The new police, crime, courts, and justice bill is currently making its way through Parliament. It contains new proposals to deal with crime and justice, including protests. The new legislation also includes provisions aimed at toughening sentencing for crimes such as murder and arson. While the Bill is not yet final, it will bring significant changes to the justice system.
Kill the Bill
The recent riots and police violence against protesters during ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstrations in Bristol have resulted in a partial court victory for one of the protesters, Jasmine York. She was found not guilty of rioting but was found guilty of a lesser charge of arson. She was released on bail pending sentencing. York was one of several people facing jail time for participating in the Bristol protests.
Since the protests began in April 2014, the government has prosecuted at least 19 protesters for their part in the violence. The most recent jailed demonstrator was Charly Pitman, who was sentenced to three years in prison for rioting. He was the demonstration leader outside the police station in Bristol’s Bridewell district. He is suspected of smashing police shields and helmets.
The protest began peacefully but turned violent as night fell. Some demonstrators hurled rocks at police officers. Others set fire to police vehicles and vandalized a police station. Others scrawled the words “Kill the Bill” on the streets. The police were forced to send in canine units to keep the demonstrations under control. The incident prompted many local people to condemn the police. Meanwhile, Black Lives Matter Cardiff and Vale stated solidarity with the protesters.
The arrest of these two men in Bristol was followed by the release of footage of the arrests. They were found guilty of violent disorder and two-and-a-half years in jail. The rioting occurred outside a police station, and police filmed the riots. However, both men pleaded not guilty, and the jury ruled favorably.
Airport expansion
There are many reasons for protesting against the expansion of Bristol Airport. Many residents have argued against it, and many government agencies have also weighed in on it. The West of England Combined Authority and Bristol City Council have also objected to the expansion. There have been many protests, with hundreds of people turning out in Support of the rally.
The airport’s owner, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, owns the airport, and the pension fund has stood with the residents in opposition to the expansion plan. In an open letter, six pension plan members expressed their opposition to the airport’s expansion and the proposal to attract a foreign investor. The pension plan members also urged the airport to withdraw its appeal and instruct its management to do so. They argued that the government should stop overthrowing local communities to benefit a wealthy foreign investor.
The protesting activists unfurled a billboard-sized banner and three smaller banners in Queen Square at 4 am and gathered there at 10 am. They held information stalls and a small stage, where they spoke about their concerns. The campaigners included members of the West of England Shared Travel Network and climate communication researcher Laura Fogg-Rogers.
The protesters are battling the expansion of Bristol Airport. The Bristol Airport Action Network has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise PS6,000, which they hope will help them challenge North Somerset Council’s refusal. They say the airport’s expansion plans would result in an extra 23,600 flights and two million passengers annually. Additionally, they say the project would result in ten thousand more car movements daily and add another million tonnes of carbon to the atmosphere yearly. They claim that this expansion is not legally compliant with the Paris Agreement or Climate Change Act.
Police bill
In Bristol on March 24, protesters gathered to protest elements of the Police Bill. Some protesters held speeches and lay flowers in remembrance of Sarah Everard. The protests continued well into the evening. While some protesters chose to stay inside the park, others assembled outside on the road. Some of them also engaged in physical interaction with police.
The protesters were angry at Bill’s potential impact on the region. On March 21, 2021, 2,000-3,000 people gathered on Bristol’s College Green to demonstrate against it. Some protesters became violent, and the police were forced to move protesters to another location. Several police officers were injured. The protesters were angry about the Bill, which gives police more power to suppress demonstrations.
Police officials in Bristol and elsewhere condemned the protests. The police federation chairperson Andy Roebuck and the national police federation, the police union, condemned the violence and the use of tear gas. They said the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which would grant law enforcement greater power to shut down peaceful protests, was “unacceptable.”
During the protests, there 62 people were injured. Most of these injuries were probably the result of police tactics, such as blades. However, one protester, Carolyn York, reported that she was hit with a police baton three times and believed she had a broken hand. In addition, she was bitten by a police dog. An investigation into her injuries was halted shortly after her complaint was lodged. Despite this, York was arrested after presenting a false narrative to the police in court.
Police said that most protesters acted peacefully, but many were hostile toward police officers. Despite this, only three people were arrested in connection with the first protest on Sunday and three more on Tuesday. The police say that all the officers involved in the protests have been specially trained and accredited for public order and displayed remarkable patience in the face of disorder.
Support for those convicted under it
The Bristol branch of Support for those convicted under the Equality Act has recently won a court case against the University of Bristol. The judge found that the university discriminated against a student with severe social anxiety student. The case could have repercussions on higher education institutions across the country. The lawsuit was filed by the parents of Natasha Abrahart, a 19-year-old physics student who had suffered from severe social anxiety. She later took her own life during a dreadful oral exam.
Support for those convicted under the Equality Act can include the help of a PCSO. PCSOs work with the police and other agencies to assist people convicted of crimes. They also help with rehabilitation. Magistrates can also offer advice and help.
The Bristol drug court, known as Veritas, was established in April 2009. The name reflected its values – the truth is essential to recovery. Bristol Youth Services is a community-based social service bureau that aims to improve the well-being of city youth by providing Support, information, and resources. The organization seeks to encourage young people to become responsible community members.
Hamzy was an eight-year veteran of the Bristol police department. He had also been an adviser to the police cadet program. His family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of Support. The department has also hired a new police officer, Nicholas Iurato, who joined the department in 2018. He graduated in law and national security from Central Connecticut State University. He was a dedicated police officer, and his wife was expecting their third child.
The prison also has a helpline for families, which provides information and advice to families and friends. In addition, the Bristol Safeguarding Adults Board is responsible for ensuring that appropriate safeguarding processes are followed. Prisoners’ Samaritans are trained to be compassionate listeners and offer phone calls for them at night. They will also ask about the prisoner’s well-being.
