Kill the Bill rioter who attacked police sentenced to five years in prison

A woman has been sentenced to prison after she was filmed attacking police officers and smashing the window of a police station during the ‘Kill the Bill’ riots in Bristol.

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

In the unanimous verdict, Gedge-Rogers was found guilty of being part of a group that used or threatened violence and collectively caused other people 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 is expected to serve half of her sentence in custody and the other half on probation.

Gedge-Rogers was arrested six days after the riots outside Bridewell police station in Bristol city centre on Sunday 21 March 2021.

The footage played to the court shows Gedge-Rogers hitting a police officer on the head with a skateboard and throwing objects at other officers from the roof of the station.

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

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

The Honourable Judge Patrick said: “You used your skateboard as a weapon and threw projectiles and objects. In addition, you had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.”

“Nevertheless, I conclude that your criminal responsibility is lessened due to your post-traumatic stress disorder. And I consider that it will be more difficult for you to serve your sentence.

“In addition, you have expressed remorse for what you did and I am told that you are ashamed. People who knew you recognize that you behaved out of character.”

On the impact of the riots on the police, Judge Patrick said: “Police officers were subjected to vile abuse. They were pelted with objects and projectiles, some from above police cars.”

“At least one firework was set off, officers were taken from their ranks. They were physically attacked, some with rockets, some with weapons, and others were beaten, spat on, kicked and punched.”

He added that one experienced police officer described the incident as “one of the most frightening experiences of his career,” while another spoke of “savage, sustained and determined violence.”

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

In total, those convicted have so far been sentenced to more than 50 years in prison.

Jasmine York, 26, of Brislington, Bristol, is due to be sentenced for arson on Monday 14 March.