence and destruction to cause damage, we will charge them with offences that reflect their severity.”
Seven men were already sentenced to 26 years and 11 month imprisonments after they admitted to rioting in March.
He said that criminal proceedings against other defendants relating to disorder are ongoing and that they have the right for a fair trial.
Around 500 people marched on the Bridewell police station in protest of a peaceful demonstration.
The damage to the police station and vehicles cost £212,000, while the investigation to identify those responsible is the largest the force has undertaken.