Woman jailed after attacking a police officer with a skateboard during Kill the Bill protest

A 27-year-old woman hit a police officer over the head with a skateboard, threw missiles at other officers and smashed a window at Bridewell Police station.

Mariella Gedge-Rogers also climbed on to the roof of the Bridewell police station in the centre of Bristol and threw missiles at officers

Jailed for five-and-a-half years, she is fourteenth person to be sentenced in connection with the riot related to the Kill the Bill protest last year - together, they have been jailed for a combined total of 57 years and two months.

The 27-year-old from Clifton was convicted of rioting by a jury at Bristol Crown Court.

A jury unanimously found her guilty of being part of a group which used or threatened violence and together, caused fear for their personal safety outside the city centre police station on Sunday 21 March 2021.

Mariella pleaded guilty which lessened her sentence.

His Honour Judge James Patrick described the defendant as ‘an active and persistent participant’ in the riot and said there were a number of aggravating factors which he’d taken into account when considering her sentence.

Mariella participated in the riot for two hours, she threw missiles at police officers, used her skateboard to attack an officer and made several attempts to smash windows to gain entry into Bridewell Police station.

Detective Superintendent James Riccio said: “Gedge-Rodgers has today learned her actions on the night of 21 March last year have very serious consequences.

“Her liberty has been taken away for a very considerable amount of time because she thought it was acceptable to attack police officers and damage a neighbourhood police station.

“I hope this sentence sends a strong message to those who think such behaviour is ok and serves as a reminder to those who refuse to take responsibility for their actions that they will be punished severely.”