Woke rioter who attacked police officer is jailed for 5 years

A woman who was caught on camera attacking police officers and smashing the window of a police station in Bristol has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

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 convicted Gedge-Rogers 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 heard sobbing in the dock as she was imprisoned for five and a half years at a hearing on Thursday. She will be expected to serve half her sentence in custody and the other half on licence.

Gedge-Rogers was arrested six days after the riot took place outside the city centre police station on Sunday, March 21 2021.

During her trial, footage from officers’ body-worn cameras, CCTV and mobile phone footage was played to the court.

In the videos, Gedge-Rogers is seen to hit an officer on the head with a skateboard and throw improvised missiles at other officers from the roof of the police station. She was also seen repeatedly striking the front window of the station with her skateboard before passing it to a man for him to do the same.

His Honour Judge Patrick said: ‘You used your skateboard as a weapon and threw missiles and objects. You also had had a considerable amount of drink.

‘Nevertheless, I conclude that your culpability is lessened because of your PTSD. And I bear in mind that it will make the sentence more difficult for you to serve.

‘In addition, you have expressed remorse at what you have done and I’m told you’re ashamed. People who knew you identify that you have behaved out of character.’

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